8

2011

Annu

al R

epor

t • w

ww

.Chi

ldre

nAtH

eart

Min

istr

ies.

org

Miracle Farm Board of Trustees:

Gregg Appel, Chair - BrenhamMike Aldredge - Bellville

Maury Dennis - College StationRon Leps - Weir

Diane Williams - Houston

MIRACLE FARM Alex Hamilton, Executive Director

Miracle Farm isn’t the last stop for wayward boys and distraught parents. But by

the time a boy arrives at our 325-acre ranch near Brenham, there’s little doubt both boys and parents are pretty close to the end of the line. Communications have broken down, boys have become even more headstrong than is normal for teenagers, and parents often have spent a lot of time on their knees in prayer.

We spent most of 2011 at full capacity, and opened an additional cottage that increased our capacity to 22. We expanded our service area in Texas and it has been encouraging to see that family involvement, a key component of our ministry, isn’t something that is limited to a 100- mile radius of the Farm.

In looking at our Annual Report, you will note that the average length of time a boy stays at Miracle Farm was a full year in 2011, up from nine months in 2010. Boys and their parents are committing to the program for longer periods of time and Miracle Farm is willing to invest its resources in building permanent, lifelong change in young men. We know that staying committed to our boys until they are ready to move improves their chance of success in life.

More great things are coming. In 2011, we expanded our vocational education program and it will grow exponentially as we prepare boys for life after Miracle Farm. We have laid the groundwork for an Independent Living Program for boys who want to continue their education at area schools, but still need the support system they relied on at the Farm.

So how long does it take to resolve the personal and family issues of a teenage boy before he becomes a young man of integrity and strength? How long before a light comes on inside an immature brain and a boy decides that there’s more to life than bad grades and a bad attitude?

Our answer at Miracle Farm is “however long it takes,” thanks to a committed staff, parental involvement, willing volunteers, the boys themselves, a lot of prayer, generous donors, and our ability to meet the needs of teenagers in crisis.

Alex Hamilton

Miracle Farm10802 FM 2621

Brenham, TX 77833(979) 836-0901 Phoneinfo@miraclefarm.org

www.miraclefarm.org

Miracle Farm Leadership: Don Forrester - PresidentAlex Hamilton - Executive Director

9

2011

Annu

al R

epor

t • w

ww

.Chi

ldre

nAtH

eart

Min

istr

ies.

org

Brad’s parents wanted something better for their son. They knew he needed a change of pace.

“We knew there had to be a place for kids who walk to a different beat, and we found that at Miracle Farm,” said his mom, Cari.

Before coming to Miracle Farm, Brad had only ridden a horse once or twice, but he quickly fell in love with roping. The calmness he found with the horses and country living proved to be just what he needed.

“The small number of kids at the Farm allows Brad to be a leader, where at home he found himself lost in the crowd,” said his dad, Darren. “At Miracle Farm, Brad gets to be who he is and not who everyone thinks he should be.”

In the two years that Brad has been at the Farm, his entire family has gotten involved. They’ve helped with campus clean-up, folded tee shirts and made signs. His grandparents have hosted the boys and staff for a deep sea fishing trip, and his mom puts together the annual Miracle Farm scrapbook.

“Much of Brad’s success can be attributed to his family’s commitment to partner in his progress, which is a great example for other boys’ families,”

said Alex Hamilton, Executive Director.

Brad has transformed into a young man backed by quiet strength, wisdom and natural leadership. He sticks up for the underdog when conflict arises among the other boys and is known as the peace maker among the group.

What sets this family apart? According to David and Gayla Jones, Brad’s house parents at the Farm, it’s the fact that they’re “all in.” This allows Brad the opportunity to be successful long-term. “They never back off. They’re believers and prayer warriors, and are 100 percent involved in Brad’s life,” said David.

They are a one-of-a-kind family making a one-of-a-kind difference!

ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY

10

2011

Annu

al R

epor

t • w

ww

.Chi

ldre

nAtH

eart

Min

istr

ies.

org

RESIDENTIAL CAREBoys Served 27

Total Days of Care 6,264

Average Length of Stay (in months) 12

Average Age of Boy (in years) 16

Racial Heritage of Clients:

Black - 18% | Caucasian - 78% | Hispanic - 4%

FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION/SKILLS TRAININGTotal Served 62

Family Life Education/Skills Training (Hours)

25

2011 MINISTRY TOTALTotal Served 1,042

Residential 27

Non-residential 62

Retreat Center 702

Information/Referral Services 251

Religious Decisions 9

MIRACLE FARM2011 MINISTRY SUMMARY

11

2011

Annu

al R

epor

t • w

ww

.Chi

ldre

nAtH

eart

Min

istr

ies.

org

Revenues

Individual Gifts $176,654 12%

Church Gifts 30,005 2%

Texas Baptists Cooperative Program 169,413 12%

Foundations & Corporate Gifts 90,474 7%

Children At Heart Foundation 756,057 53%

Other Revenues 197,853 14%

TOTAL $1,420,456 100.0%

Expenses

Residential Care 1,155,673 89%

Management & General* 150,567 11%

Fundraising* 0 0%

TOTAL $1,306,240 100.0%

Individual Gifts - 12%

Church Gifts - 2%

Texas Baptists Cooperative Program - 12%

Foundations & Corporate Gifts - 7%

Children At Heart Foundation - 53%

Other Revenues - 14%

Residential Care - 89%

Management & General - 11%

Fundraising - 0%

Expenses

Revenues

*The Children At Heart Foundation provides funding for all Fundraising and Management & General Expenses, allowing 100 percent of current donations to support direct program services to children and families.

MIRACLE FARM 2011 Operating Statement

CHANCE OF A LIFETIME UNAUDITED YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011