Mr. Matt

Why Children’s Village Matters to Me

As Executive Director of Children’s Village, a large part of my role involves the administrative work that keeps our organization running — budgets, policies, meetings, and the many responsibilities that come with leading a child welfare agency.

But the most meaningful part of my day isn’t behind a desk.

My office is on campus, and the greatest joy of my job is stepping away from the paperwork to spend time with the children who live here. Whether it’s a quick conversation, helping with homework, playing outside, or simply checking in with them during the day, those moments are often the highlight of my work.

Seeing children laugh, build friendships, gain confidence, and begin to trust again reminds me why this work matters so deeply.

Many of the children who come to Children’s Village have experienced difficult circumstances at a very young age. Abuse, neglect, instability, and family crisis can leave deep emotional wounds. When they arrive here, they need more than just a place to stay — they need stability, patience, encouragement, and caring adults who will walk alongside them as they heal.

That is what Children’s Village exists to provide.

For more than four decades, Children’s Village has served Northeast Texas by providing safe homes and supportive relationships for children who cannot remain in their own homes. Our cottage homes provide a family-like environment where siblings can remain together whenever possible, routines are consistent, and children are given the opportunity to simply be kids again.

Every day our staff works to help children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We help them build the life skills they need to succeed in school, develop healthy relationships, and prepare for the future.

And the transformation we see in many of these children over time is remarkable.

Children who arrive withdrawn begin to laugh again.
Children who struggled in school start to believe in themselves.
Children who have experienced chaos begin to experience stability and hope.

Those moments — watching a child begin to heal and rediscover who they are meant to be — are why I come to work every day.

East Texas Giving Day is an opportunity for our community to come together and support this mission. Your gift helps provide the safe homes, daily care, educational support, and nurturing environment that make healing possible for the children who live at Children’s Village.

I’ve set a personal goal of raising $1,000 to support the children in our care, and I would truly appreciate your help in reaching that goal.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue providing hope and healing for vulnerable children in our community.

Thank you for supporting Children’s Village and the children we serve.

— Matt Rogers
Executive Director
Children’s Village and Family Service Agency, Inc.