St. Jude's Ranch for Children -- Texas Region, Inc.
Providing Healing, Hope and Home to Children and Families
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
SJRC Texas, formerly known as St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, cares for children and families who have been affected by trauma, abuse and neglect, and have been removed from their homes by the Department of Family and Protective Services. We are their safe haven and offer help and hope to begin the journey of healing. Our Mission is to offer healing and hope to children and families affected by abuse, abandonment or neglect. Our Vision is that abused and neglected children will be empowered to grow up to be happy, productive and caring adults. We are creating Forever Families for Children who desperately need and deserve a loving home and family. For nearly 40 years, SJRC Texas has been caring for the most vulnerable children and families facing abuse, neglect, and often homelessness, helping them to heal from the traumas they have suffered. The programs of SJRC Texas cover a continuum of care to ensure that children placed in our care receive therapeutic treatment along their journey
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Emergency Shelter & Long-Term Residential Child Sex Trafficking Pregnant and Parenting Teen Programs
Our Pregnant and Parenting Teen program, located on a 17-acre campus in New Braunfels, Texas prepares young moms for parenthood with a focus on education, life skills and positive parenting tools. We are preserving the family and strengthening the mother/child bond!
Residents of the program have initially been placed in SJRC’ Texas" care by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Most have been taken from their parents or caregivers because of some form of abuse, abandonment or neglect.
The Program provides “at-risk” mothers ages 10 to 20 years old the opportunity to receive training and guidance on parenting, job and life skills as well as social, academic and independent living skill development. Individualized therapy classes are also offered when you arrive pregnant, the mother and baby’s health care needs are met throughout her pregnancy and beyond.
Our facilities offer mothers a calm and safe environment through the pregnancy stages and after the arrival of her new baby. In addition to a parenting curriculum, all of our moms attend the local public high school and receive individualized case management provided by trained and caring staff. Moms and their babies are able to stay until they are ready to transition to independent living or until they turn 21 years old. Working in the community and learning how to become a self-sufficient and productive parent and member of society are core skills these young women will learn as residents of the SJRC Texas Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program.
Emergency Placement provides children in crisis a safe haven. Some children are moved from unsafe and abusive home environments and often come to us with only the clothes on their backs. We work quickly, address immediate needs and assess what their long-term needs are.
Therapeutic Residential Foster Care
Located on a 10-acre campus in Bulverde, Texas our Therapeutic Residential Foster Care program teaches our youth essential life skills through therapeutic relationship building. These skills address social, emotional, and behavioral issues, and provide academic support and mentoring. We are proud to say that our 38 bed facility offers a very homelike feel and our youth have the opportunity to live with other children that are close to their age and stage. Because of our unique set-up we are able to offer a home to children ages 5-21 years old, all of whom are in the managing conservatorship of the State of Texas.
Child Placing Agency- Community-based Foster Care and Adoption
Our Foster Care and Adoption Program in San Antonio and surrounding counties licenses and trains families to open their homes and hearts to children ready to live in a family setting, both through short-term foster care and forever adoption. We are creating forever families!
Foster families are individuals or families that provide a safe and loving place for foster children to live. They provide a normal living environment, help children build self-esteem, learn social skills and provide opportunities to create happy childhood memories. You also have the opportunity to give a child a forever home, through adoption.
Parents As Teachers
The PAT Program at SJRC Texas wants to help you give your child the best possible start! Through individualized home visits, learn how to capture the teachable moments in everyday life. We believe all children deserve support so they can learn, grow, and develop to realize their full potential.
Parents as Teachers (PAT) provides the information, support, and resources families need to help their children develop during the crucial early years of life.
PAT CORE VALUES
Family Well-Being: PAT educators believe anyone that is anyone that is important to your child is important to us. We work hard to support families and promote healthy family relationships. Development-Centered Parenting: When parents are familiar with their child’s developmental milestones, they are more likely to have appropriate expectations in regard to their child’s behaviors, actions, and reactions. PAT educators are trained experts in developmental milestones from birth to kindergarten!
Belong
SJRC Texas has been operating as a key community provider in Region 8b for 37 years. With experience as a child placing agency and general residential operation, as well as with community-based prevention programs, SJRC Texas has insights into how to successfully expand service and program capacity. SJRC Texas also understands the importance of authentic collaboration and integration with DFPS, community partners, stakeholders, other Texas SSCC lead agencies, and most importantly with clients. All these parties are critical to creating a provider network in Region 8b and a seamless continuum of care for children and their families. SJRC Texas is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and is known for quality services with a high standard for integrity, accountability, and innovation.
BELONG seeks to deliver a Community-Based Care model to abused and neglected children and youth in Region 8b by enacting systemic changes that improve safety and expedite permanency.
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
Chamber of Commerce 2014
New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce 2019
Bulverde Sping Branch Chamber of Commerce 2019
North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce 2019
External reviews

Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsNumber of youth and families provided with objective quality assurance and performance data about providers to inform choice
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Context - describing the issue we work on
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Council on Accreditation Performance Quality Improvement Data
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
For nearly 40 years, SJRC Texas has been caring for the most vulnerable children and families facing abuse, neglect, and often homelessness, helping them to heal from the traumas they have suffered. The programs of SJRC Texas cover a continuum of care to ensure that children placed in our care receive therapeutic treatment along their journey of healing towards a brighter future.
We are creating forever families for children who desperately need and deserve a loving home and family.
Our programs provide the following services:
emergency placement
therapeutic residential foster care
pregnant and parenting teen services
community-based foster care services
adoption services
We utilize a therapeutic model of care, TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) based on brain research on how trauma affects the developing brain and how to best offer healing from that trauma, giving children the tools to heal from trauma, abuse and neglect.
What Sets SJRC Apart:
Approval by the Council on Accreditation
We keep siblings together
We keep moms and their babies together
We care for close to 100 children each day
We provide nearly 29,000 dinners to children and families annually
We have a 100% graduation rate for our high school seniors
We utilize a therapeutic model of care, TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Priority 1: Marketing & Public Relations Strategy -- Develop a strong marketing and public relations strategy that introduces a fresh brand, increases public awareness and fosters partnerships.
Priority 2: RESOURCE & CAPITAL MANAGEMENT. Build a growth model to sustain financial stability.
Priority 3: Culture. Encourage staff and Board members to realize their maximum potential by evolving our positive and professional environment in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Priority 4 -Therapeutic Programs. Grow and excel in the delivery of child welfare services that connects with each child, resulting in the well-being and healing of children, families and communities.
Priority 5 - Infrastructure. Develop a facilities strategy to include capacity, technology, location options and other housing possibilities.
Priority 6 -Regulatory Influence. Increase involvement with legislation to be proactive and influential in regulations effecting vulnerable children, youth and families of Texas.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
We are raising the next generation of children here in our community who will hopefully be able to contribute to the community and help make it a better place. Your participation and support is greatly appreciated by the children and families we care for.
National Accreditation by Council on Accreditation
We keep siblings together
We keep moms and their babies together
We care for close to 100 children each day
We provide nearly 29,000 dinners to children and families annually
We have a 100% graduation rate for our high school seniors
We utilize a therapeutic model of care, TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
St. Jude's Ranch for Children -- Texas Region, Inc. (SJRC Texas) was established in 1987 when St. Jude's Ranch for Children-Nevada purchased St. Jude's Home for Children, Bulverde, Texas. This campus provides all of our therapeutic residential treatment services for children 0 to 21 years. In 1997, SJRC Texas added a second campus, the former Comal County Emergency Children's Shelter in New Braunfels, Texas. Today the Emergency Shelter has grown to include a Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program, meeting a great unmet need in the greater San Antonio community, in addition to Emergency Placement services. In 2012, we expanded our services to include a Child Placing Agency (CPA), allowing us to license community-based foster homes. In 2015 we enhanced our CPA when we received our adoption license, enabling us to provide forever families for our children and youth . In June 2016 SJRC Texas received accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA). An exciting new chapter in our history began in July 2016. We underwent some exciting changes to positively impact the future sustainability of SJRC Texas so we can continue to care for over 200 children every year. The national board of St. Jude's Ranch for Children decided to strategically separate operations in Nevada and Texas to allow each region to more efficiently serve foster children. The dissolution of the national board structure and business operations, effective July 1, 2016, allowed each state to continue forward separately with existing and future board members serving on localized boards designed to have a sharper focus on the specific and unique needs of the children in their corresponding communities. This has not only increased efficiency, but also has addressed the desires of donors who wish to see all their contributions go toward local efforts. What is raised in Texas, stays in Texas. A major strength of our organization is the longevity of key management and program staff. SJRC Texas is led by Chief Executive Officer Tara Roussett, M.B.A. Additionally, there are three Program Directors, one Director of Development, one Director of Operations, one Controller, one Maintenance Supervisor, a Foster Home Development Manager, a Case Manager, Therapeutic Home Supervisors, Program Specialists, and a variety of other support staff. There are a total of 67 full-time and 2 part-time staff. Chief Executive Officer Tara Roussett, MBA, B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, Specialization in Early Childhood Education. Licensed Child Care Administrator, Licensed Child-Placing Agency Administrator. Twenty total years' experience working with youth at risk, which includes 9 years' experience in management with SJRC Texas. Director of Operations Carlye Dupart, MA, MS, Licensed Child Care Administrator. Eighteen years with SJRC Texas, starting out as a clinician in the behavioral health program while managing the emergency shelter staff, employees and physical plant then spending the last 11 years as pa
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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Who are the people you serve with your mission?
SJRC Texas, formerly known as St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, cares for children and families who have been affected by trauma, abuse and neglect, and have been removed from their homes by the Department of Family and Protective Services. We are their safe haven and offer help and hope to begin the journey of healing. Our Mission is to offer healing and hope to children and families affected by abuse, abandonment or neglect. Our Vision is that abused and neglected children will be empowered to grow up to be happy, productive and caring adults.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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What significant change resulted from feedback?
“DFPS is pleased to announce that it’s taken the next step toward expanding Community-Based Care by awarding a contract in Region 8b to BELONG, a division of SJRC Texas. SJRC Texas has been operating as a key community provider in Region 8b for 37 years. With experience as a child placing agency and general residential operation, as well as with community-based prevention programs, SJRC Texas has insights into how to successfully expand service and program capacity. SJRC Texas also understands the importance of authentic collaboration and integration with DFPS, community partners, stakeholders, other Texas SSCC lead agencies, and most importantly with clients. All these parties are critical to creating a provider network in Region 8b and a seamless continuum of care for children/families.
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.)
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
St. Jude's Ranch for Children -- Texas Region, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 03/14/2023
Mr. Jozsef Terenyi
NuStar Energy
Term: 2016 - 2020
Ms. Samantha Najera
Heartfire Media
Term: 2016 - 2020
Stephanie Wersall
Valero Energy Corporation
Stephen Lin
Big Red Dog Engineering/Consulting
Bill Hamilton
Peterson Regional Medical Center
Adam Boland
Strasburger & Price
Lyn Blum
Retired
John Lujan, III
Y & L Consulting
Eric King
Insight Consulting
Tiffany Walker
San Antonio Lighthouse for Blind
Matt Gandrud
State Farm
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
Equity strategies
Last updated: 11/05/2019GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.