Basic care home for at-risk boys

It was the community that believed "every boy deserves a home," and we have continued the mission for over sixty years by keeping that dream alive for all young men who need our help.

Fast Facts:

More than 1,500 boys have been served since its creation over 60 years ago.
Licensed to serve 36 boys
Average 13 full and part-time staff
It costs Boys’ Haven approximately $25,000 per boy per year. In 2002, it cost the state $42,000 to take care of a child placed at the Texas Youth Commission.
Individual and group counseling from a Certified Counselor
Monthly psychiatrist’s visits
Introduction to 12-step programs, if needed
Tutoring and mentoring program
On/off campus jobs
Boys participate in Community 4-H, Soap Box Derby, and various other activities

Types of Boys placed at Boys’ Haven

Placements are voluntary, not part of any state or federal program
Boys requiring a basic care facility
Boys whose families are unable to care for them financially
Boys not yet with the state child welfare system
Boys wishing to stay at Boys’ Haven until completion of their formal education are provided a home.
Boys referred by family, friends, teachers, counselors and ministers when no one else can help.

Operational Milestones and Programmatic Achievements

(1945) Boys’ Haven was founded by the Beaumont Optimist Club in an 18-room home located on Calder and Center streets offered by The Central Church of Christ. The Optimist Club raised $45,000 to get the ball rolling.

(1946) Boys’ Haven week was proclaimed by the city Major. The week began February 4th through the 10th, during the week the city held an extensive campaign drive to raise 52,000 for the Haven. Contributors became honorary citizens. They raised $35,000 in two days

(1947)The Gordon family donated land where Boys’ Haven currently resides. This was also the year Boys’ Haven received its first automobile.

(1948)Barn project was approved by the Board of Directors.

(1950)Volunteers on the Board of Directors and throughout the community build a laundry room for the facility.

(1950) Boys’ Haven began receiving funds from United Way.

(1954) Beaumont Optimist installed an in-ground pool, which continues to be used.

(1965)Building suffered extensive fire damages; the board of directors passed a resolution for a restoration and construction campaign. Two months later with the help of only 297 people donating anywhere from $1.00 to $5,000, they raised $50,000.

(1970)State of Texas initiates new guidelines for residential child care facilities, which required residents to obtain more personal space, ending dormitory-style living to a more home-like environment.

(1978)Developmental Plan initiated, a committee was formed to raise $650,000 to build three houses.

(1979)The goal was not yet met, however Judge Jack King and Don DeCordova signed a bank loan for the remainder, and three cottages were built.

(1986)First Annual Crawfish festival was held with the help of the “Cooks 2 Dozen.”

(2000) Boys’ Haven implemented a home-school program designed to provide an educational setting for residents with difficulties performing in the public school environment. It began as a half-day program, however, as the classroom size grew so did the need for extended hours. By the next school year, the program increased from half- to full-day.

(2001) With assistance of grants and community support, Boys’ Haven began remodeling residential cottages.

(2002) The administrative office building sustained extensive flood damage and Boys’ Haven received financial support from F.E.M.A, which in turn allowed the organization to remodel the campus kitchen with new appliances as well.

(2002) First United Methodist Church created its own Boy Scout Troop, for boys at Boys’ Haven. With the help of Troop leader John Martinez, many of its young men develop leadership skills, which in turn increased self-esteem.

(2003) Administrative staff increased with the addition of another casework manager for a total of two, better meeting residents’ needs.

(2004) Boys’ Haven has extended residential counseling services. Initially the organization was able to provide only counseling for those kids labeled in some way or another (ADHD, bi-polar, ADD, ODD, etc.). Now all residents benefit from counseling services in individual and group sessions.