Message from Founders

Randy & Tina Kacirek

What we couldn’t have predicted at the beginning of our adoption journey was that the most painful roads would lead us to beauty.  We had to lay down our ideas of what life should look like, and in its place stand on the stabilizing truth of Jesus. Our plans had to change and adjust.  Honestly, that was a grieving process and not something we did easily.

We are eager to share with other families, where we blew it big because they need to know there will be mazes and seemingly dead ends.   It was in those times we would be met with a safe place to regain perspective, pick up the pieces, and start again. Every orphan and adoptive family needs that support system.

Our challenge however, was living in a world with structures and systems in place that didn’t have understanding of families caring for children with past trauma.  So while we were learning what our family and children needed in order to grow, these systems had policies in place (all meant for good) that made it difficult to participate in.  Oftentimes, programs were separating parent and child, and unbeknownst to them, sabotaging the hard work of building attachment and security. Other times, our children reacting in fear would automatically receive restrictions, yet their deeper issues not addressed. OR at other times, their behavior totally dismissed when it was really screaming, “I am not okay.”

Our children need security and safety.  Not just safety because WE know they are safe.  They need to experience FELT safety.  They need to know who they are, who God created them to be.  We saw such a  need in our community for more places who can not only be compassionate, but be equipped in responding that builds family attachment, fosters trust, and diminishes the lies that they cannot succeed.

The vision the Lord gave us almost 20 years ago – before we began the adoption process, was a picture of safety on land ministering to the orphan spirit and the whole family.  It became apparent as the years passed that this was laid on our heart because it would be something our own family would need. In that time, the Lord was knitting divine relationships here in NW Arkansas with others who were also seeing land for the purpose of healing!

Our long term vision is to see Spirit-led, trauma informed ministry that honors parents and children in an environment of nature and God’s creations!  A place of respite, a place of hope and replenishment, of joy, and new found skills! Animal care, garden tending, art, movement, and music!  All of these things provide opportunities to work on developmental milestones that were missed, such as fine and gross motor skills, at the same time addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs through social and life skills nurture groups.

If you are a parent, and have found yourself worn out and at the end of your rope, you are in the ripest place for a mighty work of heaven in your heart!  Please reach out and let us help connect you into supports. 

If you are here to find out how to help, here are some ways to begin:

1.      Pray – it tears down strongholds and is effective for building up!

2.      Serve – learn about adoptive families and trauma care needs and then be willing to get plugged in to the area that best suits you.

3.      Give – we are small grass roots and ministry focused, so fundraising is often low on the list when crisis calls. Your financial gifts allow us to be more effective in ministry.

4.      Advocate – Meet with us to find out more and lend your voice to share our vision with others, that they may prayerfully consider support of Grace Haven in some way.