Admissions: Family Care Program

Prospective Gracewood clients include highly motivated single mothers who have at least one child living with them and who are experiencing a temporary crisis. The mothers need to be working, actively looking for employment or enrolled in school. While it is not required for mothers to have English as their primary language, they do need to have a good understanding of the English language in order to interact with the staff and other families.

Admissions Process

When a mother reaches out to Gracewood and applies for residence, we carefully review the application to see if she and her family might be a good match for our program. Gracewood is not an emergency shelter, so it often takes several weeks, or even several months, for even one room to become available and a family admitted.

If the Gracewood program is not the right match for the mother or family, or if the mother is not interested in participating in the full scope of services that Gracewood has to offer, then we will be happy to offer referral information for other community resources.

If it appears that a mom will be a good match for the Gracewood program and is interested in participating in all of the supportive services that we have to offer, we will invite her for a tour of the campus and begin the thorough interview process. Once a mom expresses commitment to the program and space is available within one of our cottages, we establish a plan with measurable goals to guide our time working together and set up a date for the family to move in.

Application Criteria

  • At least 18 years old
  • Maximum of 4 children under the age 18 years in full-time custody
  • No current open CPS cases
  • Not pregnant
  • No current drug use and at least 12 months sobriety from illegal substances
  • No criminal history
  • Must be currently working or in school
  • Must have a driver's license and a reliable personal vehicle

Family Care Application

Please click on the button below to access the Application.

Family Care Application

FAQs

Yes, Gracewood offers the following additional services to all moms in care:

  • Education and training assistance
  • Employment resources
  • Housing and transportation assistance
  • Money management program
  • Recreational opportunities
  • Connection with community resources
  • Aftercare Program
  • Patti's Place Boutique

When a family completes the residential program at Gracewood, they have achieved independence and have learned to maintain a healthy family dynamic. They move into their own place, but not without the ongoing support of Gracewood staff and resources.

No, Gracewood is not an emergency shelter. Rather, we are a transitional living program. It often takes weeks or even several months for even one room to become available and a family admitted.

Gracewood, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is an independent, Christian-based ministry that assists single mothers and their children by providing residential services, counseling, and other services that will help them lead healthy, successful lives.

Gracewood is part of the Children At Heart family of ministries, along with Miracle Farm and Texas Baptist Children’s Home.

Clients include highly motivated single mothers who have at least one child living with them and who are experiencing a temporary crisis. The mothers need to be working or enrolled in school. While it is not required for mothers to have English as their primary language, they do need to have a good understanding of the English language in order to interact with the staff and other families.

While the average length of stay is one year, the situation of each family is different and the length of stay varies according to the family’s needs. 

The average age of mothers in residence at Gracewood is 32 years old. The average age of children in residence is 8 years old. 

Yes, the mother must have custody of at least one child who is living with her.

There is a required fee of $50 a month. This fee can be waived for the first month if necessary.

Future plans for Gracewood include opening additional campuses in the Houston area, expanding services for families not in residence on campus, and increasing the programs available to the families in residential care.

If you have any questions about the Family Care Program, please email info@gracewood.org or call 713-988-9757.