By Russ Dilday
Buckner News Service

DALLAS — Leaders of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas and Buckner International met Jan. 12 at the Buckner ministry offices to sign agreement that both groups say will help facilitate missions enrichment programs and services for the Hispanic Christian community. Jesse Rincones, president of the 1,100-congregation HBCT, co-signed the “Missions Covenant” document with Buckner President Albert L. Reyes.

In general, the covenant gives each group a higher profile in the other’s missions messaging, offers added opportunities for convention members to participate in volunteer missions service, and seeks to enhance the work of Buckner’s Shoes for Orphan Souls humanitarian aid drive.  

Reyes said the covenant will give Buckner “a more intentional and deliberate focus on the importance of the local church and on our mission,” adding, “This will connect us not just to churches, but churches with a common Hispanic background, language and culture. There are many things we’ll do to tap that background in countries and areas with similar cultures.”

Rincones, who also serves as pastor of Alliance Church in Lubbock, Texas, said the agreement is significant  to the convention because of “the rich experience and resources Buckner brings to our congregations.”

“For many years, Hispanic congregations have been the recipients of Baptist missions efforts,” he said. “Now we’re seeing a change in mindset and we’re looking at ourselves as collaborators and initiators of mission efforts. The training and the opportunities we’ll receive in this collaboration are going to allow our congregations to speed up the process in being missions initiators.”

Rolando Rodriguez, director of Hispanic work for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, agreed. “It’s a new day for Convención, a brand new opportunity. For many years, Hispanic churches have been considered a mission field – now they’ve become a missions force.”

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This is the second year the students have performed at the mall as a fundraiser for Shoes for Orphan Souls, the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner International. Since 1999, Shoes for Orphan Souls has distributed more than 2.2 million pairs of new shoes to orphans and vulnerable children in 74 countries worldwide.

Karen Lim-Smith of Music Starz Studio is organizing the event for the second year. Last year, the musicians raised more than $4,000 for the organization. This year they hope to raise more.

“Our goal is to raise $10,000 to provide new shoes for orphans,” Smith said. “My husband Jay and I have participated in shoe drives with Buckner before, but we know our ability to make an impact alone is limited. We thought this was a great way to get more people involved to make a difference during the holidays.”

She added that their ability to share music with holiday shoppers is a result of students and professionals “taking time off to contribute and share their musical talents and efforts for this wonderful and noble cause. Jay and I plan to do this for the next 30 years.”

Musicians will continue to perform throughout the holiday season at the following dates and times:

• Dec. 10:  10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 6 – 9 p.m.
• Dec. 11:  5 – 7 p.m.
• Dec. 18:  5 – 7 p.m.
• Dec. 19-23:  12 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Buckner International has been making life better for orphans, vulnerable children and families since 1879. To learn more, visit www.buckner.org.

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The cause of the fire was due to electrical problems, according to La Prensa. All of the children have been reported safe and healthy. Most of the children have been relocated to another government orphanage nearby, but overcrowding at the orphanage causes concern, said Yaneth Contreras, director of Buckner Honduras.

“Buckner staff in San Pedro Sula visited the orphanage this morning to see the children and assess the needs,” she said. “At this time, the government is planning to move the children to private orphanages in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. We will be helping with transportation of aid to the children at the private homes until repairs can be made on the building.”

Contreras said Buckner will also be providing financial support to repair the building’s electrical and air conditioning system and is seeking donations to help their efforts.

To help Buckner provide assistance to Nueva Esperanza, please click here to make a donation – write “Nueva Esperanza” in the comment box.  To make a donation by phone, please call 214-758-8050.

Buckner International has been providing humanitarian aid to Nueva Esperanza since beginning work in the city of San Pedro Sula in 2006. Buckner also sends mission teams regularly to work in the orphanage. Nueva Esperanza is a government-run orphanage and is not a Buckner program.

Buckner International is a global faith-based ministry that seeks to make life better for orphans, vulnerable children and families. To learn more, visit www.buckner.org.

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Jim Sundberg places shoes on the feet of a special needs child.

Rangers Hall of Famer Jim Sundberg, Chief Operating Officer Rick George, and All-Star pitcher Alexi Ogando helped Buckner put new shoes on the feet of more than 230 orphans Nov. 15. The group was joined by players from the Rangers’ Dominican Academy who conducted a baseball clinic for the children. 

“Getting new shoes and meeting such tremendous role models on the same day had such a great impact on these children,” according to Buckner Vice President Scott Collins. “We’re so grateful to the Rangers for their dedication and desire to be such a positive influence in the lives of others.” 

“It was great to partner with Buckner International to allow these children the opportunity to meet our future players and to be able to provide them shoes that are so needed,” commented George.  “It is important for our organization to give back to the communities that we are in and it was an outstanding experience for our players and staff to have this interaction.” 

During the clinic, Rangers players worked with the children in stations to teach fundamentals such as base running, throwing, hitting, and basic stretching exercises. 

“It was so impressive to watch these talented young baseball players work with children who have been through so much in their young lives,” Collins said. 

Collins said he was also touched by the sight of Ogando, Sundberg, and George “kneeling down on the floor and putting shoes on the feet of the children. I can’t begin to tell you what it meant to the children and to me personally to see the humility of these men.” 

The event was hosted by Buckner International as part of its Shoes for Orphan Souls® program. Each year, Buckner distributes more than 200,000 new shoes worldwide to vulnerable children. Since 1999, Buckner has given away more than 2.2 million pairs of shoes. 

Buckner began work in the Dominican Republic in 2009. Along with distributing humanitarian aid to the country, Buckner opened its first Community Transformation Center in the DR last year and plans to launch two additional CTCs in 2012. In addition, Buckner is in the process of developing a plan to operate a foster care program in the future. 

The Buckner CTCs provide supplemental education to children in poverty-stricken communities by offering music, literature, Bible, and vocabulary classes through an after-school program. Other programs include personal growth classes such as hygiene, self-esteem, and parenting instruction. A new computer lab for at-risk youth is also set to open soon. 

In September, the Texas Rangers worked Buckner to host more than 250 Dallas-area children served by Buckner at a game with the Seattle Mariners. The Rangers Foundation also presented a check to Buckner to support the 132-year-old organization’s work in the community.

Buckner International is a global non-profit ministry that seeks to make life better for orphans, vulnerable children and families.

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Click here to see a slideshow of photos from the trip!

Buckner to Provide Assistance to Residents of Buckner Retirement Village

DALLAS – Buckner Retirement Services announced Friday that additional assistance is being provided for residents of the assisted living, memory care and congregate living apartments at the Trew Home at Buckner Retirement Village who are moving due to the home closing on Dec. 1.

Assistance for all residents affected will include:

• Up to $2,000 reimbursement for moving expenses, deposit for a new place to live and first month’s  rent.
• Waiver of rent for residents of the Trew Home at Buckner Retirement Village for the month of November.
• Prorated rent for October for the days resident no longer resides at the Trew Home.
• Refunded security deposit.
• Assistance with locating a new community to best meet the needs of the resident.
• Flexibility to allow additional time for residents on a case-by-case basis.
• Six months of ElderCare Assistance for all residents currently receiving assistance at Buckner.
• And moving assistance, including boxes and packing supplies and support with packing as needed.

Residents and their families can contact Janice Gray at jgray@buckner.org or 214-758-8030 seven days a week for information on moving assistance, support for finding a new community or to answer questions regarding Buckner’s support.

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DALLAS – After faithfully serving seniors in Dallas for 57 years, Buckner announced Wednesday that the Mary E. Trew Home at Buckner Retirement Village will be closing due to regulatory requirements for campus improvements that cannot be met. 

The closure will affect residents living in the assisted living, memory care and congregate living apartments and will be effective Dec. 1. Independent living will remain open and available for occupancy.

“We care very deeply about our residents and employees,” said Charlie Wilson, senior vice president for Buckner Retirement Services, Inc. “This was a very hard decision to make, but one that was unavoidable. We will do everything we can to provide assistance for our families to find a new home in the coming weeks.”

The closure was initially announced to residents as Nov. 9, but has been extended until Dec. 1. Wilson said the move needed to happen quickly because of state requirements for the memory-care building, which would require costly measures and rapid implementation to fully continue operations through the end of the year.

Buckner is also working with employees to find new employment opportunities, including reassignment to other positions within Buckner and outside employment. Buckner will host a job fair for employees in the coming days.

The closure serves as a first step toward transitioning the campus into a community that will provide high-quality, affordable senior-living options to better meet the needs of seniors in East Dallas.

“The community spirit that has surrounded Buckner Retirement Village for 57 years is unmatched,” Wilson said. “We are known for our incredible employees who provide exceptional care and service to our residents each and every day. We will continue to provide that same level of service in the coming weeks.”

In total, the closure of the Trew Home affects 51 residents and 48 employees.

Buckner is scheduling individual family appointments to assist those who need help finding new housing. To schedule an appointment, please call 214-381-2171.

Buckner Retirement Services serves more than 2,800 senior adults each year in Texas through seven retirement communities. Buckner Retirement Services is a faith-based ministry that strives to enhance the quality of life for senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy Christian lifestyle while maintaining their independence and dignity. To learn more, please visit www.bucknerretirement.org.

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DALLAS, Texas – Four Buckner families were recognized as 2011 Angels in Adoption for their outstanding advocacy for foster care and adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) in Washington, D.C. at an awards ceremony and gala Oct. 5.

Rep. Mac Thornberry selected Amarillo residents Tim and December Barcroft; Rep. Pete Sessions selected Dallas residents Karen and Bryan Perry; Rep. Louie Gohmert selected Longview residents Kara and Locke Curfman; and Rep. Mike Conaway selected Midland resident Robert Ewing for the award.

Each family was nominated by Buckner Children and Family Services and was honored alongside 150 Angels at the national event. The Angels in Adoption program is CCAI’s signature public awareness campaign and provides an opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad. 

For the past two years, Tim and December Barcroft of Amarillo, Texas, have selflessly fostered three sisters and will soon adopt the girls as part of their forever family.

“Tim and December have so much patience with these children and take such good care of them,” said Brittany Porter, Buckner foster care case manager. “They have not once, despite all of the obstacles they have faced, faltered in their love. They put the children first always.” 

Karen and Bryan Perry of Dallas were nominated because of their devotion to the orphans of Guatemala. In the past seven years, Karen has made more than 30 trips to visit the children who call her ‘Mamita Karen,’ and the Perrys support has fueled Buckner’s growth to serve almost 14,000 children each year in that country.

“Orphans and vulnerable children have no greater advocate than the Perry family,” said Albert Reyes, president of Buckner International. “The number of children Karen and Bryan have served cannot be counted. They not only impacted the lives of the many children they have served through their time and resources, but they have also uplifted countless families through their support of the adoption process.”

Kara and Locke Curfman of Longview, Texas, have selflessly fostered children of all ages for more than two years, many with significant special needs, and they have even adopted two children.

“The Curfmans are a strong voice and dedicated advocates for children who have been victimized by abuse and neglect,” said Debbie Sceroler, foster care director for Buckner Children and Family Services in Longview. “They take every opportunity to encourage and educate the community about the critical need for children to have safe, nurturing foster families and forever families through adoption.”

Midland resident Robert Ewing, a single father to six adopted children and foster parent to one, has not allowed any obstacles to come between him and his love for his children.

“Robert is an advocate by example,” said De’An Davis, foster care supervisor for Buckner Children and Family Services in Midland. “His love of children and desire to provide this ministry for children is evident every day. We were honored to nominate Robert for his humility, sacrifice and unconditional love.”

In addition to the more than 150 local Angels from around the country, several “National Angels” also will be recognized at the ceremony and gala for their dedication and commitment nationally and internationally to child welfare on a grand scale.  This year’s National Angels are Academy Award nominated actor and screenwriter Nia Vardalos, NFL Linebacker Scott Fujita, and the Emmy-nominated television program Freddie Mac’s Wednesday’s Child. Former National Angels include First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bruce Willis, Alonzo Mourning, Rhea Perlman and Kristin Chenoweth.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption.  CCAI’s goal is the elimination of the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family. 

The Angels in Adoption™ program was established in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness campaign culminating in an extraordinary awards Gala and celebration in Washington, D.C. For more information visit www.angelsinadoption.org.

Buckner raised $193,505 from 224 donors in 17 states, as well as one gift from Puerto Rico and one from Afghanistan by a U.S. soldier who traveled with Buckner on a mission trip in 2007. Additionally Buckner received $85,269.98 in matching funds, provided by Communities Foundation of Texas and an anonymous Buckner donor, as well as a $10,000 prize awarded by Dallas Foundation for the highest number of individual donors to a nonprofit with an operating budget over $1 million.

“We are overwhelmed at the generosity of our donors and friends,” said Buckner Foundation President David Slover. “The support we have received through DonorBridge each year continues to grow and this year was no exception. We are so thankful to everyone who has stepped up to be a voice for the vulnerable children and families we serve.”

In 2010, Buckner netted $121,910.69 through DonorBridge Giving Day; in 2009, Buckner netted $173,148, which included two anonymous gifts made to Buckner to match the total raised online.

More than $1 million in matching funds was made available to 700 participating charities for the event. Funds were raised by the Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation and Center for Nonprofit Management. In total, more than $10.7 million was raised through the DonorBridge website on Sept. 15.

Buckner promoted the ‘Get Up and Give’ effort via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and a creative YouTube video, receiving an overwhelming response. Website traffic became so heavy at one point, DonorBridge organizers decided to extend the giving time period from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Matching fund contributors included Communities Foundation of Texas, Community Foundation of North Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Energy Future Holdings, Frac Tech Services, Lyda Hill, Hoblitzelle Foundation, The Meadows Foundation, The Sid Richardson Foundation, The Simmons Family Foundation Advised Fund of the Dallas Foundation, Rees-Jones Foundation and an anonymous donor.

To learn more about DonorBridge, please visit www.donorbridgetx.org.

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Monday, Sept. 19, is your LAST CHANCE to buy tickets in the Buckner block for the Sept. 24 Texas Rangers game!

DALLAS – Buckner International will be featured LIVE in the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation / FOX Sports Southwest / TXA 21 “Community Corner” at the Sept. 24 Texas Rangers game vs. the Seattle Mariners.

Children from Buckner International’s Dallas-Fort Worth community programs, as well as North Texas foster children and families, will represent Buckner at the game. Buckner friends and family are also invited to purchase tickets in the Buckner block to show their support.

“We are so excited to partner with the Rangers and to share our mission with so many people through this broadcast,” said Scott Collins, vice president of communications. “We’re going to have a lot of fun and hope that we can pack the stands with hundreds of Buckner and Rangers fans.”

Buckner is inviting the community to join them for the game. Tickets are available for $16 each, with $2 from each ticket sale benefiting Buckner. Each fan who sits in the Buckner group section will receive a free t-shirt. To purchase your ticket, please contact Larissa Lee at llee@texasrangers.com or call 817-273-5864.

Or download the flyer , fill it out, scan it and e-mail it to llee@texasrangers.com.

Craig Juntunen, founder of Both Ends Burning, initiated the event with a question: “How can we make the greatest impact in the shortest period of time to serve as many children as possible?”

His answer? “Grow a social movement that will move the cultural needle that forces policy change, which will lead to more children finding their way into families.”

Buckner International is joining with the Both Ends Burning initiative for the Aug. 26 Step Forward for Orphans March. To learn more about the ways you can support children’s rights to a permanent family, visit http://bothendsburning.org/events.

Dr. Kenneth L. Hall

Hall, who was elected to the position in 1993, served as president/CEO of Buckner until 2010, when Reyes was elected president. Hall has continued serving as CEO. With his retirement, board members named Hall president emeritus as of May 1.

During Hall’s tenure at the helm of Buckner, the organization grew into one of the nation’s showcase social service organizations, serving more than 400,000 people annually through an array of services around the world. He oversaw the expansion of Buckner to include more than $200 million in capital improvements and in 2008, the Buckner endowment topped $200 million. Today, Buckner lists total assets of more than $400 million.

Along with the capital growth and improvements, Hall guided Buckner to expand its services beyond the borders of Texas and the United States by launching the organization’s international ministry arm in 1996. In addition, Buckner Retirement Services grew exponentially under Hall and today, BRS is the largest not-for-profit senior living organization in Texas, according to a recent report by Ziegler and Company.

Prior to assuming leadership of Buckner, he served as pastor of four Texas Baptist churches. He is a past president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and is the author of two books.

Dr. Albert Reyes

Reyes, who becomes CEO May 1, came to Buckner initially as president of Buckner Children and Family Services and in January 2010, he was elected just the sixth president in the 132-year history of Buckner International, succeeding Hall in that role. He came to Buckner from Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio, where he served as president.

A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Reyes also served as president of the BGCT and was pastor of three Texas Baptist churches before moving to BUA. He currently serves on the board of the Joint Council on International Children’s Services. He holds two doctorate degrees.

Board Chair Lee Bush of Athens, Texas, said the leadership transition “exemplifies the way Christian ministries should operate. Buckner has been blessed for 132 years with outstanding leaders and both Dr. Hall and Dr. Reyes personify that leadership.”