Buckner Lubbock

Did You Know? (Foster Care Edition)

Children enter foster care every single day—and they need safe, loving homes when they do.

Foster families help by:
• Providing stability during uncertain times
• Offering care, supervision, and emotional support
• Reducing additional trauma and placement disruptions
• Giving children space to heal and grow

When children experience safe, nurturing relationships, it shapes their future—and strengthens our entire community. Whether a child reunifies with family or finds a forever home, foster care helps make that path possible. 💙

Happy Father’s Day from Buckner Lubbock 💙

Today can look different for children in foster care. For some, it brings gratitude for the men who show up with love and consistency. For others, it may carry grief, loss, or complicated emotions.

Positive male role models—whether biological or not—play a powerful role in helping children heal, build self-worth, and form healthy relationships.

When we acknowledge both the joy and the complexity of this day, we create space for children to feel seen, supported, and understood. To the men who step in, stand steady, and lead with care—your impact lasts a lifetime.

This June, we honor Juneteenth ❤️🖤💚

Recognizing Juneteenth in foster care spaces can be powerful when done thoughtfully and with care.

For children in foster care, it can:
• Support identity development and self-worth
• Strengthen cultural and family connections
• Create a sense of belonging during times of transition

For many children—especially Black youth in foster care—having their history seen, honored, and affirmed matters deeply. Celebrating Juneteenth is one way we help children feel valued, connected, and understood.

Our Foster Youth Transition Centers team celebrated National Foster Youth Aging Out Awareness Day this weekend with popsicles and ice cream in the park. Buckner provides case management and support to youth and young adults between the ages of 16-25 who have experienced foster care.

For more information about these life changing services, please visit our webpage: https://na2.hubs.ly/H0617-s0

June is National Reunification Month 💙

Reunification is the goal of foster care when it’s safe and appropriate.
We can support families by:
• Challenging the idea that foster care is always permanent
• Connecting families to needed therapeutic services
• Encouraging consistent, meaningful family visits
• Supporting positive relationships between caregivers early on
• Maintaining connections even after reunification

Strong families create stronger futures—for children and our communities.

In Texas, more than 1,000 youth age out of foster care each year.

When youth age out of the foster care system between 18 to 23 years old, they are vulnerable to addiction, human trafficking and homelessness. With little support, former foster youth are left to navigate from adolescence to adulthood on their own.

For National Youth Aging Out Day, you can help by fostering or adopting a teen through Waiting Texas Children and providing mentorship for youth who may not have a positive person in their life.

To learn more, sign up for one of our virtual information meetings.

https://na2.hubs.ly/H059Dmq0

Our team recently attended the Texas Tech game and had the opportunity to share some valuable Buckner Lubbock resources, programs, and events with the community. Families stopped by our table to learn more about our organization and snag some free gear on game day!

To learn more about what resources we offer, visit: https://na2.hubs.ly/H05J2Bp0

This year, committee members have introduced six bills to modernize the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (“Chafee”) to improve outcomes for youth aging out of foster care by improving resources and access to housing, education and training programs. The program currently provides support to foster youth and former foster youth, ages 14 to 21, as they transition to adulthood and independence.

Several years ago, FYi (Foster Youth to Independence) vouchers were introduced to help limit out-of-pocket housing costs. Buckner provides these vouchers through our FYi program.

With the expansion of services proposed in the new legislature, former foster youth will have the opportunity to receive more services up to the age of 26.

Visit https://na2.hubs.ly/H059DgV0 to learn more about Buckner’s programs for former foster youth.

Foster care is kingdom work. The late hours, the unknown, the procedures. We know how hard our foster families work to create a safe and loving environment for all kids. That’s why we commit to walking alongside families through counseling, resources, training, finances, prayer, and more, often going above and beyond what is required.

In 2025, there were over 700 children in foster care in Lubbock. There is still a great need for foster families. May is National Foster Care Month and a great time to consider opening your home to a child.

If you want to learn more, we encourage you to join our free virtual information meeting. You can learn more about Buckner and foster care as well as ask questions. Will you join us?

Visit https://na2.hubs.ly/H059Dpc0 to learn more.