A young girl with curly hair gazing out a window, smiling softly, with natural light illuminating her face.

"Give Them More Than a Place to Stay — Give Them a Place to Belong."

Your support helps children find healing, hope, and a future filled with promise.

A young girl and a toddler sitting on the floor, smiling and hugging each other in a cozy indoor setting.

Who We Are:

Mission Statement:

The House of Peter exists to provide a Christ-centered home for children, youth, and young adults who have been lost, abused, abandoned, forgotten, and neglected — bringing them healing, restoration, and equipping them for life after care.

Vision Statement:

We offer a complete continuum of care from infancy through young adulthood, with no child ever being "aged out" without support. The vision is to open the eyes of every life touched by The House of Peter to hope, healing, and God’s calling on their lives, equipping them to walk toward that purpose with strength and confidence.

The Vision for Transformation Homes:

Person with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a bright green sweater, seen from behind, standing in a doorway in a bright room with white walls and windows.

Our Transformative Transitional Homes Program provides at-risk youth with safe housing, compassionate guidance, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. We are dedicated to stopping the downward spiral these young people face and transforming it into a journey toward a healthy, motivated adulthood filled with hope and a bright future. This program is both a comprehensive overview of our services and a donor-focused impact initiative, illustrating how support for our mission changes lives.

Who We Serve

Our program focuses on three groups of vulnerable youth and young adults, offering each the tailored support they need to thrive:

Youth Exiting or Diverted from the Justice System: Teens and young adults who have been involved with the juvenile justice system, or are at risk of entering it, can find a fresh start with us.

Pregnant Youth and Young Women in Crisis: Young expectant mothers who are facing homelessness or considering abortion due to crisis circumstances receive a safe haven and hope for both themselves and their babies.

Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: Young men and women transitioning out of the foster care system without a permanent family or support network are given guidance and resources to build an independent, successful life.

By addressing the unique challenges of each of these groups, we work to break cycles of despair and set every individual on a path to success.

Dream it.

Five people holding hands together in a star shape on a wooden table, symbolizing teamwork and unity.

Youth Exiting the Justice System:

For youth exiting detention or looking for an alternative to incarceration, our program offers a new path forward. We intervene at a critical point to stop their momentum down a destructive path and redirect it toward personal growth and positive goals. Through structure, support, and genuine care, we help these young people envision and work toward a brighter future.

How we support justice-involved youth: We provide a stable home environment and offer wraparound services, including mentorship and counseling. By pairing each youth with a mentor and counselor, we address the trauma and challenges that contributed to their past behavior. They learn accountability and receive encouragement to set and achieve goals. Over time, we see them transform into healthy, motivated young adults equipped with the skills and hope they need to build productive lives.

Pregnant Youth in Crisis:

Young women who are pregnant and in crisis often feel they have nowhere to turn. Our transitional home for expectant youth is a lifeline that offers safety and solutions. We welcome pregnant teens and young women who are homeless or considering abortion because of desperate circumstances. Here, they find not only shelter but also understanding and empowerment.

How we support pregnant youth: We ensure both the mother and baby are protected and cared for. This includes providing stable housing, access to prenatal care and healthcare resources, and emotional support throughout the pregnancy. We also offer practical parenting and life skills training, so these young mothers gain confidence in taking care of their newborns and themselves. With our help, they discover that they can not only live through this challenging time, but truly thrive afterward. Each mother-to-be is shown that a difficult start can still lead to a healthy, successful life for her and her child.

Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: A Strong Start to Independence

For teenagers turning 18 (or 21, in some cases) and aging out of the foster care system, the transition to adulthood can be overwhelming. Without a family to fall back on, many of these young men and women face homelessness or hardship. Our program steps in to bridge that gap, offering a supportive home and guidance as they learn to live independently in the adult world.

How we support foster youth: We teach practical skills for success in daily life. This includes helping them finish their education or pursue higher education, offering job training and trade skills to jumpstart their careers, and coaching them in essential life skills like budgeting, cooking, and time management. We also provide secure housing so they have a safe place to live while they build savings and stability. By creating a family-like community, we ensure these youth have mentors and peers to turn to as they navigate adulthood. The goal is that they leave us not just with survival skills, but with confidence, purpose, and a plan for the future.

Build it.

Multiple glass jars tipped over with assorted dried seeds and nuts spilling onto a white surface. The jars contain sunflower seeds, almonds, goji berries, and other dried seeds.

Our Holistic Approach: Mentorship, Life Skills, and Healing

Across all our program areas, we use a holistic approach designed to heal past wounds and prepare each young person for a successful future. Key components of our program include:

Mentorship & Counseling: Every youth is paired with caring mentors and professional counselors. Mentors serve as positive role models, guiding them through challenges, while counseling helps address trauma, build healthy coping strategies, and foster emotional growth.

Educational Support: We assist our participants in continuing their education – whether it’s completing high school, obtaining a GED, or enrolling in college or vocational courses. Education opens doors to better opportunities and self-sufficiency.

Life Skills Training: Participants learn practical skills for daily living. This ranges from financial literacy (budgeting, saving, managing expenses) and job readiness (resume building, interview practice) to cooking, self-care, and effective communication. These skills empower youth to handle adult responsibilities with confidence.

Vocational and Trade Learning: For those inclined toward trades or immediate employment, we provide training in various trades and connect them with apprenticeships or job opportunities. Gaining a trade skill enables our youth to secure stable, meaningful work and income.

Family Dynamics & Healthy Relationships: We help youth repair or build healthy relationships with family members when possible, and we foster a supportive “family” environment within our homes. They learn about trust, respect, and positive communication, which are crucial for personal and family life.

Safe Housing & Stability: At the core of our program is a safe, nurturing home. Our transitional housing gives youth relief from instability or unsafe environments. With their basic needs met – a comfortable bed, regular meals, and a secure roof over their heads – they can focus on personal growth and planning for the future.

All these elements work together to restore hope and dignity to young lives. Our team addresses the whole person, not just one problem, ensuring that each youth heals from past challenges and gains the tools to build a bright future. Lasting Impact and Ongoing Support

Our commitment to these young people does not end when they "graduate" from our program. No one exits our program without finding healing, restoration, and feeling ready and fully equipped for the next step in life. We take pride in walking alongside each participant as they achieve milestones and regain confidence. By the time they complete their stay with us, they have not only overcome immediate crises or obstacles but also developed resilience and a clear vision for their life ahead.

Importantly, we continue to offer support even after they leave our residential program. This ongoing support may include:

Continued mentorship or check-ins with counselors and staff who know them well.

Assistance with securing employment or housing as they transition to complete independence.

Access to resources and referrals for additional education, childcare (for our young mothers), healthcare, or any other needs that arise.

An alumni community or support network so they never feel alone in their journey.

By following through post-graduation, we ensure that each young adult truly finds long-term success. This continuum of care dramatically increases their chances of maintaining stable housing, staying employed or in school, and building healthy relationships. It’s not just about a temporary fix – it’s about permanent transformation.

Grow it.

The Vision for H.O.M.E

  • A group of five children with a woman sitting around a wooden dining table enjoying a meal of spaghetti, green beans, and bread rolls, smiling and talking together.

    Phase 1

    1 Year

    Phase 1 of H.O.M.E is where healing begins.
    We are creating three family-style foster homes, a specialized trauma home, and an emergency shelter to serve up to 32 children and youth in need of safety, love, and stability. Each home will provide a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where children can heal from past hurts, grow through counseling and education, and discover the future God has planned for them. Your support helps turn these houses into true homes — places where broken lives are restored and hope is born.

    Donate Now
  • A suburban neighborhood with single-story houses, a church with a steeple, green lawns, paved sidewalks, and parked cars on the street during late afternoon or early evening.

    Phase 2

    2-3 Years

    Phase 2 of H.O.M.E is about completing the vision.
    We are expanding our campus to include two additional family-style foster homes, a second specialized trauma home, a full chapel, a recreation center, a library and learning center, and a commissary to support daily needs.

    This next phase will allow us to care for up to 60 children and youth — offering not just shelter, but a full community where young lives can heal, learn, and grow in Christ. With your help, Phase 2 will turn hope into a lifelong foundation for every child we serve.

    Donate Now
  • Illustration of a church and multiple homes connected by glowing lines across the United States map, symbolizing a church community network.

    Phase 3

    5 Year

    Phase 3 of H.O.M.E is about multiplying the mission.
    After establishing our first full campus, we plan to expand H.O.M.E throughout Texas and beyond — planting new H.O.M.E’s in communities where children are hurting and hope is needed. Our long-term vision is to replicate the H.O.M.E model across the country, partnering with churches, families, and local leaders to open Christ-centered homes for children in foster care or crisis. By building healthy communities rooted in faith, love, and restoration, we believe we can transform the future — one home, one heart, and one child at a time.

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Foster Children in Need Statistics

  • "Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that ONE of these little ones should perish."

    Matthew 18:14

  • "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost"

    Matthew 18:11

  • But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and DO NOT forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven"

    Matthew 19:14

  • "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

    James 1:27

A woman with long blonde hair sitting at a table with crossed arms, in front of a black and white cityscape wall art.

The Visionary:

Sarah Htoutou

Sarah Htoutou is the founder and President of The House of Peter, bringing over 15 years of experience in leadership, outreach, and community development. She has faithfully served in her local church’s youth and children’s ministries, where she mentors young people with compassion and clarity. Sarah’s heart for the vulnerable has led her to serve in mission fields both locally and abroad, working directly with children and youth at risk. She also volunteers her time in the community to support women who are pregnant and afraid, as well as individuals experiencing homelessness. Her firsthand experience walking alongside people in crisis fuels the organization’s mission of healing, restoration, and community transformation. As a strategic leader and servant-hearted mentor, Sarah sets the tone for the redemptive work at the core of The House of Peter.

Meet the Leaders:

The House of Peter is led by a dynamic, faith-driven team committed to healing the broken and wounded, restoring the lost and discouraged, and equipping every individual to build a thriving life grounded in God’s love. Together, we are taking bold steps to create lasting change for at-risk youth, young women, and young adults in our community.

  • Preston Thayer

    Director:

    Preston Thayer is a skilled tradesman and entrepreneur known for his deep compassion and generosity. With a strong belief in second chances, Preston is dedicated to teaching and giving freely to those in need, offering his time, tools, and trade knowledge to support individuals transitioning out of incarceration or crisis. His charitable spirit fuels The House of Peter’s vision to provide practical pathways to independence. Preston’s lived experience, combined with his unwavering commitment to serve, makes him an essential part of the leadership team.

  • Rebecca Knight

    Director:

    Rebecca Knight is a compassionate leader with a heart for families and vulnerable children. She currently serves in the children’s ministry at her local church, where she works hands-on with children of all ages, including those with special needs. Her experience supporting children with developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges brings a unique and vital perspective to The House of Peter’s programs. Rebecca’s nurturing presence and commitment to inclusive care helpshape a safe and responsive environment for all residents—especially youngmothers and children in crisis.

  • Al Tooker

    Director:

    Al Tooker is a dedicated community servant and spiritual leader with a heart for mentoring young people. He plays an active role in his church’s outreach ministry, where he consistently invests in the lives of adolescents—particularly those growing up without father figures. Albert has spent years guiding young men through challenges related to identity, discipline, and purpose, offering mentorship rooted in faith and consistency. As Secretary of The House of Peter, Albert brings both administrative insight and a deep personal commitment to restoring broken lives through relationship and example.

Join the team

Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children? Join the team at H.O.M.E and become part of a mission that brings healing, opportunity, mentorship, and empowerment to those who need it most. Whether you're gifted in caregiving, administration, education, or simply have a heart to serve, there's a place for you here. Together, we are building more than a home — we’re building hope. Let’s serve, grow, and change lives together.