The Buckner Rio Grande Children’s Home was the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Maximus Foundation, the independent, employee-led 501c3 nonprofit organization established by the Maximus Board of Directors in 2000. Buckner was awarded the grant due to its dedication towards children and family development and serving vulnerable communities. 
 
The Buckner Rio Grande Children's Home provides campus foster homes for children. Foster families live in Buckner-owned cottages, providing a consistent home environment for children who are in the state's custody and may have been abused, neglected or abandoned. The grant will support the 2023 operating budget for Buckner and help better serve vulnerable children and families in the Rio Grande Valley through foster care and adoption services.  
 
“I want to extend a big thank you to the Maximus Foundation,” said Criselda Cuevas, director of administration and operations in the Rio Grande Valley. “Their continued support has made them a valuable collaborator in our efforts to serve our community for many years now. We are grateful for their generosity to Buckner and to the people of the Rio Grande Valley.”

The Maximus Foundation focuses on community development, healthcare and youth development programs such as child abuse prevention and support services. 
 
The Maximus Foundation awarded Buckner its first grant in 2013. Employees of Maximus, a leading employer and provider of government services worldwide, have since volunteered with Buckner in many capacities, from hosting school supply drives for children served by Buckner to offering trainings for Buckner foster care staff and parents. 
 
“On behalf of the Maximus Foundation, I congratulate the Buckner Rio Grande Children's Home on becoming a Maximus Foundation grantee. Buckner has shown the importance of engaging, encouraging and supporting all the members of their communities,” said Arvenita Washington Cherry, Maximus Foundation president and chairperson. “Their work around inclusion reminds us that, together, we can empower individuals and families in your community. We congratulate Buckner Children and Family Services for their dedication to the community and look forward to our partnership.”

May is National Foster Care Month. Learn how you can help protect children.