For the second year in a row, Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home brought home a top award from the Southwestern Association of Child Care Executives Conference.
For the second year in a row, Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home brought home a top award from the Southwestern Association of Child Care Executives Conference.
The association includes 50 Christian child care agencies from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and Missouri.
This year Thomas and Reba O’Neal of Grace Cottage were presented the 2008 Thomas E. Roberts Award during the annual workshop luncheon in Plano, Texas, on June 24th.
Ken and Arlene Hudson of Hope Cottage took home the prize in 2007.
The award recognizes individuals for their professionalism, commitment, character, dedication, length of service and contribution to quality child care services and programs.
The O’Neals have served at LBCH for 24 years.
They have parented 129 children and 75 newborns during their time at the Home. Currently they have eight children – four girls and four boys – in their cottage.
“We know that this is a calling. It didn’t just happen.” Reba O’Neal said.
“We had no children of our own, but God has blessed us with many here at the Children’s Home,” she added. “We love the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.”
Residents of Grace Cottage have been recognized for many outstanding accomplishments over the years on campus at school during the O’Neal’s tenure.
They have raised Students of the Month, Renaissance Award winners and many Honor Society inductees.
Elizabeth, who has lived with O’Neals since coming to the Home eleven years ago stated, “They’re the best cottage parents ever. They’re like parents to me,” she added. “They really listen and I know they really love me.”
“The O’Neals are and have been a blessing to so many,” stated Tommy Frost, LBCH Director of Cottage Life. “They’ll never know the difference they made in so many lives.”
The Thomas E. Roberts Award is given in honor of Mr. Roberts, who was a long-time distinguished member of the association and Director of the Hendricks Home for Children in Abilene, Texas.