Since 1879, Buckner International and its various ministries have worked to shine hope throughout Texas and across the world. Each year, we continue to connect and serve children, families and seniors in intentional ways. In 2024, we were able to protect hundreds of children, strengthen many families and inspire happiness in the lives of thousands of senior adults. 

Inspiring happiness in the lives of senior adults

Buckner Retirement Services provides the full continuum of care for seniors through our senior living communities, located in seven cities across Texas. From skilled nursing and hospice to assisted and independent living, senior adults living at Buckner communities experience opportunities to continue living a vibrant life, no matter their age.

Since the early 1900s, the Buckner Orphans Home not only cared for children but also served seniors and the widowed. Today, Buckner still strives to create a place where older adults can flourish. 

In 2024, 3,358 seniors’ lives were impacted through the work of Buckner Retirement Services. 

Serving and protecting children and families in Texas and internationally

Buckner Foster Care and Adoption protects and empowers children to achieve their goals and flourish in life. Our domestic foster care, adoption and kinship programs recently received a three-year CARF accreditation, helping us to continue to set the example and lead in the industry of protecting children. 

In 2024, 572 lives were impacted by Buckner domestic foster care and adoption services, while 352 lives were impacted by our international foster care and adoption services. Get an intimate view of the impact a loving, safe family can have on a child in this story with Dezi.

Buckner also has programs that support youth who have aged out of Texas foster care by providing them with resources to learn self-sufficiency as they journey into adulthood, as well as housing in some cases. 

These programs include FYi Centers, Transitional and Financial Support Services and PAL Life Skills. Additionally, NextStep is available for young adults aging out of foster care or like services or circumstances. In 2024, 297 lives were impacted through programs meant to support them as they transition into adulthood.  

Strengthening families with generational resources and support

Buckner Family Pathways® supports single parents pursuing an education with community, counseling and more. Through the provision of resources and housing, the Family Pathways program is creating positive trajectory and opportunities for families across Texas. In 2024, 570 lives were impacted through this program. Lisa Olgin and her family felt this impact firsthand as they experienced healing together through Family Pathways.

Buckner Family Hope Center® programs strengthen families and help keep them together when walking through challenges, crisis or adversity. By providing families with critical services, aid and coaching to keep them strong, it decreases the likelihood of abuse, neglect and removal of children. Our Family Hope Centers impacted the lives of 27,630 individuals throughout the state and across the world. 

Each location offers a unique experience relevant to the surrounding community, from one-on-one family coaching to counseling and community events, children and parents experience wrap-around support and resources to meet them where they are and provide a hand up to reach their goals and potential. 

For one family in Dallas, getting plugged into their local Family Hope Center meant healing for their middle daughter struggling with dangerous coping mechanisms to deal with stress. The entire family was able to learn new skills in coping, as well as communication – strengthening the family unit.

Buckner Family Support Services (FSS) create safer family dynamics by addressing mental and relational health in individuals and offering parents education and community support. These programs include HOPES, Fatherhood EFFECT, FAYS and Texas Home Visiting (THV). In 2024, 5,891 lives were through by Buckner FSS program contracts. 

Offering hope and opportunity through new shoes

Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® was created in 1999 to shine hope to children in need by providing new socks and shoes. Celebrating 25 years in 2024, it was an honor to celebrate the many children and families impacted by this ministry – and look forward to those who will be impacted in the future. These socks and shoes create a healthier and safer life, as well as providing educational opportunity. In 2024, 63,429 pairs of shoes impacted children both domestically and internationally.

Hosting children and families for the full camp experience

Camp Buckner is a campground located outside of Burnet, Texas, that serves groups throughout the year. It’s a beautiful retreat space great for conferences, corporate gatherings and more. But in addition, Camp Buckner hosts foster families, as well as parents and families in Buckner programs to experience fun activities together. 

In 2024, 14,852 individuals were served through the ministry of Camp Buckner. 

Across all ministries, more than 4,700 individuals volunteered their time to serve Buckner children, families and seniors in 2024. They committed over 43,000 hours, which accounts for more than $1.2 million in economic impact.

We are so grateful for the volunteers, donors and friends of Buckner who helped serve vulnerable children, families and seniors across Texas and internationally in 2024. 

Are you looking for a way to make an impact in 2025? Find your place to volunteer now.