DECADES OF CARE

33 years of service

Treatment Homes gala to garner more than $8,000 to help foster children

Through tears and a long moment to collect herself, Johanna Shroeder Davis of Houston told the crowd attending Tuesday's 33rd anniversary celebration for Treatment Homes Inc. that the organization founded by Patricia and Jim Miles and 11 others saved the lives of her and her two sisters.

The girls had been psychologically, sexually and physically abused and lived in eight different foster homes before they got help from Treatment Homes, which provides therapeutic foster care services for children with emotional and/or behavioral problems.

About 120 people gathered in the Great Hall of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion for a plated dinner and entertainment by James Horton on trumpet and Lavante Pettigrew on piano. Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Treatment Homes Executive Director Consevella James presented the Make a Difference Award to former Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines.

In his 22 years as county judge, Villines said he looked closely at children coming into the jail system.

"We quickly realized that if we didn't reach these kids by age 8, 9, 10 or even younger, they're lost," he said.

Christway Missionary Baptist Church, headed by the Rev. Roderick Torrence, received the Angel Award.

The gala, including live and silent auctions, was expected to raise between $8,000 and $10,000 for the group, James said.

Over dinner, Patricia Miles recalled what led her and the other founders to establish Treatment Homes in 1983.

"We saw a need for that type of service," she said. "Our goal was to provide an environment that stopped the incessant moving of the children." Treatment Homes' services have shown to increase permanency outcomes -- reunification with the birth family/relative and adoption. Because of the severity of their problems, foster children usually remain in the program for 18 to 26 months.

"If we can have more homes and more recognition to those who truly care for these children, then that's something that can last a generation, possibly two," Hutchinson said.

High Profile on 06/12/2016

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