03/27/2026
Puente de Maravillas Foundation helps meet The Ark’s needs
The abused and neglected children at The Ark are being assisted with their basic needs through a generous Puente de Maravillas Foundation grant that pays for essential supplies.
The grant covers grocery purchases that become their three complete daily nutritious meals approved by the state. They consist of entrees, vegetables, starches, dairy, desserts, snacks and refreshments. Consumption of the meals reduces nutritional deficiencies, improving general health. Enjoying the meals together at the large table fosters a sense of community.
The children’s supplies provided include items such as diapers, pull-ups, diaper rash ointment, wipes, lice treatment, clothing, medications, combs, brushes, shampoo, conditioner, children’s toothpaste, children’s toothbrushes, body wash, gel for children’s hair, detangler and skin lotion.
It’s not unusual for children to be admitted to the shelter with severe diaper rash — a problem eliminated with hourly diaper changes accompanied by diaper rash ointment and wipes.
Children often arrive at The Ark requiring head lice treatment. They usually only have the clothes they’re wearing. Their self-esteem increases when they receive new clothes and shoes.
Some grant funds pay for medications because not all of them are covered by Medicaid.
The Puente de Maravillas Foundation has the shelter’s heartfelt gratitude for the grant because everything provided through it lifts the residents’ spirits, sometimes to the degree that it’s hard to distinguish them from other children who haven’t been traumatized by their life experiences.
The Ark is licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide assessment services and emergency shelter to 61 children, ages 0 through 13, who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian. The facility has served more than 4,650 residents since the first child was admitted to the shelter on April 7, 2000.
