About Us

Family Model, Trauma Informed, Normalcy, Dignity, Hope
Foster Parents and Five Kids

what is christ's haven?

Trauma-Informed, Family Model of Care

Christ’s Haven For Children is a nonprofit organization centered around the core values of Normalcy, Dignity, and Hope. We are located in north Fort Worth/Keller area and provide a trauma-informed, family model of care for displaced children, teens, and young adults. 

As a voluntary placement organization, we are an option outside of traditional foster care, often when a caregiver has exhausted all efforts to care for a child. Whether a child is with us for six months or sixteen years, we utilize that time loving them as our own and instilling normalcy, dignity, and hope into their lives. 

OUR HISTORY

Where It All Started

In 1954, Homer and Lillian Steadman purchased a large home at 1632 East Vickery Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas to provide a home for disadvantaged children. Within a very short time, the Steadmans had ten children in their care.

Realizing that the need was greater than the space they had available, the Steadmans began looking for a larger place to build cottages and provide a traditional home life for more children. In 1956, the Steadmans joined with many other interested families, and were able to purchase a farm in Keller to found Christ’s Haven for Children.

neighborhood of homes

#CHneighborhood

We are different than what most people think of when they hear children’s home. We operate in a trauma-informed, family model of care. That means the children and teens we care for live in a neighborhood of homes as opposed to dormitory style, institutional care. 

Our neighborhood of homes currently includes six 3,000-sq ft homes with a set of houseparents caring for 6-8 youth, 3 independent living apartments for our young adults launching into adulthood, 2 playgrounds, basketball courts, a soccer field, a gymnasium, a pool, a Chapel, etc., all situated across 58 acres in the north Fort Worth/Keller area.

Check out this video tour of one of the homes in our neighborhood of homes.

FAQ

How do kids come to you?

Often families are referred to us through word of mouth, churches, schools, or Department of Family Services caseworkers.

How long do kids live there?

Every child and family situation is unique. Whether a child lives with us for 6 months or 16 years, we use that time to love them as our own and instill normalcy, dignity, and hope into their lives.

Is this foster care?

No. As a voluntary placement organization, we are an option outside of traditional foster care, often when a caregiver has exhausted all efforts to care for a child.

Can I be a Houseparent?

Our Houseparents are paid employees of Christ’s Haven. If you are interested in learning more about the role of a Houseparent, please contact maddie@christshaven.org.

Do families pay for services?

No. The services provided to children in our care are funded solely by the generosity of our community & supporters.

Are you an orphanage?

No. We operate in a trauma-informed, family model of care as opposed to dormitory living or institutional care. Children live in a typical family home with houseparents and around 4-8 children. They operate as a family: preparing meals together, school routines, and typical family activities.

How can I help?

Financial donors, volunteers, and advocates give us the ability to provide normalcy, dignity, and hope to displaced children, teens, and young adults.

What type of care do you provide?

We provide a trauma-informed, family model of care for youth ages 0-18 and young adults ages 18-24. We provide Basic Level of Care, as opposed to Therapeutic Care or Residential Treatment Center (RTC) care.