In Austin, a quiet beacon of hope has been guiding children toward recovery for more than a century. Helping Hand Home for Children, now celebrating 132 years in service, has become a sanctuary for kids who have endured abandonment, abuse, and neglect.
A Legacy of Care
Helping Hand Home began its journey in the early 1900s, and over the decades it has evolved into a fully accredited residential treatment center. The organization’s long history is a testament to its enduring commitment to the welfare of children in the state’s custody. From its humble beginnings to its current status, the Home has consistently adapted to meet the changing needs of its residents.
Mission and Vision
“The outcomes of the kids going to families, that is what it’s all about,” says Chris Janawicz, Director of Residential Services. Janawicz has been with the Home since the early 1990s, guiding its transition into a modern treatment facility. He emphasizes that the Home’s primary goal is to place children in loving families, whether through fostering or adoption.
Comprehensive Services
The Home offers a wide range of programs designed to address the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of its residents. These include on-site counseling, recreational activities, and educational support. The organization’s approach is holistic, ensuring that every child receives individualized care tailored to their unique history.
Dedicated Staff
Tania Leskovar-Owens, the Home’s CEO, highlights the breadth of support available. “We provide hope and healing to children who have experienced time in the foster care system and we do that through a variety of our programs,” she says. Leskovar-Owens oversees a team that includes licensed therapists, case managers, and support staff.
Counseling Resources
A key component of the Home’s services is its counseling program. Leskovar-Owens shows one of the counseling rooms and notes that the facility houses four licensed therapists. These professionals conduct one-on-one sessions, working closely with children to help them process trauma and build resilience.
The Care Team
Mitchell Kagl is another pillar of the Home’s support network. He spends his days with the children, offering guidance through both calm and challenging moments. Kagl’s presence is a constant reminder that care is available at all times.
Insights from the Front Line
“No one is here because things went right, which is the hard truth,” Kagl says, underscoring the reality that many children arrive in crisis. He adds that once they are at the Home, “the future looks a little brighter.”
Transformative Journeys
Kagl observes a profound change in the children’s lives. “From start to finish it is almost unrecognizable, the kids that come in and the kids that leave,” he explains. This transformation is a core indicator of the Home’s effectiveness.
Current Resident Numbers
The Home cares for more than 90 children, either in foster homes or living on campus. This number reflects the organization’s capacity to support a sizable group of vulnerable youth at any given time.
Impact on the Community
Helping Hand Home’s work extends beyond the walls of its campus. By placing children into stable families, the Home reduces the burden on the state’s foster care system and creates lasting positive change in the community.
Funding and Support
The Home relies on donations and volunteer efforts to maintain its programs. Community members and local businesses play a crucial role in sustaining the services that keep children safe and nurtured.
Volunteer Opportunities
Those who wish to contribute can volunteer in various capacities, from mentoring to assisting with recreational activities. Volunteer involvement offers a direct way to support the Home’s mission.
How to Give
If you would like to donate or volunteer click here. Contributions help fund therapy sessions, educational materials, and essential supplies for the children.
Key Takeaways
- Helping Hand Home for Children has served Austin for 132 years, providing residential treatment for state-custody kids.
- The Home’s comprehensive programs include counseling, therapy, and family placement services.
- More than 90 children receive care on campus or in foster homes, with staff dedicated to fostering lasting change.
The Home’s story is one of resilience and dedication. Through its decades-long commitment, it continues to transform lives, offering hope to children who once faced unimaginable hardships.
Closing
Helping Hand Home for Children stands as a pillar of compassion in Austin. Its enduring legacy and ongoing efforts underscore the power of community support in healing the most vulnerable among us.
