Several highlights stand out to me as I reflect on the milestones of Buckner International as we approach the closing of another year of ministry.
Ministry among Vulnerable Children and Families
We celebrated our 20th anniversary of ministry in Guatemala, highlighting two decades of impactful service and launched a new Family Hope Center in San Antonio, Texas, led by Manny Alaniz as Director. Dr. Debbie Potter, Children’s Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church of San Antonio and Buckner trustee, led the effort to start this ministry in San Antonio.
We expanded the Fatherhood EFFECT in Longview, Texas Home Visiting programs in Lubbock and Beaumont, and postadoption support in Beaumont and Lufkin. We expanded our NextStep Program in Dallas by adding three more cottages for more participants who age out of foster care and prepare for independent living. We began a collaboration with Texas A&M University to launch sports clinics in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley.
Ministry Support for Buckner Children and Family Services
In support of our ministry among vulnerable children and families our Impact Advancement team, donors, and volunteers built and provided new homes for 13 families in the Rio Grande Valley. We distributed more than 56 tons of food in Dallas and shipped 118 loads of aid serving more than 3,600 clients.
These milestones were made possible by donors, volunteers, Buckner board members, and colleagues. Thank you for your generous gifts of time, wisdom, financial support, and investment of your talents for our Kingdom enterprise.
Ministry in Senior Living
We acquired The Stayton at Museum Way in Fort Worth as our seventh senior living community. We are so excited to add this outstanding community to our network and welcome the opportunity to serve seniors at the sunset of life. Five of our seven communities received recognition from U.S. News and World Report, and Newsweek ranked Ventana by Buckner as #1 in Texas for skilled nursing in the 50 to 99 bed category. We also welcomed Brian Robbins back to Buckner to serve as the president of Buckner Retirement Services.
I thank the Lord for all he has provided as we seek to follow the example of Jesus in serving vulnerable children, families, and senior adults. We look forward to many more opportunities to serve in 2025. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Comments