Sanctuary

A child’s laughter, echoing down a hallway. That’s the sound Amanda Boyd, Executive Director of The Sanctuary, wanted to hear more of. The Sanctuary in Houston isn’t your typical church. It’s a Child Placing Agency built on the belief that every child deserves a safe, healing home. Amanda’s journey began in 2013, working within the foster care system. She saw firsthand a system in need of repair, a system that often failed the very children it was meant to protect. Her personal experience as a foster mother solidified her commitment. The Sanctuary, born from this commitment, opened its doors in April 2020. The world outside was shutting down due to COVID-19, but within The Sanctuary’s walls, a new hope was ignited. Generous donors rallied, raising $150,000 to launch the Clear Lake branch. Twenty families were ready and waiting, eager to be trained and equipped to offer stability and healing. The Sanctuary’s approach is unique. They understand that simply placing children in homes isn’t enough. They focus on training, retaining, and supporting foster parents. They utilize Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and offer Wraparound Services. This provides 24/7 crisis intervention and counseling for both children and families. The goal is to stop the cycle of multiple placements that often traumatizes children in care. The Sanctuary works tirelessly towards healing and permanency, whether that means reunification with the family of origin or adoption. The Sanctuary has grown rapidly, adding a second branch in Fort Bend County in December 2022. They continue to expand their reach, driven by their unwavering mission to provide sanctuary and healing for children in need. The need is great. Studies paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by former foster youth: homelessness, couch surfing, involvement in the juvenile justice system, and even vulnerability to sex trafficking. The Sanctuary is a beacon of hope in a system that desperately needs reform. They offer not just a placement, but a true sanctuary.