Boles Children's Home is a ministry of the Churches of Christ dedicated to helping children by providing a stable and safe living environment and the opportunity for healthy family development.

HISTORY

The Home began in 1924 on a 436 acre tract of land donated by William Foster Boles and his wife, Mary Barnhart Boles for the care of children. Having been originally established as a home for orphans, it currently has been expanded to serve the needs of troubled youth.

Through the love and support of over 300 congregations of churches of Christ (and other interested groups and individuals) the Home has continued to care for more than 20,000 children in its 83 year history.

The Home serves approximately 100 boys and girls per year from diverse economic and ethnic backgrounds, and is committed to serve children and families regardless of their religion, race or background. Most children living at the Home have experienced multiple losses, with instability in their family life prior to admission, and then with placement away from family. Some of those children suffered abuse or neglect to such an extent that the State Child Protective Services Unit has intervened, removing them from their family's care. In the past fiscal year almost two percent of the funds used to operate Boles Children's Home have been received from the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services as reimbursement for the care provided to children who are in their custody.

The Home is a non-profit corporation with an eleven-member Board of Directors. Board members are appointed with the concurrence of the elders of the Skillman Church of Christ in Terrell, Texas.

Many of the youth who have lived at the Home have been successful in areas such as the armed services, industry, professional fields and church leadership (i.e. preachers, elders, teachers, etc.) One outstanding example is a young man who came to the campus at the age of three and graduated from high school. After obtaining a college education he went on to become CEO of a major corporation and a spiritual influence in the church.

MISSION

The philosophical goal of the Home is to restore and preserve children and families socially, emotionally and spiritually. A great deal of treatment for emotional and behavioral problems is available within the Program. However, true to its heritage, Boles remains, above all, a home for children and families. Christian principles are the foundation for all aspects of the programs and services.