New Horizons hosted the grand opening of the Audrey Grace House August 19, 2009. Over 350 were in attendance. The 6,500 square foot center will be home for up to 22 residents. The Audrey Grace House is the first phase of the Community Center of Care and will provide residential treatment, shelter and support services to Abilene youth and families.

Grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting with distinguished guests was from 11:00am until noon. It was a chance for the community to tour the grounds and explore the services that New Horizons provides. The grand opening also gave the community a chance to shower the home. New Horizons’ created a safe place for treatment but they need help in furnishing this dream. The public is still welcome to bring a shower gift. New Horizons has registered at Sam’s, Ashley Furniture, Beds & More, Morrisons Supply, Masterscapes, Wal-Mart, JCPenny, Hobby Lobby, Athletic Supply, Bed Bath & Beyond and Kitchen Supply, Beale Appliance & Parts, Best Buy and New to You Auto Sales. Or donations can be made to the Audrey Grace Furnishing Fund. For more information, please call 325-437-1852

“It has taken much planning and hard work to finally have the home complete,” said Michael Redden, Executive Director of New Horizons. “We were grateful for all who have helped and we were excited to have the community that came to be a part of this great celebration.”

The home is named in memory of a child lost at birth by Leon and Jane Backes. They were the first major contributors through their own personal gifts and efforts in fundraising. In addition, significant gifts have been received from T. Boone Pickens Foundation, Shelton Foundation, Dodge-Jones Foundation, Community Foundation of Abilene and Greathouse Foundation.

Significant contributions have been made through services and in-kind donations from several local businesses. The most significant of these is the management of the entire construction by Mark Horn and Cory Wood of Mark Horn Enterprises. This was done at no cost to New Horizons. In addition, Jerry and Sean Siewert of Lydick-Hooks Roofing provided all the roofing supplies and labor for the house at no cost to New Horizons. Without these significant gifts and the Abilene and surrounding areas involvement, the completion of the home would not have been possible.

The home is designed with as much flexibility as possible to allow New Horizons to adjust the arrangement of beds to conform to the needs of the children, youth and families.

New Horizons is a local non-profit that provides services for local children and families in need. They offer a variety of services that help families stay together. They serve the North, West, and Central Texas areas.