January 21, 2002
Tyler ministry offers quality of life for mentally disabled
___By Orville Scott
___Texas Baptist Communications
___TYLER--One of five children of a single mom, Gina had difficulty "fitting in" because of inappropriate actions and verbal behavior, attributed in part to autism.
___At the age of 20, she entered Breckenridge Village in Tyler and began to make remarkable changes.
___"Now Gina is dependable, assists other residents and staff and is well liked," said David Starnes, executive director of the Baptist home for the mentally disabled.
___"She is happy, and her mom is pleased with her progress," Starnes said.
___Gina is one of 39 residents at Breckenridge, Texas Baptists' first community for adults with mild to moderate mental disabilities and the latest innovation in Texas Baptists' concern for the sanctity of all human life.
CAMIE EVANS (right), transitional group leader at Breckenridge Village, guides Kimmie Ivy in cooking, while Executive Director David Starnes lends encouragement.
___A ministry of Baptist Child and Family Services of San Antonio, Breckenridge opened its doors in 1998 after Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builders and other volunteers constructed six residences, an administration building and a vocational building. The campus sits on 70 acres of land given by Jean Breckenridge of Tyler, whose son, Jimmy, is one of the residents.
___Two years ago, about 40 Retiree Builders returned to the campus to construct a chapel named for the late Bob Rogers of Tyler, whose charitable foundation provided the funds for the chapel.
___Breckenridge grew out of needs expressed by parents of mentally disabled children attending the annual Special Friends Retreats sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
___Contrary to the assumption that there are few things they can do, residents are involved in ministries in the community, including serving as volunteers in Meals on Wheels and Adopt a Park.
___"They're given opportunities every day to learn to take care of themselves and serve others," said Nanci Gibbons, chief operating officer of Baptist Child and Family Services.
___"Some have great talent, including artistic ability," Starnes added. "And they have such caring hearts and are growing in their faith through daily chapel services and worshipping in churches in the community.
___"They understand the importance of prayer," he added. "We can't limit them in how much their faith can grow. Over and over, parents tell us, 'I'm so thankful my child will be cared for in a place that upholds Christian values.'" ?
___Residents help prepare their food and earn their own money from jobs such as making candles and growing blackberries for market.
___The Singers, who were among the volunteers helping build the first facilities and who serve now as weekend houseparents, said: "We can hardly wait to get back on campus. We're so glad God gave us that ministry."
___Starnes, who was director of development at Tyler Junior College before joining Breckeridge in December, said the actual cost of care is $3,000 per month per resident.
___"More than half of our residents need financial assistance," he explained.
___Annually, Baptist Child and Family Services provides about $215,000 for the ministry, and the BGCT provides more than $200,000 in support through the Cooperative Program and the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas missions.
___"We need individuals to open their hearts to Adopt-a-Resident. This program involves individuals or Sunday School classes sending birthday cards or letters to residents, visiting them on campus and supporting them via scholarships."
___Breckenridge also is launching a program led by volunteer Margaret Windham for volunteers to serve on campus and to accompany residents and staff when they are off campus.
___For example, volunteers from First Baptist Church of Coppell, led by Morris Baldridge, a Sunday School teacher and youth leader in the church, will spend a Saturday working on the Breckenridge campus
___"Another need is scholarships to enable us to provide care for more people," Starnes said. "We are aiming for a $5 million endowment to secure the future for the residents as we challenge them to be all they can be."
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