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Our History

Our Founding

A fledgling predecessor organization was started in the 1960’s but had trouble getting off the ground for a variety of reasons. The turning point was when T. A. “Tom” Robinson, Jr., owner of First Mortgage Co. of Texas, became a board member and the guiding force behind the organization. At a time when most men are looking forward to retirement, Mr. Robinson devoted the next 20 years of his life to this cause. He initially donated ten acres of land in the Hockley area, on which the facilities stand today. Over the years, more acreage was donated by Mr. Robinson and additional acreage was purchased. The name "Boys Country" was chosen by Mrs. Tom (Jean) Robinson. Jack Brewer became the first Executive Director.  Mr. Robinson, in addition to making the majority of the capital contributions and underwriting operating expenses, personally guaranteed many loans so the building program could continue. Mrs. Robinson is still active with the Home today. 

A Brief Timeline of Events

1971: Boys Country was formally chartered as a 501(c)(3) Christian home for boys, with three mobile buildings, a metallic building and its first dormitory under construction. Founder T.A. Robinson enlisted help from Houston area friends and colleagues, who funded the operations and expansion of the campus.

The original administration building

1980: Construction began on a nearby 40-acre Girls Country campus.

1992: Boys Country had grown into a beautiful oak-shaded campus and ranch of 166 acres with 20 buildings, and Girls Country had grown to eight buildings.

1993: Boys Country and Girls Country became Boys and Girls Country of Houston, Inc. Cottages were each equipped for eight children. Houseparents and relief staff began a comprehensive training program to focus on the changing needs of our children.

1996: Plans were initiated to pilot an Independent Living Skills Program for older youth who completed their adolescent years at Boys and Girls Country (later called the College and Career Program). Thanks to generous continuing scholarships, all students who graduate from high school at Boys and Girls Country have the opportunity to be sponsored through trade school or college and into a first job.

1998: Boys and Girls Country launched a $6 million capital and endowment campaign to enable capital improvements to the campus as well as strengthen our endowment -- a vitally important step in ensuring the financial health of our Home.

2006: The capital campaign was concluded with the dedication of the Operations Center in February. The College and Career Campus was renovated in June and July to add housing for 17 new graduates from the class of 2006.

2007: Construction of a new swimming pool and a multimedia center in the Education Lab were completed.  Boys and Girls Country launched a capital campaign to enable construction of a Student Life Center and other improvements to the campus.

Since our founding, our community base, our campus, and our programs have expanded to fill a tremendous need in the Houston community: A home for the children otherwise destined to become dropouts, drug addicts, criminals, chronically unemployed members of society, teen moms with young children living in poverty, and thereby continuing the cycle of dysfunction for themselves, their children, and generations to follow. We have been home to over 1,200 children from the greater Houston area in the past 37 years.