Gracewood offers both a residential and a non-residential program designed to empower single mothers and their children, providing access to no-cost counseling, money management guidance, positive parenting techniques, individualized case management, and other life-skills training that support successful independent living.
Family Care Program
Gracewood’s residential program provides moms with children the help needed to eventually live on their own. The program offers counseling, job training, positive parenting techniques, and other life-skills training needed for successful independent living.
Prospective Gracewood clients include highly motivated single mothers who have at least one child living with them and who are experiencing a temporary crisis. The mothers need to be working, actively looking for employment, or enrolled in school. While it is not required for mothers to have English as their primary language, they do need to have a good understanding of the English language in order to interact with the staff and other families.
Gracewood is not an emergency shelter.
We are a transitional living program. It often takes several weeks, or even several months, for even one room to become available and a family admitted.
Admissions process
When a mother reaches out to Gracewood and applies for residence, we carefully review the application to see if she and her family might be a good match for our program.
If the Gracewood program is not the right match for the mother or family, or if the mother is not interested in participating in the full scope of services that Gracewood has to offer, then we will be happy to offer referral information for other community resources.
If it appears that a mom will be a good match for the Gracewood program and is interested in participating in all of the supportive services that we have to offer, we will invite her for a tour of the campus and begin the thorough interview process. Once a mom expresses commitment to the program and space is available within one of our cottages, we establish a plan with measurable goals to guide our time working together and set up a date for the family to move in.
Application criteria
- At least 18 years old
- Maximum of 4 children under the age of 18 in full-time custody
- No current open CPS cases
- Not pregnant
- No current drug use and at least 12 months sobriety from illegal substances
- No criminal history
- Must be currently working or in school
- Must have a driver’s license and a reliable personal vehicle
Questions and answers
Does Gracewood offer additional resources for moms?
Yes, Gracewood offers the following additional services to all moms in care:
- Education and training assistance
- Employment resources
- Housing and transportation assistance
- Money management program
- Recreational opportunities
- Connection with community resources
- Aftercare Program
- Patti’s Place Boutique
Does Gracewood offer life skills training?
When a family completes the residential program at Gracewood, they have achieved independence and have learned to maintain a healthy family dynamic. They move into their own place, but not without the ongoing support of Gracewood staff and resources.
Is Gracewood an emergency shelter?
No, Gracewood is not an emergency shelter. Rather, we are a transitional living program. It often takes weeks or even several months for even one room to become available and a family admitted.
What is Gracewood?
Gracewood, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is an independent, Christian-based ministry that assists single mothers and their children by providing residential services, counseling, and other services that will help them lead healthy, successful lives. Gracewood is part of the Children At Heart family of ministries, along with Miracle Farm Boys Ranch and Texas Baptist Children’s Home.
What is the average length of stay for families in residence?
While the average length of stay is one year, the situation of each family is different and the length of stay varies according to the family’s needs.
What is the average age of clients?
The average age of mothers in residence at Gracewood is 32 years old. The average age of children in residence is 8 years old.
Does a mother need to have a child living with her to move in?
Yes, the mother must have custody of at least one child who is living with her.
How much does the program cost?
There is a required fee of $50 a month. This fee can be waived for the first month if necessary.
What is Gracewood’s vision for the future?
Future plans for Gracewood include opening additional campuses in the Houston area, expanding services for families not in residence on campus, and increasing the programs available to the families in residential care.
Questions about the Family Care Program? Email info@gracewood.org or call 713-988-9757.
Family Relief Program
Gracewood’s Family Relief Program is intended for single mothers who are employed and have secure housing, but are seeking supplemental rental assistance and guidance in planning for their family’s future.
Applications are closed right now.
Gracewood is not accepting Family Relief Program applications at this time. Applications for the upcoming Spring 2027 session will be available starting in mid-November 2026.
Admissions process
Mothers who are interested in Gracewood’s Family Relief Program should begin by reviewing the application criteria below. If you meet each of those requirements, please fill out and submit the online Family Relief application form. Applicants will receive a response after their application has been reviewed.
Application criteria
- Single mother with full-time custody of at least one child under age 18, all residing in the same home.
- Stable job (working full-time hours) and have been employed at your current job for more than 6 months. Pay stubs or proof of employment are required.
- Stable living situation (home owner or renter) and have been living at that address for more than 6 months.
- Able to provide a copy of current lease or mortgage. Applicant must be listed as the primary lessee or owner and be primarily responsible for a monthly rent or mortgage payment.
- Must have a reliable and fully insured personal vehicle.
- Able to provide valid U.S. driver’s license.
- No use of any controlled or illegal substance within the past 12 months.
- Must have a personal checking and/or savings bank account in good standing. Applicant must be able to provide monthly bank statements.
- Have not participated in any previous Gracewood program.
- Able to pass a background check.
Questions and answers
Does the Family Relief Program provide housing for my family?
No, the Family Relief Program provides rental assistance to single mothers who already have stable housing. If you are in need of housing, please consider applying for our residential Family Care Program.
How much rental assistance will be provided?
Participants who are accepted into the program are eligible for $500 of rental assistance per month for the duration of the six-month program. This equals a total of $3,000 of assistance for participants who meet all program participation and attendance requirements.
Do I need to live close to the Gracewood campus to participate in the program?
In-person case management meetings, group cohort meetings, educational classes, and program support services are all located on Gracewood’s campus. To attend the required meetings, you will need to drive to Gracewood’s campus approximately 3 to 4 times per month. All participants should live within a reasonable driving distance of the Spring Branch area of Houston.
Is childcare available while moms are attending meetings on campus?
Yes, childcare is provided on Gracewood’s campus during scheduled client meetings and events. Childcare is available for all ages, and they will be supervised by Gracewood staff and background-checked volunteers.
How long can Family Relief Program participants receive assistance from Gracewood?
The Family Relief Program lasts for six months, and rental assistance is provided during that period only. After successful completion of the program, you may be eligible for Gracewood’s Aftercare Program, which continues to support former clients by providing access to clothing and food pantry support services.
If I don’t meet all of the application criteria above, could I still be eligible for the program?
No, applications that do not meet all the criteria will not be considered for the Family Relief Program. Additionally, please be aware that while it is not required for mothers to have English as their primary language, they do need to have a good understanding of the English language in order to interact with the staff and other families.
For more information about the Family Relief Program, email Nelda Allen, Community Services Coordinator, at nelda.allen@gracewood.org or call 832-810-6864.