Adult volunteers, along with their own children, spruce
up the front yard at the Strong Foundation’s Family
Mission Center.
parameters — no drinking, no drugs
and a 10 p.m. curfew. Requirements
also include enrollment in the onsite
CPS-approved parenting classes and in
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace classes.
Participants are also expected to look
for work and take steps toward finding
full time employment. They agree to
attend Discover JOBS ( Joy of Being
Successful) class at 8:15 a.m., where
they set goals and work to meet them.
Christian counseling and 12-step
programs are available in house to help
participants overcome “Hurts, Habits
and Hang-ups,” as Pastor Jim calls
them. Families are invited to attend
church on Sundays. Once they leave,
participants are encouraged to follow
God’s plans and connect with a local
church to continue to grow in Christ.
We meet them right where they
are and help them begin to
rebuild their lives.
— Pastor Jim Gipson
Founder, Strong Foundation
Strong Foundation’s name reflects
the ministry’s commitment to the
Lord. Their motto: “The Strong
Foundation that everyone needs is a
relationship with Jesus Christ.”
“We encourage everyone to give God
a chance to do whatever He wants to do
in their lives. Life is better with Christ
A volunteer gives a Strong Foundation resident child
a fresh haircut.
no matter the circumstances,” says
Pastor Jim.
Because Pastor Jim and Carolee
prioritize the gospel, Strong Foundation
is not funded by the city, state or federal
government. Instead they are completely
supported by private donors and partner
churches, so they are not restricted in
any way from sharing Christ.
“We are a recognized homeless
shelter, but we still prioritize evange-lism
and discipleship,” Pastor Jim says.
“There is no lasting change that comes
without the power of Christ.”
One graduate of the program is a
living example of the difference Strong
Foundation has made. There’s been a
ripple effect; the changes happened
not only in her life, but also in the lives
of her children. Her family of six
arrived at Strong Foundation in 2012.
She describes her relationship with
Jesus and their commitment then as
“shaky.” She returned to her abusive
relationship for a short time, but after
a few weeks knew she needed out.
“I called Pastor Jim,” she says. “I
thought, ‘I wasn’t the nicest person. I
didn’t follow the rules.’ But I was at
rock bottom.” After some convincing to
allow her a second chance, Pastor Jim
A mural at the Strong
Foundation depicts the
level of despair a family
feels before they reach
the Strong Foundation
and hope they feel when
they leave. The mural
was created by Frank
Cadena, a local artist.
Middle school age kids have fun during KidzTime at
the Strong Foundation’s playground.
gave her the “tough love that was 100
percent needed,” she says. When he
agreed she could return, she was
relieved beyond words. “I knew there
was hope. I hit the floor of the police
station bawling my eyes out.”
The second time around, she
embraced everything offered. She
credits Strong Foundation with saving
her life and that of her kids. The Dave
Ramsey program spurred her to pursue
a career in accounting. Now she works
two jobs, is completing a college
degree and helps others learn how to
budget. She’s a regular in her church,
where her nine-year-old sings as a
member of the worship team.
“I was living in God’s house, and
God’s house changed my life,” she says.
“I’ve started to believe in myself again.”
The origination of Strong Founda-tion’s
facility itself is another miracle.
As Pastor Jim recounts, God put it on
the heart of the owner of a former
nursing home to give them the build-ing
at 414 N. Hackberry. Pastor Jim
received the call Christmas Eve of 2003:
the building, valued at $516,000, was
theirs free and clear!
In early 2004 they learned of a
young homeless couple who needed
help. They were not quite ready to
open yet, but Pastor Jim offered the
husband a chance to help move in
furniture, and the wife eventually
delivered the first of 35 babies born to
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