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Our History

Our Founding

A fledgling predecessor organization was started in the 1960s 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.

2008:  Renovation of the campus infrastructure, including improved roads and drainage, was begun.  Construction of the Student Life Center was also begun, just as the original 30-year-old gym had to be shut down after decades of wear and damage from Hurricane Ike in September.

2009:  Renovations to the road and drainage systems was completed, and the Penny Loyd Student Life Center was completed and opened in August, serving as a hub for campus activities -- from education to recreation.

2010:  The original 30-year-old gym was demolished and plans were made for a campus park on the land where the gym stood. 

2011:  To date, construction of new playgrounds on campus and the installation of outdoor lighting across campus have been completed.

Over the past 40 years, friends like you have helped over 1,200 children to grow up to become successful and independent adults, breaking generational cycles of poverty and dysfunction.

The next 40 years will see many more children call Boys and Girls Country home...but we need your help to ensure them the loving, long-term care they need to succeed.  Please make your gift today to help each of our children change their own family histories...and become the first in their families to graduate from high school and college...hold successful careers...and provide their own children with the upbringing their own families could not provide them.

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Thank you for being a part of the rich history of our Home...its future...and the future of each of our children.