Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Over the last two years, residential programs like Boys and Girls Country have experienced significant changes in supervision requirements and family engagement. The Family First Prevention Services Act {FFPSA) was recently enacted to turn the focus of the current child welfare system toward keeping children safely with their families instead of out-of-home placement. This new legislation and a federal lawsuit against the state of Texas have been front and center in the media as of late.
The importance of growing up with immediate family or relatives can never be matched by residential care or a foster home. Some of our kids have a layer of support through a guardian or a relative living in the community. They have frequent off-campus visits throughout the year with their loved ones. However, for some of our kids who have no family or safe place to visit, BGC is a stable and loving place that they call home. Sadly, there will always be kids who fall into this category. Thankfully, the doors of our home will always be open for them.
As an organization, we are taking further steps to help the families of our kids and share with them helpful resources and services. This year we have added Family Enrichment Days on campus. These are weekend events where parents and guardians can come and participate in interactive workshops and team-building exercises that enhance parenting skills. Our successful model of care doesn’t have to be a secret to our donors or community. BGC has been blessed with state-of-the art facilities that support our education and counseling programs. We have hired experts in our field in order to meet and exceed best practices in residential care. Our program model is evidence-based and nationally-accredited. As the leader of BGC, it is my honor to showcase our program’s results and impeccable reputation in the community.
The New Testament reminds us that, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)
I have always said that taking care of God’s children is kingdom business, and I cannot think of a better investment than the BGC mission. Whether a child lives with us for six months or six years, we will give them love, faith, a warm bed and a safe place to call home.
Vincent Duran
Chief Executive Officer