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. 


See more from our monthly Career Connections newsletter at https://conta.cc/3ymq6nI.

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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