Abilene, Texas — As National Child Safety and Protection Month is recognized in November, Hendrick Home for Children in Abilene is continuing its decades-long work to provide a safe, supportive environment for children and families across the Big Country.As National Child Safety and Protection Month is recognized in November, Hendrick Home for Children in Abilene is continuing its decades-long work to provide a safe, supportive environment for children and families across the Big Country. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall))For more than 85 years, Hendrick Home for Children has focused on helping children feel safe, loved and that they belong. Erin Seabourne, the organization’s president and CEO, said that mission remains central to the work done every day.“Our mission is to inspire hope, to provide a place for children and families to belong. And so we, we strive to do that every day,” Seabourne said.“Our mission is to inspire hope, to provide a place for children and families to belong. And so we, we strive to do that every day,” Seabourne said. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall))Hendrick Home for Children began in 1939, when Tom and Ida Hendrick set out to help children and families. While the campus and programs have evolved over the years, the organization’s mission has remained the same.Hendrick Home for Children began in 1939, when Tom and Ida Hendrick set out to help children and families. While the campus and programs have evolved over the years, the organization’s mission has remained the same. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall)Today, children live on campus with house parents. The organization also offers a separate family care program for single parents and their children, providing support aimed at keeping families stable.“And we also have family care, which is a preventative program because we believe in prevention. And not just intervention,” Seabourne said.Today, children live on campus with house parents. The organization also offers a separate family care program for single parents and their children, providing support aimed at keeping families stable. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall)Support continues beyond high school graduation, with help for young adults as they take next steps such as college, trade school or learning to live independently. For families, the assistance can provide time and stability to return to school, save money and work toward longer-term goals.“They save money, they save for a future home, they pay off debt and they live here. And and everybody has an individualized plan, but they meet their goals and rebuild and build brighter futures,” Seabourne said.Seabourne said the work has also affected her personally, describing the children and families served by the organization as a source of inspiration. “Our children and families are the most resilient, incredible people you’ll ever meet. And they have changed my life for the better. And I have learned so much from them and will continue to learn,” she said.(KTXS/ Tavish Lefall))Seabourne said the work has also affected her personally, describing the children and families served by the organization as a source of inspiration. “Our children and families are the most resilient, incredible people you’ll ever meet. And they have changed my life for the better. And I have learned so much from them and will continue to learn,” she said.Inside Hendrick Home for Children, Bible verses could be seen on the walls and the president shares the reason behind it, “Our mission is grounded in Christian principles, and we are faith based. And we want to make sure that everybody that comes on our campus knows Jesus through unconditional love; and the best way that we can do that is for modeling for them and letting them know what caring for others well, looks like,” Seabourne said. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall))Inside Hendrick Home for Children, Bible verses could be seen on the walls and the president shares the reason behind it, “Our mission is grounded in Christian principles, and we are faith based. And we want to make sure that everybody that comes on our campus knows Jesus through unconditional love; and the best way that we can do that is for modeling for them and letting them know what caring for others well, looks like,” Seabourne said.As National Child Safety and Protection Month continues through November, Seabourne emphasized that protecting children requires a community. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall))As National Child Safety and Protection Month continues through November, Seabourne emphasized that protecting children requires a community. “It takes it takes a village and that everybody churches, families, schools, we all have to work together to keep our children safe,” Seabourne said. For more information on Hendrick Home for Children and the work they do in the Abilene community, you can visit their website here: https://www.hendrickhome.org/“It takes it takes a village and that everybody churches, families, schools, we all have to work together to keep our children safe,” Seabourne said. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall))Throughout November, KTXS will continue highlighting efforts across the Big Country focused on protecting and advocating for children.
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