LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – At Horizon Heights Children’s Home, creating a stable environment is more than a goal, it’s a necessity for children who have experienced too much upheaval in their young lives.
The need is significant. Buckner International reports more than 830 children remain in foster care in the Lubbock area, but there aren’t enough local homes to care for them. As a result, children are often sent miles away from their families, schools, and communities.
Founder Joia Hairston established the organization after witnessing how frequently foster children were moved between placements, never finding the consistency they desperately needed.
“One thing we do say when they walk through these doors is your battle is over let us fight for you,” Hairston said. “You don’t have to fight any longer because they’ve fought their whole life.”
Hairston’s journey began when she fostered some of her own students who were struggling the most. After more than a year of planning and saving, she successfully licensed and staffed the facility.
Executive Director and House Manager Princess Nelson sees firsthand the impact of frequent placement changes on children.
“You get some kids that are young and have been 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 foster homes, difficult facilities, psychiatric hospitals, group homes constantly moving,” Nelson said. “A lot of our kids that should be here in Lubbock are actually out of region. They’re in a whole other state, they’re in other places that can’t see their families.”
The home currently cares for five children ranging from ages 5 to 17, with capacity for eight total residents. Staff focuses on rebuilding fundamental routines that many families consider routine from personal hygiene and life skills to homework completion and creating a secure environment.
“Some have had to grow up too fast we want them to know how to be a kid before anything,” Nelson said. “Just come take them shopping, take them to the shoe store take them to get ice cream.”
The facility ensures every child has clean clothing, proper footwear, hygiene supplies, and holiday presents support that requires community involvement.
Hairston hopes sharing their work encourages people to reconsider foster care and either open their homes or support families who do.
“Just give them a chance that’s all they need,” she said.
The team believes that with continued community backing, more children can return to the local area and receive the consistent care they’ve been lacking throughout their lives.
Copyright 2025 KCBD. All rights reserved.