Child Care Center Feature: Bountiful Blessings From Above Inc.

Workforce Solutions East Texas CCS Program • October 12, 2022

A Childcare Facility with a Special Purpose

It's a familiar struggle for parents across the nation; finding a daycare facility that you trust to take care of your little one. But what happens when your precious one has special needs? The struggles that come with caring for children with disabilities are a feeling that certain parents know all too well. Parents want to see their children thrive, but parents of children with special needs face obstacles to accessing proper care for their children. 


Like a superhero in the comic books, in comes Bountiful Blessings From Above Inc. Located in Palestine, this facility offers services including childcare and schooling for children with disabilities and has been serving its community since 1995. Through caring staff and carefully selected accommodations, this facility gives parents of special needs children in the area a feeling of relief. 


Despite the ever-increasing need for such services, Bountiful Blessings From Above Inc. remains the only special needs childcare facility in East Texas. During the recent Anderson County Social Services Round Table hosted by Hope Station, local community partners and programs gathered to exchange information on their companies and services. Among them is Joenequia "Nikki" Beckworth-Smith, the Special Needs Director/ Assistant Director of Bountiful Blessings From Above. As she spoke about the services provided by the facility, community members were in shock.


Nikki advised attendees, "We specialize in children with or without disabilities. Quality childcare and development of children. Our children get tutoring and extra support to help build skills. Children that have been in the program for years exceed the expectations of school standards."


Rachel Lovvorn, the Outreach Specialist of WSET, remarked that everyone in the crowd seemed surprised. "You could see it in their faces. They were moved by the role this facility plays in their community. And to find out that their city holds the only specialty facility in East Texas, I believe that only great things can come with that knowledge. The other community leaders in Anderson County will surely show support to Bountiful Blessings From Above as they continue to provide these essential services to East Texas," she said.


When asked what makes Bountiful Blessings From Above different from other facilities, Nikki said "What makes us different is bringing in more trained professionals to help develop children with disabilities in childcare. We make IEP goals to help them successfully transition into public schools." Nikki told Workforce staff that what makes the facility members happiest is seeing the progress in their children and community. "To see them better than they were before. We're also happy when we help them with school supplies, food, clothing, gifts, hugs, and kisses. It makes us all happy, which is rewarding. 


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Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 5 in Longview

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center

SNAP Benefits / Government Shutdown FAQ Guide from Texas Health & Human Services

By Texas Health & Human Services • October 24, 2025
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services .  2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
Welcome slide: Workforce Solutions Management. Board officers: Gene Rayburn, Priya Rayburn.

Welcome, New Board Officers! Chair Gene Keenon & Vice Chair Pam Pearson

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 24, 2025
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
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