Shining a Beacon of Hope for Families in Need
In the true spirit of the holiday season, the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas proudly presents its cherished Adopt-a-Family program. This heartwarming tradition connects compassionate community members with survivors of abuse and their children—families who are courageously rebuilding their lives free from violence.
“For many of the families we serve, the holidays can be filled with uncertainty,” said Whitney Burran, Executive Director. “After leaving an abusive situation, parents often struggle to provide even the basics, much less gifts under the tree. This program helps restore a bit of joy and hope during Christmas to families who have already shown such incredible strength.”
Individuals, businesses, or groups can make a lasting difference by “adopting” a family currently receiving services at the Family Crisis Center. The agency provides a personalized wish list of gifts, including clothing and shoe sizes for each family member, making the process both simple and deeply meaningful.
The agency also welcomes donations of wrapping paper and supplies for each adopted family, allowing parents to wrap gifts themselves and share in the joy of giving during the holidays.
Families can be adopted through Thursday, December 11, with unwrapped gifts and wrapping supplies to be dropped off at the agency’s administrative or outreach offices between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
In 2024, the kindness of East Texans made the holidays brighter for 92 families and 225 children who received gifts through this program — a remarkable testament to the power of community compassion.
“This initiative is about more than presents,” Burran added. “Each family adopted represents a reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when neighbors, businesses, and volunteers step up to show they care.”
To participate in this year’s Adopt-a-Family program or learn more, please contact Mallory Harris, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, at mharris@fccet.com or 936-639-1681.