When children find the Boys and Girls Country home in Hockley, they’ve found a home for life. The children at Boys and Girls Country come mostly from impoverished Houston-area families who are unable to provide for their needs. While most children in group-living centers will eventually age out of their program, those at Boys and Girls Country continue receiving support even as they grow into adulthood.
Helping Children as They Grow
Last year, for instance, the organization launched a program to help 13 high school seniors transition to college-style adult housing while still living on the Boys and Girls Country campus. The students moved into a special cottage and signed contracts to maintain their living space and behavior. They completed a special curriculum, continued their studies and some even held jobs all while learning to share a living space. The campus also offered on-site mentors dedicated to helping young adults with everything from choosing college classes to writing a resume.
Who They Are
For nearly 50 years, the organization has housed, clothed and supported nearly 1,500 children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their mission is simple: change children’s lives by nurturing them in a Christian home environment and raising them to become self-sustaining adults. Children are offered counseling, medical care, sports activities and a stable home environment. The deeply Christian organization provides students with live-in “teaching parents” who attend church with students, study the Bible, help with homework, cook meals and live in the same cottage with the children year-round.
Ways to Help
Boys and Girls Country receives zero state funding and relies entirely on private donors for support. Last year, expenses were about $5.8 million, but local donors and fundraisers throughout the year help provide.
Give Money – Donate as little as $10 online through the Boys and Girls Country website.
Donate Items – Donate used furniture, clothing or household items. Items that can’t be used on campus will be donated to a partner consignment shop.
Donate Books – Fill the campus library with gently used books published within the last 10 years.
Shop at Amazon.com –Register Boys and Girls Country as your preferred charity via Amazon Smile. A small percentage of your purchase will be donated to Boys and Girls Country.
Become a Sponsor –Volunteer or donate to one of the organization’s three annual events: Spring Festival, Pedal for a Purpose Bike Ride or the Heritage Award Dinner.
18806 Roberts Road, Hockley
281.351.4976, BoysAndGirlsCountry.org
