The Powerful Impact of Collins Home Houseparents to the Collins Kids

Falisha shares the powerful impact Collins Home houseparent couples have on the Collins kids every day. It doesn't have to be a monumental moment to have an everlasting outcome in a child's life.

"Your greatness is not what you have, but in what you give." -Alice Hocker

Consistency Can Be A Challenge At First...

I’d like to share with you what Collins Home means to me. When I think about Collins Home, I don’t think about the buildings, the campus, or the girls’ home where I lived.

I think of my Collins Home Family that will always be a part of my life.

It has been ten years since I left the campus and I still vividly remember my daily routine.

We got up and got dressed, ate breakfast, and had our morning devotional before we all loaded into a van and headed for 3 different schools. We dropped kids off at Northside Elementary, then Seneca Middle, and we always made it to Seneca High before the tardy bell.

We were picked up after school, got a snack when we got home, and met with our tutors. After homework was done, we all had chores. The older girls took turns helping make dinner or cleaning the kitchen afterward.

It was a routine I did not like when I arrived at Collins Home. I was used to being the maternal figure with my siblings and I didn’t appreciate anyone telling me what to do. That was my job.

Collins Home Houseparents Patience and Kindness Made a Difference

Fortunately, I had houseparents who helped me understand that the other children in our home were not in my charge.

They gave me the opportunity to be a teenager with teenage thoughts and responsibilities.

I was allowed to be a role model to the younger girls without taking on a role I wasn’t prepared for.

I was encouraged to overcome obstacles that I would never have attempted without their patience and kindness.

So many doors were opened for me.

I am so grateful that the love I received made me feel whole again. -Falisha Gibson

When I think of Collins Home I think of family, hope, love, and God-filled inspiration.

I always had someone who would listen when I was happy or sad, glad or mad. When I needed someone to pray with me I didn’t even have to ask.

I saw many children come and go at Collins Home because I lived there for nearly two years. However, each child was loved and cared for equally.

Although I’m no longer a child at Collins Home I know I can always call or visit. Someone is always there to provide advice, prayers, encouragement, motivation and just to listen.

I was a broken child/teenager when I arrived at Collins Home so many years ago. I am so grateful that the love I received made me feel whole again.

When I think about Collins Home, I simply think ‘Home Sweet Home’.

Sincerely, Falisha Gibson

Collins Home Needs Houseparents

God has identified houseparents to replace them, but we don't yet know who they are! Maybe after reading Falisha's story, a great couple popped into your mind with a love for God and a heart for children.

As you read Falisha's story, you see the role houseparents can have in a child's life long after they have left the Collins Home.

Do you know someone in your life that has wanted to foster children? Being Collins Home houseparents may be their opportunity to realize their dream.

What Can You Do to Help the Collins Kids?

We know how much you love the Collins Kids and care about the children in the community waiting to come to Collins Children's Home.

Please, help us get the word out for our need for houseparent couples. If you know a couple that may be interested, contact us at 864-882-0893.

Learn more about becoming a Collins Home houseparent couple, here.

Thank you for your continued love and support of the Collins Children's Home children and our future Collins kids.