Treatment Homes Inc. celebrates 30th anniversary
The 30th anniversary celebration of Treatment Homes Inc. (THINC) was an evening of tributes, remembrances and recognition. The dinner and program titled “Making a Difference for Arkansas Foster Children” was held Oct. 4 in the Great Hall of the Clinton Presidential Center, and more than 150 people attended.
Tom Brannon with television station KTHV-TV, Channel 11, was honored with the Make a Difference Award for his work with Stuff the Sleigh, which collects Christmas gifts for foster children. Alison Bennett, who founded Stuff the Sleigh, noted that Brannon is the reason “so many children in foster care have a wonderful Christmas.”
A special tribute by Allan Ward was paid to the late Albert Porter, who passed away in April and was a longtime board member. Porter was known as the Gingerbread Man for his years of assembling gingerbread houses for THINC’s annual fundraiser, Gingerbread Extravaganza.
Siblings Angie Bradshaw and Josh Manchew spoke about their time in foster care at the home of Gloria and Kennedy Bittle, founding members of THINC. Bradshaw said it was a home filled with unconditional love and that they were taught how to love again, and more importantly, how to trust again.
Five couples who have been foster parents with THINC for 15 or more years were recognized for their service: Jerrye and J.B. Wyatt, Eloise and Carl Propps, Mary and Mark Woodville, Mittie and Frank Wilson, and Brenda and Herman Banks.
The mission of THINC is to provide a therapeutic family environment for foster children and youth with severe emotional or behavioral problems. — Story and photos by
Cary Jenkins