Uncategorized Archives - Arrow Child & Family Ministries

Photos & Moments: Inside Arrow’s Uplifting Building Dedication Event

On Monday, May 19, Arrow Child & Family Ministries hosted a joyful and heartfelt building dedication ceremony, honoring longtime supporters George and Laura Pontikes for their unwavering commitment to our mission of Helping Kids & Strengthening Families.

The event brought together an incredible mix of community leaders, partners, and advocates, including Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. Commissioner Briones delivered a powerful speech and presented two official proclamations: one recognizing the work of Arrow, and another celebrating the Pontikes’ remarkable contributions.

The atmosphere was full of warmth and purpose, with meaningful fellowship at the heart of the gathering. The timing of the event — during National Foster Care Awareness Month — was especially poignant, shining a light on the ongoing work to uplift and protect vulnerable children and families.

Arrow’s CEO, Scott Lundy, and members of the Board of Directors were in attendance, making the celebration even more special as leadership, partners and supporters gathered to reflect on the impact of Arrow’s work and the facility that now fully supports it.

The building’s transformation began in 2020, at a time when much of the world was uncertain. But, as Laura Pontikes shared in her remarks, the need to press forward remained clear. Thanks to the efforts of Satterfield & Pontikes, the construction firm co-founded by Laura, and their generous vendor partners, the Arrow headquarters underwent critical renovations to create a space worthy of the mission it serves.

This dedication wasn’t just a celebration of a building, it was a recognition of heart, legacy and vision.

Laura Pontikes, who serves on Arrow’s Board, is a tireless advocate for youth and families. This dedication event served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community comes together.

Take a look at some of the memorable moments!!

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Arrow had an incredible time sponsoring the Supply Chain Golf Tournament! We connected with amazing individuals, shared our mission, and felt the overwhelming support from those eager to learn about the impact we’re making in children’s lives. It was a fantastic day of networking, community building, and fun on the course! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about Arrow. Together, we’re driving change for a brighter future!

Despite a rainy and muddy start on Saturday, September 28, 2024, Arrow Child & Family Ministries proudly participated in the Legacy Chase Event by sponsoring the Stick Pony Races for children 12 and under. Thankfully, the sun made its appearance just in time to dry things up and kick off the races! Due to the overwhelming interest, a total of seven Stick Pony Races were held, bringing so much joy to all the participating children.

Legacy Chase is an incredible family event filled with steeplechase racing, picnicking, and tailgating, or you can even entertain family, friends, or clients with your own tent. This event plays a crucial role in preserving a historic local working farm, ensuring it continues as a venue for steeplechase racing and family-friendly activities for the past 22 years. Managed by the Land Preservation Trust and local non-profits, the committee is made up of young professionals across Maryland who are passionate about preserving open spaces.

Arrow was honored to sponsor this amazing event, and we cherished every moment of sharing our impactful work with everyone who attended. Thank you to all who came out, supported us, and learned more about the difference we are making together. We can’t wait for what next year will bring!

Last month the Arrow Center for Education Tangram School staff proudly participated in the Autism Speaks Walk, raising both awareness and funds to support the autism community. @AutismSpeaks fuels innovative research and provides vital, lifelong resources and services.

We’re deeply grateful for the ongoing support from our parents, students, and staff, who helped us surpass our fundraising goal. Thanks to your generosity, the ACE Tangram Team raised $1,554.24 to further this important mission. 🙏 Together, we’re making a lasting impact!

Arrow was proud to be a sponsor of the All Aboard: Mapping Uncharted Waters conference with @texascasa . As we navigate the evolving landscape of the child welfare system, this event was an incredible opportunity to come together, share insights, and learn from those deeply involved in child welfare. Collaborating and staying informed ensures we continue to provide the best support and care for children and families.

Last month, Arrow proudly attended the Region 6B CPS Kinship Unit’s Fall Festival! Marlena Cantu, Alexis Hunt, and Scott Batson represented Arrow, hosting a fun bean bag toss and popular giveaways like tattoos, slime, and insects. Families enjoyed activities like a petting zoo, face painting, and tractor rides, with lots of interest in Arrow’s kinship program and Behavioral Health Services!

On October 24th, Arrow hosted a Young Professionals Happy Hour at Saint Arnold’s Brewery. This event was an opportunity for young professionals in the Houston area to learn about Arrow and the services we provide to children and families. Adrienne Walker Wilson provided an overview of the organization while Scott Batson offered some background information on the child welfare system in Texas. We had a great time introducing our organization to the attendees and sharing our mission to Help Kids & Strengthen Families!

The Arrow Team had an amazing time at Zoo BOO 2024 at the Maryland Zoo! Families enjoyed a day full of fun, trick-or-treating with the kids, and exploring numerous community and craft vendors. It was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with the Baltimore community and share about Arrow and Treatment Foster Care.

Our Grand Opening in Brownwood earlier this week was a huge success! We had an amazing turnout, with families enjoying food, games, and a special appearance by the Heart Gallery of Northwest Texas. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate our new office and learn more about our foster care services. We’re excited to be part of the Brownwood community and look forward to making a lasting impact!

Take a look at our featured news article.

CEO Scott Lundy and CDO Larissa Potiomkin had the distinct honor of meeting the First Lady of Texas, Cecelia Abbott, in Tyler.

Together, they demonstrated their shared commitment to supporting the Heart Gallery of East Texas, an initiative dedicated to helping children in foster care find loving, permanent homes.

Their meeting underscores the continued efforts to advocate for these children and raise awareness about the importance of adoption and community involvement.