MIRACLE FARM
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2011 Annual Report • www.ChildrenAtHeartMinistries.org
iracle Farm isn’t the last stop for wayward boys and distraught parents. But by the time a boy arrives at our 325acre ranch near Brenham, there’s little doubt both boys and parents are pretty close to the end of the line. Communications have broken down, boys have become even more headstrong than is normal for teenagers, and parents often have spent a lot of time on their knees in prayer.
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We spent most of 2011 at full capacity, and opened an additional cottage that increased our capacity to 22. We expanded our service area in Texas and it has been encouraging to see that family involvement, a key component of our ministry, isn’t something that is limited to a 100mile radius of the Farm.
Miracle Farm Leadership: Don Forrester - President Alex Hamilton - Executive Director
Alex Hamilton, Executive Director
In looking at our Annual Report, you will note that the average length of time a boy stays at Miracle Farm was a full year in 2011, up from nine months in 2010. Boys and their parents are committing to the program for longer periods of time and Miracle Farm is willing to invest its resources in building permanent, lifelong change in young men. We know that staying committed to our boys until they are ready to move improves their chance of success in life. More great things are coming. In 2011, we expanded our vocational education program and it will grow exponentially as we prepare boys for life after Miracle Farm. We have laid the groundwork for an Independent Living Program for boys who want to continue their education at area schools, but still need the support system they relied on at the Farm.
Miracle Farm Board of Trustees: Gregg Appel, Chair - Brenham Mike Aldredge - Bellville Maury Dennis - College Station Ron Leps - Weir Diane Williams - Houston
So how long does it take to resolve the personal and family issues of a teenage boy before he becomes a young man of integrity and strength? How long before a light comes on inside an immature brain and a boy decides that there’s more to life than bad grades and a bad attitude? Our answer at Miracle Farm is “however long it takes,” thanks to a committed staff, parental involvement, willing volunteers, the boys themselves, a lot of prayer, generous donors, and our ability to meet the needs of teenagers in crisis.
Alex Hamilton
Miracle Farm 10802 FM 2621 Brenham, TX 77833 (979) 836-0901 Phone info@miraclefarm.org www.miraclefarm.org
ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY
“We knew there had to be a place for kids who walk to a different beat, and we found that at Miracle Farm,” said his mom, Cari. Before coming to Miracle Farm, Brad had only ridden a horse once or twice, but he quickly fell in love with roping. The calmness he found with the horses and country living proved to be just what he needed. “The small number of kids at the Farm allows Brad to be a leader, where at home he found himself lost in the crowd,” said his dad, Darren. “At Miracle Farm, Brad gets to be who he is and not who everyone thinks he should be.” In the two years that Brad has been at the Farm, his entire family has gotten involved. They’ve helped with campus clean-up, folded tee shirts and made signs. His grandparents have hosted the boys and staff for a deep sea fishing trip, and his mom puts together the annual Miracle Farm scrapbook. “Much of Brad’s success can be attributed to his family’s commitment to partner in his progress, which is a great example for other boys’ families,”
said Alex Hamilton, Executive Director. Brad has transformed into a young man backed by quiet strength, wisdom and natural leadership. He sticks up for the underdog when conflict arises among the other boys and is known as the peace maker among the group. What sets this family apart? According to David and Gayla Jones, Brad’s house parents at the Farm, it’s the fact that they’re “all in.” This allows Brad the opportunity to be successful long-term. “They never back off. They’re believers and prayer warriors, and are 100 percent involved in Brad’s life,” said David. They are a one-of-a-kind family making a one-ofa-kind difference!
2011 Annual Report • www.ChildrenAtHeartMinistries.org
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rad’s parents wanted something better for their son. They knew he needed a change of pace.
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MIRACLE FARM
2011 MINISTRY SUMMARY RESIDENTIAL CARE Boys Served
27
Total Days of Care
6,264
Average Length of Stay (in months)
12
Average Age of Boy (in years)
16
Racial Heritage of Clients: Black - 18% | Caucasian - 78% | Hispanic - 4%
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION/SKILLS TRAINING Total Served
62
Family Life Education/Skills Training (Hours)
25
2011 MINISTRY TOTAL Total Served Residential
27
Non-residential
62
Retreat Center
702
Information/Referral Services
251
2011 Annual Report • www.ChildrenAtHeartMinistries.org
Religious Decisions
10
1,042
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MIRACLE FARM
CHANCE OF A LIFETIME
2011 Operating Statement UNAUDITED YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011
Revenues Individual Gifts
$176,654
12%
30,005
2%
169,413
12%
Foundations & Corporate Gifts
90,474
7%
Children At Heart Foundation
756,057
53%
Other Revenues
197,853
14%
$1,420,456
100.0%
1,155,673
89%
150,567
11%
0
0%
$1,306,240
100.0%
Church Gifts Texas Baptists Cooperative Program
TOTAL
Expenses Residential Care Management & General* Fundraising* TOTAL
Revenues Individual Gifts - 12% Church Gifts - 2% Texas Baptists Cooperative Program - 12% Foundations & Corporate Gifts - 7% Children At Heart Foundation - 53%
Expenses
Residential Care - 89% Management & General - 11% Fundraising - 0% *The Children At Heart Foundation provides funding for all Fundraising and Management & General Expenses, allowing 100 percent of current donations to support direct program services to children and families.
2011 Annual Report • www.ChildrenAtHeartMinistries.org
Other Revenues - 14%
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