Garden of Hope Fosters a sense of purpose in community

Bay AMY ROGNLIE | Photos courtesy of GARDEN OF HOPE

“At Garden of Hope, we believe in the power of community and know that it truly takes a community to raise our children,” Tina Capito, chief operating officer for Garden of Hope of Central Texas, said about the Central Texas foster care agency. “As a former foster care child myself, I was driven by a profound sense of purpose to give back. With over 25 years of experience in the educational system, where I contributed to children’s education, my work at GOH allows me to witness the daily difference we make in providing a safe and nurturing environment for foster care children.”

Much more than a foster agency, Garden of Hope of Central Texas has grown significantly since its founding in 2018 by the Ocasio family.

While initially focused on providing foster care shelter, general residential operations and foster homes, it has expanded its services to include a resource center. This center is dedicated to meeting the basic needs of at-risk and foster children, providing clothing, hygiene products, and holiday support. Additionally, a training center for caregivers has been established to ensure that those caring for these children are well-equipped and supported. The overarching goal remains: to create stability and prevent separation for the children in their care.

Garden of Hope has served more than 880 residential children and more than 1,800 Central Texas families with resources from their Resource Center. The residential center in Killeen offers 2.8 acres, including camping grounds, cottage, fort, tables and fire pits. There are 4,100 square feet of living area with spacious bedrooms and a kitchen, provide children with a home-like atmosphere during their stay.
Garden of Hope staff create personal relationships with their foster families from the very beginning, showing up at a foster family’s doorstep with clothing, food and games/activities within 24 hours of a placement. They also help with dental and physician appointments and even attend Admission, Review and Dismissal meetings at the child’s school. In addition, the staff does “door drops” at least twice a month for their families, dropping off basic supply needs such as baby wipes or diapers.

But they don’t forget the fun! Once a month, they also drop off family fun activities like games or craft activities. They also hold a monthly fun day for anyone in foster care, including CASA volunteers who often bring their kids to join the fun of games, crafts and fellowship with other children. Foster parents enjoy the chance to connect with other foster families and have a chance to relax for a few hours while their kids are loved on by the Garden of Hope staff and volunteers. Art/therapy days (with childcare provided) are also available twice a month for their foster parents, giving the parents some respite and relaxation.

Garden of Hope is currently recertifying for Texas Child-Centered Care, demonstrating their dedication to meeting the highest standards in foster care while continuing to expand their services to meet the diverse needs of children and youth in foster care and at risk. They aim to grow by developing robust programming that addresses the various aspects of our mission, including:

• Emergency Services: Enhancing their capacity to provide immediate and comprehensive care for children in crisis.
• Support for Pregnant and Parenting Youth: Creating tailored programs that offer guidance, resources, and support to young parents, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive.
• Transitional Living: Establishing transitional living programs that assist youth in successfully moving from foster care to independent adulthood.
• Special Needs Care: Developing specialized services to support children with unique physical, emotional, and developmental needs within the foster care system.

The goal of the organization is to build stability and create programs that help foster youth transition into happy, healthy young adults.

“What I appreciate most about the Central Texas/Bell County community is their unwavering support and dedication to our children. Our community shows up every time, without fail, to ensure the well-being and success of our kids,” Capito said. “I have never asked a community member or business for something for a child and been told no. This collective belief in our children and their future is what makes our community truly special.”

If anyone is fostering, foster training, or resources for children please contact Garden of Hope.

GARDEN OF HOPE
Phone: 254-432-2117
Email: gohope@gohctx.com
Website: gardenofhopecentraltexas.org