Growing Together Through Prayer (Copy)

The Heart Behind Collins Home

With Mother’s Day recently, I wanted to share a special story from our founder, Anne Rackley, who shared it with me recently while I was blessed to spend time with her this week. Throughout our campus, and likely far beyond into all of Oconee County, she is lovingly known as “Mama” or “Mother Anne.” She has always been, and continues to be, such a beautiful example of motherly love to everyone who knows her well.

One of the many ways she and her husband, Joe, poured into the children of Collins Home was by teaching them stewardship — not only through words, but through everyday moments that became lifelong memories.

A Sweet Gift and a Creative Challenge

Mama Anne shared that during the early years on our current campus, the home received a large donation of baked goods from a bakery in Florida that was known for its delicious sweet treats and breads. Mama Anne and Joe worked hard alongside the children to preserve and make the most of everything they had been given.

As they sorted through the donation, they discovered the French baguettes were especially difficult to freeze and reuse. Mama Anne recalled trying all kinds of methods to thaw, reheat, and repurpose the loaves, hoping none of the gift would go to waste.

Baseball, Bread, and Childhood Joy

Now is a good time to mention that the boys in the home absolutely loved baseball. They spent countless afternoons in the backyard of the RA home lining up bases, tossing baseballs, running endless innings, and dreaming of home runs.

After hours of trying to figure out what to do with the baguettes, one of the boys finally said out loud, “Why don’t we cut the baguettes up and practice our batting?”

At first glance, it may not seem like perfect stewardship, but in truth, it was making the very best out of a difficult situation. Though they could not use the bread to feed the children’s bodies, they found a way to use it to feed joy, creativity, and connection.

A Memory That Still Lives On

That afternoon, the boys spent hours hitting pieces of bread into the woods behind the home, laughing together as they unknowingly shared the bread with all of God’s little creatures nearby.

What began as a challenge became a treasured memory. Through baseball, laughter, and togetherness, Mama Anne and Joe taught the children that stewardship is not always about perfection. Sometimes it is about finding joy, making the best of what you have, and creating moments of love that last a lifetime.

Join Us in Supporting the Mission

Would you consider partnering with us as we continue creating safe, loving spaces for children and families in need? Whether through prayer, volunteering, giving, or simply sharing our story, your support helps make moments like these possible for the children we serve every day.

To learn more about Collins Family Ministries, ways to get involved, or how you can support our mission, please call our office at 864-882-0893 or visit Collins Family Ministries