LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – At Horizon Heights Children\u2019s Home, creating a stable environment is more than a goal, it\u2019s a necessity for children who have experienced too much upheaval in their young lives.<\/p>\n
The need is significant. Buckner International reports more than 830 children remain in foster care in the Lubbock area, but there aren\u2019t enough local homes to care for them. As a result, children are often sent miles away from their families, schools, and communities.<\/p>\n
Founder Joia Hairston established the organization after witnessing how frequently foster children were moved between placements, never finding the consistency they desperately needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne thing we do say when they walk through these doors is your battle is over let us fight for you,\u201d Hairston said. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to fight any longer because they\u2019ve fought their whole life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hairston\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Executive Director and House Manager Princess Nelson sees firsthand the impact of frequent placement changes on children.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou get some kids that are young and have been 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 foster homes, difficult facilities, psychiatric hospitals, group homes constantly moving,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cA lot of our kids that should be here in Lubbock are actually out of region. They\u2019re in a whole other state, they\u2019re in other places that can\u2019t see their families.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome have had to grow up too fast we want them to know how to be a kid before anything,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cJust come take them shopping, take them to the shoe store take them to get ice cream.\u201d<\/p>\n
The facility ensures every child has clean clothing, proper footwear, hygiene supplies, and holiday presents support that requires community involvement.<\/p>\n
Hairston hopes sharing their work encourages people to reconsider foster care and either open their homes or support families who do.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust give them a chance that\u2019s all they need,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The team believes that with continued community backing, more children can return to the local area and receive the consistent care they\u2019ve been lacking throughout their lives.<\/p>\n
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