Rio Grande Valley

Buckner Children and Family Services is making an impact in the Rio Grande Valley through innovative programming to support vulnerable children and families living in poverty in the colonias along the Texas/ Mexico border. They are also helping support the community through the Rio Grande Children's Home and other humanitarian aid projects.

Rio Grande Children's Home
The Rio Grande Children's Home in Mission, Texas provides a loving Christian home for children and sibling groups in an effort to keep families together. Christian house parents and a committed staff provide emotional, spiritual and educational support that encourages each child to grow their sense of self worth and to discover their special purpose in life.

Buckner children are very active and involved in the community. They attend public school and local churches and participate in many extracurricular activities, including the 4-H program established through the Carruth 4-H Center on campus. An on-campus activities director provides the children with a variety of leisure and recreational activities, including sports, arts and crafts and music.

With three family-style cottages, the Rio Grande Children's Home is available to take care of large sibling groups and small children. Through a home-like atmosphere and Christian commitment, children find the hope and healing they need – and a place to belong.

STAR (Services to At-Risk Youth)
STAR, with offices in McAllen and Harlingen, offers services in a five-county area (Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Brooks and Kenedy counties). STAR provides counseling and support to children and teenagers with a history of juvenile delinquency, runaways, family conflict and more. Services are free of charge. For more information, call Buckner STAR at 956-630-6285. (Funded by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)

Buckner Border Ministries
Buckner has initiated several ministries that seek to meet the needs of families living in the lower Rio Grande Valley, including provision of clothing and other humanitarian aid, emergency assistance and missions opportunities for church and community groups. To take a mission trip to serve those living in the lower Rio Grande Valley, visit www.itsyourmission.com.

Community Transformation Center
The Community Transformation Center focuses on improving the lives of individuals and families in communities that experience moderate to extreme poverty by providing a holistic ministry approach. The CTC offers case management, parenting classes and access to computers. They give out free vitamins and shoes to children, and address the physical, spiritual, medical, emotional and vocational needs of clients.

How You Can Help:
• Pray: Make a commitment to pray for the children and families of the Rio Grande Valley.

• Give: Make a donation online to support Buckner in the Rio Grande Valley or call 214-758-8050 to make a donation by phone.

• Volunteer: Email volunteers@buckner.org to learn how you can get involved!

• Collect Shoes: Host a shoe drive or give a pair of shoes to help children in the Valley. For more information, visit www.shoesfororphansouls.com.

• Go on a mission trip: Volunteer your time to help children and families living in the
colonias along the border. Call 956-583-2041 to learn more.

Contact Us:
Rio Grande Children's Home
3780 N. Bentsen Palm Dr.
Mission, Texas 78574
956-585-4847

Buckner Border Ministries
956-583-2041 phone
956-584-8626 fax (Colonia program)

Community Transformation Center
39614 Mile 7 Road, Ste. 3
Peñitas, Texas 78576
956-519-3100
956-519-3102

STAR Program
1713 East Tyler, Suite E
Harlingen, Texas 78550
956-423-7909

STAR Program (Hidalgo, Camaron and Starr counties)
5425 N. McColl, Suite A
McAllen, Texas 78504
956-630-6285