Buckner International expanded its East Texas ministries Monday with a groundbreaking ceremony in South Longview.

"This is a natural extension of the good work that has been happening in Longview for years now," Buckner Foundation President David Slover said Monday. "The impact the Longview ministries have here is so profound, it was a natural investment to expand that platform here."

The new Mac and Tom Stone Family Place is named after longtime board of directors member Tom Stone and his wife, Margaret "Mac" Stone.

Stone served on the organization's board of directors from 1979 to 2008 and was chairman of the board from 1991-94.

The 4-acre space, located at 1102 S. High St. across from Ware Elementary School, will also house the Family Hope Center. The current facility is across from First Baptist Church in downtown Longview.

About 50 people attended the groundbreaking Monday to celebrate the $6 million center that will consist of 17 residential units for single mothers and their children.

"This is a model that Buckner has successfully carried out in seven other cities," said David Ummel, executive director for Buckner Children and Family Services of East Texas. "Longview was chosen as the next location because of the amazing support from the community."

Read more of the in-depth story and see photos from the event on the Longview News-Journal website.