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.

Family Care application

Questions about the Family Care Program? Email info@gracewood.org or call 713-988-9757.