Basin Dream Center for Orphans (BDCO), founded in 2017 by Tina Gillihan, is expanding through a capital campaign to develop 14 acres of land with 80 tiny homes and apartments. The expansion will provide housing for up to 150 youth by 2025, addressing the needs of an estimated 11,500 at-risk youth across West Texas.
The Center provides transitional housing for young men and women aged 17 to 26 who have aged out of foster care or are homeless. The facility offers separate living spaces for males and females, intended to create a secure environment to focus on stability and personal growth.
During a tour of the facility with Midland Times, Steph Hart, who serves as Chief Program Officer, Crisis Manager, and Human Trafficking Advocate, explained the center's role in helping vulnerable youth. "Many would be shocked at how much these young adults don’t know, like cooking and banking, and we are working to change that," she said.
The center offers a range of support, including life skills training, educational assistance for high school, GED, college, or vocational training, trauma-informed therapy, and financial management programs.
Hart spoke about the risks faced by youth aging out of foster care. "Fifty to 90 percent of kids who age out of foster care go on to be trafficked," Hart stated. Basin Dream Center helps youth gain independence, support and education, with a requirement that 70% of the center’s income is saved for future needs like transportation for residents.
For more information about Basin Dream Center visit https://basindreamcenter.com
Left to Right, Steph Hart, Tina Gillihan and program clients on a recent trip to Fort Worth for Halloween activities and learning