From the humble, grass-roots beginning in 1954, Christ’s Haven For Children has sought to give hope and a refuge to displaced youth. While many things have changed, the intentional family model of care for displaced youth has remained consistent.
In 1954, the leadership of Vickery Boulevard Church of Christ rented a small house next to the church in Fort Worth to begin caring for homeless children. This would lay the foundation for what would become Christ’s Haven For Children. During the three years at this location, volunteers and church members cared for 21 children.
They quickly outgrew the house they were in and knew that children needed more space to play. Lilian & Homer Steadman were the key figures in seeing this vision and finding a farmer who had land to sell. With $500 earnest money down, they reached out to church members and friends to raise funds little by little. They collected donations of all sizes, from enough for several acres to donations for an acre at a time. And finally in 1957, they purchased the 210-acre farm in Keller that would become the Christ’s Haven location for years to come.
The plan for this land and how they would house children was more forward-thinking than they might have even known. The early leaders realized the children needed to see and learn what it looked like to live as a family. This family model of care, with houseparents caring for them as they would for their own children, has been the heart of Christ’s Haven since the very beginning.
The first cottage was built in 1957 and opened in 1958, housing 16 children. By June of 1959, Christ’s Haven was licensed as both a childcare and child-placing organization, allowing the addition of foster care and adoptions. By the end of 1959, Cottage #2 and an onsite home for the Superintendent were built.
"Christ's Haven - Where homeless children will find a haven because your faith is at work."
Homer and Lillian Steadman – While an elder at Vickery Boulevard Church, Homer Steadman was appointed as the first Superintendent of Christ’s Haven. Homer oversaw the purchase of the land and the openings of the first cottages, as well as obtaining the state licenses that allowed for children to be placed in Christ’s Haven’s care. Lillian created the name, Christ’s Haven For Children, as a reminder that everything we do is to show Christ’s love.
On January 1, 1960, governance of Christ’s Haven was handed over to Meadowbrook Church of Christ. Over 100 children were being cared for by this time.
By 1964, an additional four cottages were built, each housing 8-10 children, as well as a 9,400 sq. ft. multi-purpose building that included a gym, meeting space, full-sized kitchen, and pantry to store food.
1965 saw over 250 children supported through Christ’s Haven. Between 1967-1969, 58 children lived at Christ’s Haven. In addition, from 1960-1969, 184 adoptions were completed through the organization. By 1967, Cottage #7 was opened, housing an additional 12 children and Cottage #8 was completed in 1968.
By the end of 1969 and 15 years of operation, nearly 600 children had found a home at Christ’s Haven.
“May you have many opportunities to do good even as Jesus ‘went about doing good’ and may you throughout the year prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.”
James L. Standridge worked as Superintendent of Christ’s Haven from 1962 until his untimely passing in 1969. Under Standridge’s leadership, Christ’s Haven opened three new cottages and established the enviable record of being one of the few homes for homeless children able to operate debt-free.
By the end of 1969 and 15 years of operation, nearly 600 children had found a home at Christ’s Haven.
By 1970, Christ’s Haven cared for children through eight on-campus cottages, five off-site group homes, and many foster care and adoptive homes. The number of children living in each cottage was reduced to 12, and homes were improved with central heating and air. A historic milestone was set in 1971, when Christ’s Haven saw its first college graduate. This would be the first of many young adults who would pursue secondary education thanks to support from Christ’s Haven supporters.
By 1972, The Standridge Memorial Cottage (#9) was opened and occupied by new houseparents and 12 new children. In August of 1973, Christ’s Haven accepted 15 new children into its care – the highest intake at one time in its 19-year history. By the end of 1974, over 160 children were being cared for by Christ’s Haven, including 100 on campus.
“So you want to be a houseparent. Wonderful! Be one. There isn’t a more rewarding way of life anywhere. It is a way of life - not a job. Because no job takes as much time, patience, love, understanding, work as being a houseparent.”
By Christmas of 1975, Christ’s Haven had over 160 children in their care in the nine cottages and through foster care. In 1976, the Knott Cottage (#10) was built in honor of Scott and Bertha Knott, housing another 12 children. Between 1976-1978, many of the original cottages received new remodeling, repairs, and improvement. Their large amount of land allowed the staff to care for cattle and many other livestock. The cattle provided all the beef needed to feed the children living on campus. In the mid 1970s, funding campaigns were created to purchase a much-needed tractor to take care of the land on campus and new barn.
1979 marked Christ’s Haven’s 25th year of serving children. During those 25 years, over 800 children had found a home through Christ’s Haven.
Papa Sisk and Agnes gave over 20 years of service to Christ’s Haven. They served as foster parents, houseparents, relief parents, and Gene was in charge of the farm and livestock.
As a new decade began, Christ’s Haven continued to see the generosity of individual sponsors, churches, and organizations despite the economic downturn across the United States. Thanks to these contributions, 47 students attended summer camp, new air conditioners and mattresses were installed in the cottages, over $30,000 was raised for the furniture fund, and work was completed on a cattle barn. This provided protection for livestock and storage for the tractor.
By 1982, Christ’s Haven averaged 125 children in care. By 1983, a record number of children sought help. Due to this growth, plans were finalized to build a new cottage in memory of Homer & Lillian Steadman. By the end of 1984, expenses were greater than income as Christ’s Haven supported 130 children on campus and 60 others through foster care.
In 1985, Christ’s Haven felt the full effects from the nationwide recession. By 1986, the organization was at maximum capacity for children and unable to accept new referrals. On April 1, 1987, the Elders of the Meadowbrook Church of Christ handed off the reins of leadership of Christ’s Haven For Children to the Richland Hills Church of Christ after 27 years of service. By 1988, many of the churches that had provided support for years were unable to continue that support due to their own financial struggles.
Though there was financial difficulty throughout this time period, Christ’s Haven continued to trust in God’s provision and recognized that He was faithful in meeting the needs of the organization in the following ways:
Need | Provision |
|---|---|
‘85:
Christ’s Haven needed to purchase land known as Caylor Place, located to the east of campus to prevent unsuitable development. | Christ’s Haven sold land at the end of the property to purchase the 85-acre Caylor Place. Funds left over from the sale provided operating expenses to sustain the next few years. |
‘85:
As the shortage in funds and donations rose, Christ’s Haven was in danger of having a food shortage for the fall. | God blessed Christ’s Haven with a tremendous harvest season, providing the largest hay crop ever, and beef continued to flourish. |
‘87 & ‘89:
As Christ’s Haven prepared school clothes and supplies for children, they were in need of shoes. | Two local businesses and a local church provided shoes for over 60 kids. |
‘89:
Christ’s Haven was in need of new vans, which were priced at $20,000. | Alvarado Church of Christ donated a van, restored and painted by the Colleyville Church of Christ. |
‘89:
After years of sending children to summer camp, Christ’s Haven needed financial assistance to continue the tradition. | Kaufman Church of Christ generously sent 20 kids to camp. |
‘89:
Storm repairs totaling more than the insurance payment left Christ’s Haven in need of assistance. | Congregations and individuals sent in extra funds to help with the cost of repairs. |
Although financial hardship continued into the new decade, Christ’s Haven continued to receive generous gifts from supporters that allowed for a new maintenance building, the refurnishing of cottages, new computer equipment, as well as the ability to continue sending children to summer camp. The kids contributed to the efforts as well, as they began selling Christmas cards that raised over $11,000.
By 1991, Christ’s Haven continued to serve children as one of the more successful church-operated organizations in Texas. The dedication and love for the children was evident by the fact that the office and social work staff averaged 18 years of service, and there had not been a change of houseparents in almost seven years.
The end of the century was an incredible time of growth for the organization in many aspects. 1995 was an especially exciting time as Christ’s Haven announced a $1 million capital campaign, which would fund the building of a pavilion, playground, and many improvements to the facilities. In 1996, the Davidson Family Charitable Foundation gifted $125,000 to begin the Christ’s Haven Endowment Trust. Later that year, the Bearly Used Resale Shop first opened its doors. The summer of 1998 began with the building of the 4,300 square foot Steadman Cottage, and ended with the M.S. Doss Foundation awarding Christ’s Haven a $450,000 grant for installing new water and sewer lines and bringing natural gas to campus.
Christ’s Haven’s property expanded through 1999 with the addition of a new volleyball court, swimming pool, three new cottages, four new vans, and new water, gas, and sewer infrastructures. In addition, 1999 saw more on-campus growth with new children continuing to come to live on campus. The future of Christ’s Haven was bright as it transitioned into the new century.
The first cottage was built in 1957 and opened in 1958, housing 16 children. By June of 1959, Christ’s Haven was licensed as both a childcare and child-placing organization, allowing the addition of foster care and adoptions. By the end of 1959, Cottage #2 and an onsite home for the Superintendent were built.
“In today’s society, we are constantly reminded of many negative things children do. As we hear of these things, perhaps we develop a less than desirable outlook on our youth today. In our ministry at Christ’s Haven, we are reminded of many positive things that our youth are doing.”
The growth from the previous decade continued into the early 2000s as Myra Stone Brockette donated her $1.5 million estate to the organization for the secondary education of Christ’s Haven students. The Clifton Reeder Memorial Chapel was built in 2003, and the Marvin Crawford Cottage was opened in 2004.
2004 marked Christ’s Haven’s 50th year of operation. The first 50 years had seen times of tremendous growth but also times of hardship. However, Christ’s Haven continued to serve the mission that had been outlined from the beginning to provide safety, security, and hope for displaced youth.
On August 17, 1920, an 11-year-old girl deposited $1.06 into a bank account. Little did she know that her deposit would one day amount to $1.5 million providing college education for young adults living at Christ’s Haven like Milka. Myra Stone Brockette lived a frugal life and diligently deposited small amounts for 80 years growing her estate. She came upon Christ’s Haven while trying to donate a used musical instrument and connected to the mission as she grew up in poverty and couldn’t afford to go to college. She then decided her estate would go to Christ’s Haven with the sole purpose of funding college costs. What began as an earnest, simple act in 1920 would result in generosity that would impact the lives at Christ’s Haven for generations to come.
“Christ Haven is like a normal home, just with more siblings. My houseparents have brought out the best in me and have had a major impact on my life in the best way possible. Christ’s Haven is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
During this period, Christ’s Haven launched a three-year capital campaign with a goal of raising $5.1 million. The campaign provided funds to build the Children’s Enrichment Center, the Life Path Transition House, and the rebuilding of cottages #5 and #8. It was also in 2007 that Richland Hills Church of Christ relinquished oversight of Christ’s Haven. From that point forward, the organization became fully independent without specific church governance.
The number of children being cared for at Christ’s Haven slowly decreased in total number over a period of several decades. It was not due to a decrease in need for this type of care for abused and neglected children. However over time, the policies and mandates from the agencies that regulate community care have changed. What was once 100+ children living on campus with 12 per cottage, was mandated to not exceed eight per cottage. Although that creates a higher level of cost per child, it more importantly provides a higher level of care and focus on each child’s needs.
“Daily, I take comfort in my belief that God loves these kids more than any of us. So, when the challenge is great, I rest in His promise drawn and adapted from the words of his prophet Isaiah, ‘If you share with children need, provide them shelter and clothes and do not turn away from them when it is difficult, then when you call, the Lord will answer and He will say, ‘Here I am; I will guide you always.”
Bob and Judy Ross retired after 26 years as houseparents. Bob and Judy were the longest-tenured houseparents in Christ’s Haven’s history. They faithfully answered the call and supported our mission throughout their time of caring for children.
Spring of 2010 was another exciting time at Christ’s Haven as the Children’s Enrichment Center opened, providing new administrative offices, a multi-purpose gym, meeting rooms, and space for tutoring, counseling, and activities. In addition, the Life Path Cottage opened, which was dedicated to housing teen moms and their children as well as young adults as they transitioned from high school to secondary education. By 2013, four teen moms were living on campus with their children. At the end of 2015, Christ’s Haven housed more than 40 children ranging in age from two months to young adults in their early 20s in six different cottages, while continuing to support many other children off campus.
By this time, Christ’s Haven had cared for or supported more than 5,000 children throughout its history.
Wanda Bonney retired from serving at Christ’s Haven in 2014. Beginning in a variety of roles including, bookkeeping/accounting, Assistant Administrator, and Interim Executive Director. Wanda was a tireless worker who believed in doing whatever needed to be done for Christ’s Haven regardless of job title, from taking children to doctor appointments and picking up groceries at the Food Bank to organizing the grocery pick up from local churches and assisting the maintenance staff.
Over the years, Christ’s Haven had many different types of animals on campus for agricultural purposes. In 2008, volunteers created a new program after seeing the opportunity and benefit for kids in care to ride horses as a way to learn to build trust in relationships, patience, and empathy. For several years, the equine-therapy and horsemanship program, Haven’s Horses, operated at Christ’s Haven for both the children in care and the community. Many children learned new skills and created wonderful memories attending classes and camps. It was with great sadness that the program closed in 2017 due to financial constraints and shortfalls.
In February of 2015, Christ’s Haven began a three-year-long certification process with the Sanctuary Institute. This process brought organization change and sought to embed trauma-informed care into the agency’s practices.
During this time, Christ’s Haven continued to see the generosity of individual supporters as five donors banded together to build Cottage 17, which is the onsite living quarters for the Licensed Child Care Administrator. Another anonymous donor paid for the demolition and replacement of Cottage 10 for teen girls.
Over 800 children were served by Christ’s Haven during this time.
2019 marked the 65th Anniversary for Christ’s Haven for Children, and the transition of new leadership with the retirement of Dwight Robarts and the hiring of the first female CEO of Christ’s Haven, Cassie McQuitty.
Peggy and Terry Smyers faithfully served as houseparents at Christ’s Haven for over 23 years, from 1992-2015. Peggy said that the house was hectic at times, but mostly happy. She looks back on her time as a houseparent and rejoices over the time she got to spend with all the kids. “It still amazes me that we were allowed to spend so many years being a part of their lives. We witnessed great accomplishments and sad disappointments…celebrated birthdays, holidays and regular days that some might have never had. I loved being their mom,” said Peggy.
The Life Path & Transition Program was created to provide an additional level of support for the young adults at Christ’s Haven knowing that even after they turn 18, there is still much to learn. The program ensures they have the tools and skills needed to launch into adulthood with the Christ’s Haven staff being intentional in mentoring and teaching. The curriculum of weekly classes covers all kinds of life skills from car maintenance to budgeting along with future planning skills like career path training and gaining rental history.
Christ’s Haven for Children does not receive any state or federal funding, relying solely on the generosity of the community. We receive donations from individuals, churches, foundations, businesses, civic groups, and others.