About
Garden of Hope of Central Texas Mission
Our Mission is to bring hope and empowerment to foster care children by connecting them with families and community resources.
Garden of Hope of Central Texas Core Values
H-Humble –To be humble and provide grace to one another
O-Opportunity -To provide opportunities for you to be your personal best
P-Purpose – Start each day with a purpose
E-Empower- Empower each other
Garden of Hope of Central Texas Strives to Provide Purpose and Passion
Garden of Hope General Residential Operation Purpose: To provide hope in a safe and loving environment for foster care children in their time of need.
Garden of Hope Child Placement Agency Purpose: To empower individuals to provide a safe family setting for foster care children.
Garden of Hope Resource Center Purpose: Connecting the community to provide resources to families and agencies that serve foster care children.
Garden of Hope of Central Texas History
The history of Garden of Hope Central Texas began with a husband and wife who opened their home to foster children who needed a safe and loving home in their time of need. After fostering over 90 children and adopting 11 the passion continued to burn in Mr. Ocasio and Mrs. Ocasio the founders. In 2016 Mr. Wilfredo Ocasio (Junior) established GOH as a non-profit and began a two and a half-year journey to open an emergency foster care shelter to keep sibling groups together. In 2019 that dream became a reality, opening the first GOH establishment in Salado, Texas. In 2020 the second emergency shelter was opened in Killeen, Texas. From February 1, 2019-December 31, 2022, Garden of Hope has served over 800 children with the help of dedicated staff, wonderful volunteers, and a strong community.
Residential
Located in Bell County, this scenic 2.89 acres boasts camping grounds, a pavilion, a tree filled fort, multiple fire pits for campfires, as well as a 4,100 square foot building. This spacious building will provide a safe, nurturing environment for boys and girls displaced from their homes. Inside the Garden of Hope living quarters, there is a substantial kitchen and dining area, a vast room that includes an arts and crafts area as well as other assorted games. Music therapy will be provided by way of the piano located in the play area. In addition, both boy and girl wings are brightly decorated with welcoming colors and comfortable beds.
A variety of outdoor activities are offered. The outdoor pavilion can be used for talent shows and plays, as well as ping pong tournaments. The extensive grounds also offer built-in planters to maintain seasonal flowers, giving the children an opportunity to learn about gardening. The fort located on the back end of the property can host late-night campfires with the traditional S’mores /cocoa enjoyment.
