BDCO is a Supervised Independent Living & Residential Program for young ladies and young men who are homeless, at risk for homelessness or have aged out of foster care. What value could it offer? Now imagine it fully restored. In my mind, it can become the Basin Dream Center for Orphans, a place approximately two-dozen young adults who have aged out of foster care can call home. In the same buildi
ng, I see a home where Jeff and I will live, facilitating the daily activities of the Dream Center and fostering more children and big dreams. If you can see beyond a building’s current state, you can do the same for orphans. And anticipating productive futures is not pie in the sky thinking or unattainable ideology. A large amount of support is already in place. The state of Texas covers college tuition and fees for foster youth in conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Yet only 2% take advantage of it and 60% of those not adopted end up homeless or incarcerated by the age of 25. Why this gap? The missing piece is a structured, family-like environment that provides the encouragement needed to take advantage of the financial provision. Despite traumatic childhoods, those who aspire to transcend the grim statistics can do it. They can graduate from college or vocational programs. They can become law enforcement officials, oilfield workers, ministers, and civic leaders. They can add value and be good citizens. They don’t have to stay dilapidated. I know, because this has been true in my own life. My childhood was marred by sexual abuse and neglect. All of my energy was focused on secrecy and survival. The Lord sustained me and brought me kind people who offered me hope. When I was 14, a friendly, warmhearted woman began taking me to youth group every week. Perhaps just as much as the church services, having someone care enough to get me there made a tremendous impact on my life. That warmhearted woman continues to have impact—she is now my mother-in-law. And now I am a wife, mother, foster parent, ministry leader, child advocate with Child Protective Services, and the founder of Thrive, a support group for survivors of sexual assault. I can testify that God does indeed work all things together for the good of those who love Him. I am grateful for what I have endured because my history gives me an advantage. Experiencing neglect and abandonment has helped me know how to create community and meet deep unspoken needs. Overcoming crippling shame allows me to speak hope and healing into the lives of other survivors of sexual abuse. Exposing the lie that I’m unworthy of meaningful work enables me to assist others in discovering the truth of their worthiness, their strengths, and talents. I believe the Lord has used every aspect of my life as preparation for this new assignment. Each day I am gaining ground and watching this Organization develop before my eyes. There will be many opportunities for you to serve orphans, their families, and other foster families along side of me. I hope that you will consider partnering with me on this very important assignment. Looking forward to serving with you,
Tina
