Southlake Youth Help Peers Launch into Adulthood

Teens pitch in to make transitional housing a new home in Keller

Just hours before Christ’s Haven for Children was set to cut the ribbon on its first independent living facility for young adults, local kids rallied to put finishing touches on the home’s exterior. Young people from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southlake scrambled to weed, clean, plant flower beds, and assemble patio furniture. Community leaders, donors, and volunteers gathered Thursday to celebrate the grand opening.

“It was hot, but we had a great time working together,” says Audrey Bowman, 15. Temperatures hovered around 95 degrees with about 30 percent humidity Wednesday morning, but the youth were all smiles. “I was amazed at what we were able to accomplish so quickly. I’m glad we could help them create a beautiful home.”

The workers included about 50 youth, adult leaders, and missionaries serving in the area. “The kids were fantastic!” says Volunteer Manager Summer Woods. “Super helpful and up for whatever we asked them to do.”

The house was newly renovated for young women ages 18 to 24 who are enrolled in the College & Career Readiness program. Many of the girls have lived at the Christ’s Haven For Children campus in Keller, but have aged out of the program for minors. Woods says “Launch Into Adulthood” is the center’s comprehensive program for young adults. Participants will learn to live independently and care for not only themselves, but the home they’ll be moving into.

“It was fun to put together the patio set knowing they would enjoy using it,” says Brady Ord, 14. “I’m glad I could lend a hand to welcome them to their new home.”

“Christ’s Haven is providing an amazing opportunity to young adults during this ever-important ‘decade of decision’ between ages 14 and 24,” says Youth Leader Xochitl Hulse. She says the opportunities and options available during that critical time lay a foundation for the rest of their lives. Hulse says the fastest way to love others is by serving them. “It was such a pleasure to be the extra sets of hands in preparing for the ribbon cutting. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to show our youth how to love and serve, but also to show the young people at Christ’s Haven that we support them and we want them to succeed.”