Month: June 2026

A Place to Be a Kid

In just a few days at ACH’s Youth Emergency Shelter, Sayde experienced something she’d never known before:

Safety, stability, and the freedom to be a child.

At an age when most children were worrying about homework or clothes, Sayde was listening for footsteps in the house. She knew the sound of anger before it arrived, learned how to stay quiet to stay safe, and carried responsibilities far heavier than her years. As a child, she moved through the world alert and guarded, as both of her parents were addicted to drugs and physically and mentally abusive.

By the time she was 13 years old, Sayde had learned to take care of herself, as well as her 4-year-old brother. What she had never learned was what it felt like to simply be a kid.

That changed briefly but profoundly when she arrived at ACH’s Youth Emergency Shelter.

Sayde came to ACH on her first day of 8th grade. Child Protective Services picked her up from school, brought her to their office while they searched for a safe place to stay, and determined ACH was the safest, most stable respite. Her brother was able to be placed with a kinship caregiver who – for unknown/undisclosed reasons – could care for him but not Sayde.

So, Sayde arrived at ACH’s Pat O’Neal Youth Emergency Shelter scared and exhausted, without her brother, her new outfit for 8th grade as the only belongings to her name.

What she found at ACH was something entirely new: calm.

“At ACH, I didn’t have to worry,” Sayde says. “For the first time, there were adults who were watching out for me, and I didn’t have to carry everything by myself.”

Safety in the Small Moments

Her stay was short, just a handful of days, but the impact was lasting. Staff welcomed her without judgment. They helped her find clothes that fit. They introduced routines, such as chores, mealtimes, schoolwork, and bedtime. Ordinary things that, for Sayde, felt special. She’d never had a parent set those expectations. At the shelter, adults responded instead of reacting. Rules existed, but so did kindness. When kids struggled, staff didn’t yell or hide in their bedroom doing drugs. They helped.

Most importantly, ACH let Sayde be a child.

She remembers doing schoolwork on a computer, trying new foods she’d never tasted before, and sitting at a table with other kids who, like her, carried heavy stories. When she was able to mentally process the emotional weight and toll of what was happening, she cried. But no one punished her or turned away. She says she remembers staff validating her feelings, and just “being there and letting her cry.”

“That was the only place in my childhood where I truly felt safe,” she says. “They treated me like I mattered. Like I was their kid, too.”

After leaving ACH, Sayde’s life remained difficult, but the experience at ACH stayed with her.

An Impact That Endured

Today, Sayde is a college graduate, a homeowner, a wife, and a mother. She is pursuing a master’s degree and raising her son with the stability and love she never had. When asked what motivates her, she doesn’t hesitate: she refuses to repeat the past.

And she never forgot the place that helped her survive it.

When given the opportunity to support an organization during the holidays, Sayde chose ACH without question. “In the hardest moment of my life,” she says, “ACH gave me something no one else did—the chance to just be a kid.”

About the Youth Emergency Shelter

The Pat O’Neal Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) is the only 24-hour emergency shelter in Tarrant County offering 24/7 safe shelter to runaway and homeless youth, and trafficking survivors, ages 5-17.  ACH works to reunite them with their families or find safe and stable alternative living arrangements. The program provides outreach, education, advocacy, counseling, and case management services for foster care and community youth who are experiencing family crisis, family conflict, or homelessness. With an average cost per child of $425 per night, the Shelter is facing a projected funding gap of $649,468. We welcome all gifts, large and small, that help give children safety, hope, and love.

Finding His Footing Again

A two-week stay at Turning Point helped Nolan rebuild confidence, develop coping skills, and refocus on his future.

When Nolan arrived at Turning Point, school had slowly slipped out of focus. At 17, he was carrying the weight of self-doubt, past trauma, and a deep need for reassurance. A conflict at home had escalated quickly, leaving him overwhelmed and unsure how to manage his emotions in a healthy way. His foster family was also overwhelmed and sought professional help.

That’s what brought Nolan to Turning Point, a structured, supportive program at ACH Child and Family Services designed to help him reset. At the two-week program, his days were intentionally planned from morning to night with therapy sessions, group activities, time to reflect, or just decompress by taking a walk in the program’s private park. That consistency helped him feel safe enough to slow down and begin rebuilding confidence.

“A lot of what our kids need is validation,” said Jean‑Michele De Goede, Turning Point program supervisor. “They need to hear that they are good kids and that they matter.”

Nolan participated in daily individual therapy and multiple group sessions focused on coping skills, communication, and emotional regulation. These skills were especially important as he prepared to return home and reengage with school. Staff helped him practice handling frustration, asking for support, and managing peer and family conflicts in ways that would not derail his education.

One thing stood out during Nolan’s time at Turning Point: He thrived during one-on-one moments. Whether it was a walk outside or talking through a tough day, personal attention helped him feel seen.

“Once kids feel safe and know someone is really listening, you start to see real change,” Jean‑Michele said.

By the time Nolan returned home, he had not only stabilized emotionally but also gained tools to help him stay focused on school and his future. Turning Point helped him move beyond crisis and rediscover a path forward grounded in stability, self-worth, and hope.

About Turning Point

Turning Point is a unique, short-term crisis intervention and stabilization program for youth in foster care ages 10 to 17. Designed as a safe, home-like alternative to hospitalization, the program helps youth and families navigate moments of crisis while preventing placement disruptions. Turning Point offers intensive mental health support, including psychiatric services, individual and group therapy, and structured daily routines that promote stability and healthy coping skills. Family involvement is central to the program, with counseling and personalized support focused on strengthening relationships and supporting successful reunification. The program is available to foster families throughout Texas.

Tara’s Journey: ACH’s Continuum of Care in Action

Through our Continuum of Care, Tara found safety, stability, and a family committed to loving her.

Beginning with a Stable Place

When Tara entered the Secure Assessment Facility (SAF) program at ACH Child and Family Services, she was stepping away from years of sexual abuse and into a safe system designed to meet her needs every step of the way. SAF was Tara’s first experience with ACH, and it provided immediate stability during a time of uncertainty and helplessness.

For weeks, Tara, who was 14, was the only child in the program, which gave staff the opportunity to focus on her individual needs. They worked patiently to help her adjust and teach her basic skills, like healthy boundaries and emotional regulation. These skills would become the foundation for her progress.

SAF is often the first stop for children in crisis. The program offers a structured environment and therapeutic support. For Tara, it was more than a temporary placement; it was the beginning of a relationship with ACH that would span years and multiple programs. From day one, ACH staff demonstrated their commitment to going above and beyond, ensuring Tara felt safe and supported.

Growth Through Residential Treatment: Stability and Support

After SAF, Tara transitioned to the Robert and Jane Ferguson Residential Treatment Center (RTC), where she stayed for almost a year and a half. While long stays are uncommon, this longer placement proved essential for Tara.

At the RTC, she received consistent therapy, learned coping strategies, and began to trust the adults around her. ACH staff provided treatment paired with stability. Many of the same team members worked with Tara from her first day at the RTC until her last, creating a sense of security she had never experienced before.

She’s my longest-ever client,” says Amanda Bernal, her therapist and a clinical manager at ACH. “We celebrated every small win—because for Tara, each step forward was monumental.”

Progress wasn’t always easy. Tara faced challenges, moments of frustration, and setbacks along the way. But ACH staff celebrated every small victory. They noted shorter tantrums, better communication, and growing confidence. Therapists adapted her sessions to her interests, incorporating creative activities and outdoor walks to keep her engaged. Even when court delays and placement uncertainties made Tara feel hopeless, ACH remained her constant source of encouragement. Staff members attended hearings, advocated for her needs, and reminded her that she was not alone.

A Forever Family: Foster Care and Adoption

The final chapter of Tara’s journey at ACH began when she entered its Foster Care and Adoption program. After months of searching for the right fit, a special family stepped forward. ACH facilitated a careful, gradual transition that started with visits at the RTC, then soccer games, day trips, and eventually overnight stays. This thoughtful approach ensured Tara felt prepared and supported through every step.

“Because she stayed so long at ACH, her hope was beginning to waver that she’d ever find a family,” says Amanda. “But I told her, ‘Good things happen to those who wait.’ And now she’s found her family.”

Today, Tara is thriving in her foster home, surrounded by a loving family and even a few dogs she adores. She’s decorating her own room, engaging in aftercare therapy, and slowly transitioning back to school with the help of an accommodating school district.

ACH staff continue to stay connected, offering guidance and support long after placement. From the SAF to the RTC to foster care, Tara’s story reflects ACH’s commitment to a true continuum of care—meeting children where they are and walking with them toward a brighter future.

Tara’s journey is a testament to what happens when an organization refuses to give up. ACH didn’t just provide programs; it provided people—therapists, caseworkers, and advocates—who went above and beyond to ensure one young girl had the chance to heal, grow, and belong. For Tara, and for countless children like her, ACH is more than a service provider. It’s a lifeline.

The Secure Assessment Facility (SAF) at ACH provides a safe and secure environment for children ages 5–17 who are in crisis due to self-harm, runaway, or other high-risk behaviors. The program offers intensive supervision, therapy, and assessment services to stabilize children and support their emotional and behavioral needs. Its goal is to collaborate with the child and stakeholders to determine the best next placement and ensure continuity of care.

The Robert and Jane Ferguson Residential Treatment Center (RTC) at ACH is a secure, innovative program designed for teenagers in foster care who have endured severe trauma, abuse, and neglect. It provides intensive therapeutic support and a safe environment where youth can begin healing, learn to trust adults, and focus on personal growth. The program prepares these teens for successful family living and independence by connecting them to a strong support system for long-term stability.

Foster Care and Adoption through ACH helps children heal by connecting them with loving families through foster care, foster-to-adopt, or matched adoption options. The program provides thorough training and ongoing support to ensure caregivers are prepared to meet the needs of children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its goal is to create safe, nurturing homes where children can thrive and, whenever possible, achieve permanency through reunification or adoption.

A Grandmother’s Promise: Building Safety, Healing, and Home

When their lives were shaped by uncertainty, she made a choice that changed everything — to be their safe place, no matter what.

Ms. Snow* is the devoted maternal grandmother of Ethan* (13) and Liam* (9). Due to their mother’s long-standing substance abuse, homelessness, and inability to provide safe or consistent care, Ms. Snow stepped forward without hesitation to assume responsibility for her grandsons. From an early age, she became their primary source of safety, stability, and unconditional love, ensuring they were raised in a nurturing and protective home.

Becoming the Children's Constant

Ms. Snow had been actively involved in Ethan’s life before assuming full-time care. When her daughter became pregnant with Liam while living in Ms. Snow’s home, she was already caring for Ethan and familiar with his needs. As their mother’s addiction and instability escalated, Ms. Snow remained the one constant in the children’s lives, providing structure, consistency, and care.

Facing the Impact of Trauma

Ethan’s behavior began to decline when he was in elementary school, reflecting the impact of early trauma. When he began experiencing significant behavioral and emotional challenges, Ms. Snow voluntarily approached Child Protective Services, knowing that state conservatorship would ensure he received the therapeutic services he needed. Ethan entered her home with trauma that deeply affected his well-being. He struggled with suicidal thoughts, running away, and serious safety concerns that at times required law enforcement involvement. Recognizing he needed more support than she could safely provide alone, Ms. Snow ensured Ethan received intensive therapeutic services through a residential treatment program, despite how emotionally difficult the decision was.

Moving Forward with Support and Guidance

Through treatment and her continued advocacy, Ethan made meaningful progress. He continues to require a high level of supervision due to ongoing behavioral concerns, including sexualized behaviors, and Ms. Snow remains vigilant in providing structure, clear boundaries, and consistent support. He also receives ongoing therapy and school-based support, which Ms. Snow actively coordinates.

Ms. Snow completed the ACH Adoption Licensure process, benefiting from the expedited track that allowed her to move forward quickly during a critical period. The ACH licensing worker was instrumental in providing hands-on guidance, encouragement, and advocacy at every step. ACH also assisted Ms. Snow financially with utilities and connected her to adoption grant resources and other community support, helping her provide a safe, stable home while managing her responsibilities as a single caregiver on a limited income.

This support made the adoption process manageable, timely, and effective, allowing Ms. Snow to focus on the children’s well-being. In January 2026, Ethan was officially adopted by Ms. Snow, marking a powerful moment of permanency and belonging. Today, Ethan continues to make steady progress. He is engaged in school, participates in basketball, and continues therapeutic work within the safety of a permanent, loving home. Liam also benefits from the structure, stability, and care Ms. Snow provides.

A Future Built on Love and Resilience

Ms. Snow’s story reflects resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Through every challenge, she has consistently chosen to protect, advocate for, and stand beside her grandsons. With the ongoing guidance and resources provided by ACH and its licensing staff, she has created a home filled not only with safety and stability, but hope, healing, and a future.

*Names and likeness have been changed to protect privacy

About Kinship Connections

ACH Child and Family Services strongly promotes the philosophy and practice that when children cannot be with their parents safely, the next best option is a relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or close family friends. Our Kinship Connections program places foster children in the home of a relative or person who knew the child before he or she was removed from the home. Research shows that kinship placements provide a sense of stability, identity and belonging during a time of crisis and help preserve the child’s cultural identity and relationship to their community. Kinship Connectionsis voluntary assistance to help families in the child welfare system adapt to their new role as caregiver. ACH also offers a similar free program, Kinship Navigator, for youth and families in the community who are not in the child welfare system.