On May 15, Hope Haven of East Texas, a Christian based long-term residential facility, opened their doors to teenage girls in the foster care system. Upon the beginning of the fall semester of 2018, these girls will also walk the halls of Lindale High School.

“Hope Haven is a fun, protective, loving and nurturing home in Lindale where teenage girls in the Texas foster-care system will live,” Executive Director Curtis Cannon said.  “They understand that they are safe, precious, loved by God, provided for, have a voice, and can do great things with their lives.”

There are 16 beds available for these girls. Because there are more teenage girls in the foster care system than there are places for them to stay, Hope Haven expects to stay full most of the time.

“This ministry is revealing [God’s] heart, and the depths of His love for the outcasts, the throwaways, the forgottens, the less thans in the eyes of the world,” teacher Emily Weesner said. “God trusts LHS to walk with these young ladies.”

The goal for the facility is that every girl welcomed will learn what a healthy family looks like, receive an education or job-related skills, have a personal faith in their Savior, and be surrounded by a community of friends. They will be encouraged to participate in school and community activities, work and attend church in town.

“Working in this school district my eyes have been opened to the heart of this staff.  They love, they cry, they laugh, they hold accountable, they teach, they parent, but most importantly they Love,” Weesner said.  “I mean they love with their whole hearts, and truly desire a better life, a Godly life for each student before them.”