wfn.org | Texas Children's agencies announce merger

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Note #6754 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

13-July-2001
01239

Texas Children's agencies announce merger

Officials say combined agency will be able to expand services

by Kim Jackson

DALLAS - The governing boards of two Texas-based child and family services
agencies,
Presbyterian Children's Homes (PCH) and Presbyterian Children's Services
(PCS), recently announced their intent to merge by January 1, 2002.

	Both organizations are affiliated with the 2.5 million member Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) and have covenant relationships with the Synod of the Sun.
Upon completion of the merger, the new organization will be known as
Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. In combination, the agency will
be one of the largest child and family services agencies within the PC
(U.S.A.).

	Children and families at risk are facing overwhelming challenges," said Al
Knight, chair of the PCH Board. "By combining the resources and the
expertise of our two excellent organizations, we will be able to expand our
services and have an even greater impact on those in need."

	"Presbyterian Children's Services and Presbyterian Children's Homes have
long been recognized for their Christ-centered programs," stated Connie
Tubb, PCS Board chair. "As one dynamic Presbyterian ministry, we will be
better equipped to respond with even more effective programs to meet the
growing needs of children."

	Presbyterian Children's Homes was founded 1903 as an outreach ministry of
Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas. Since that time,
the agency has expanded to provide foster group homes for children and youth
across the state of Texas in Itasca, Duncanville, Austin and San Antonio.

	Additionally, the agency has partnered to provide Child and Family
Specialists who offer outreach services in Corsicana, Houston, Corpus
Christi and Fort Worth. In collaboration with Marywood Children and Family
Services and the Casey Family Program, PCH also provides a program in Austin
for pregnant and parenting single mothers and their children called
"Stepping Stones."

	Presbyterian Children's Services was founded in 1916 by a group of
Presbyterians in Albany, Texas. The agency is widely known for its foster
group home campus in Waxahachie, Texas, which utilizes the nationally
recognized Teaching-Family model of care, a specialized program for teaching
troubled youth in an individualized, family-style environment.

	Recognized as a certified teaching site for this program, PCS offers
on-site and outreach training to organizations that wish to implement the
Teaching-Family model.

The agency also provides foster family services through its H.O.P.E. (Homes
Offering Positive Experiences) program which supports foster families
throughout North Central Texas and offers adoption services when parental
rights have been terminated. A  "Bridge House", located in Waxahachie offers
a transitional living program for older children preparing to leave the
foster group home setting.

	"Our two agencies have a long history of working together to serve children
and families," said Chuck Mendenhall, president of PCH, "We have jointly
operated an Advanced Education program designed to encourage children in the
care of our agencies to plan for and pursue higher education and/or skills
training. In addition, PCH, PCS and Westminster Presbyterian Church in
Corsicana are partners in the Child and Family Program located in that
community. The merger of our agencies is the logical next step to enable us
to expand our ministry and serve more children and families."

	Throughout their histories, PCS and PCH have depended upon the generous
support of Presbyterians and Presbyterian churches. "There is no doubt that
our two agencies would not be where they are today without the support of
generous individuals and congregations," said Ed Knight, PCS executive
director. "It is our goal to remain true to our heritage and expand our
ministry so that our supporters will feel even greater pride in their
commitment to our programs."

	Knight said the merger will not involve any cutbacks in services. "There
are no plans to eliminate programs," he said. "In fact, we are currently
exploring inquiries to expand in several Texas cities as well as Louisiana.
The needs are tremendous. We want to be the premier Presbyterian agency that
is ministering to those in need."

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