The Faith Center

Matthew 18:20
Where two or three are gathered together in My (Jesus) name, I am there in the midst of them.

The Faith Center is an IRS 501(c)(3) charity located in Smith County Texas founded and chartered by Three United States Army Veterans:

Iraq and Afghanistan War Veteran
Wayne Perkins

Korean DMZ Veteran
David Apperson

Vietnam War Veteran
Lazaro Camarilo

With your help The Boy and His Birds Motivational Art Piece by David Apperson can be placed in churches, detention centers, foster homes, jails, juvenile halls, prisons, schools, work camps, and many types of youth centers throughout the United States.

Signatories include Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, Brian Birdwell, assistant director with the Dept of Defense, lawyers, judges, probation officers, state representatives, state senators, and many others.

Military and veteran signatories include seven Medal of Honor recipients, military and veterans with Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Heart medals.

See Art Piece in the Texas State Capitol.

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Widows and Orphans

Isaiah 61:1-2
The Spirit of the Lord God (The Holy Ghost) is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God.

A father of the fatherless is God in His holy habitation, and pure and undefiled religion before God is to visit widows and orphans in their time of need. Psalm 68:5 and James 1:17

Orphans need parental guidance, consistent emotional stability, and adequate financial resources. You will find that in the Bible orphans are mentioned alongside widows and sojourners (foreigners) as the primary group in society requiring justice and protection.

According to the Holy Ghost, orphans (often translated fatherless in the Holy Scriptures) represents the most vulnerable members of society, and scripture repeatedly commands God's people to feed, clothe, and protect fatherless children (orphans).

Exodus 22:22-24
You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29
At the end of every third year you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.

Psalm 68:5
A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation.

Malachi 3:5
I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien—because they do not fear Me,” says the Lord of hosts.

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

John 14:15-19
If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

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All scripture references are found in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Holy Bible published by Thomas Nelson Bibles, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

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The Faith Center Youth Program

The Faith Center Youth Program is tax-exempt under our fellowship as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

As funds are made available we send framed picture and story to churches, detention centers, foster homes, jails, juvenile halls, libraries, schools, youth facilities, and work camps throughout the nation.

Send all correspondence to

David Wayne Apperson
c/o The Faith Center
15288 Madison Ln
Lindale TX 75771

ph: (430) 288.1999

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Boys and Girls Clubs of America

Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a national youth development nonprofit that has served America’s young people for more than 165 years.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America operates at more than 5,500 locations nationwide — in cities, schools, public housing, native lands, and on US military installations.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America serves nearly four million young people each year through programs in academic success, workforce readiness, health and well-being, character and leadership, and physical activity.

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National Center For Missing and Exploited Children

Every child deserves a safe childhood.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to help locate missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization.

The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children works with families, law enforcement, private industry, victims, and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children, and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation.

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Boys Town

Boys Town is one of the largest nonprofit, nonsectarian child and family care organizations in the country.

We are proud to be a national leader in the care of children and families since our founding by Father Edward Flanagan more than 100 years ago.

In addition to the Village of Boys Town, Boys Town has a network of locations nationwide that offer life-changing services to children and families programs, touching the lives of millions of children across the country.

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Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids funds activities for eligible military children.

A place where every military child feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Our Military Children helps enhance family wellbeing, and strengthen a shared sense of community when military personnel from all branches of service, including the National Guard and Reserves or veterans who are receiving care for combat-related injuries or illness.

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Prevent Child Abuse America

“We realized back in 1972 that the most important unfunded project was in the area of child abuse.” – Donna Stone

For more than five decades, Prevent Child Abuse America has invested in innovative programs, research and strategies aimed at increasing the focus on primary prevention of child abuse and family support services.

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Scouting America

The Scouting experience is divided into five programs according to age and activities.

Discover what programs are available in Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Exploring, Sea Scouts, and Venturing.

Scouting America's unique programs focus on character development, leadership and outdoor exploration and provide a lifetime of benefits for any community!

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Toys for Tots

The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity created at the strongly worded request of the United States Marine Corps in 1991.

The mission of the Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas and beyond.

The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s economically disadvantaged children.

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Youth for Christ

Youth for Christ reaches out to young people everywhere, working together with the local churches and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus Christ who lead by godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God, prayer, passion for sharing the gospel, and commitment to social involvement.

At the core of our ministries and chapters, we meet kids at pivotal moments in their life to help build lasting relationships in God's eternal word.

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Make-a-Wish Foundation

Tens of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters advance the Make-A-Wish® vision to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness.

In the US and its territories, a wish is granted every 33 minutes.

For children diagnosed with a critical illnesses, a wish that comes true can be a crucial turning point in their lives.

A wish can be the spark that helps these children believe anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses.

This impact is why they are driven to make every one of these wishes come true.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

For more than 120 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been more than a mentoring program — it has been a movement.

In 1904 Ernest Coulter, a New York City court clerk, saw an endless cycle of young boys appearing before his bench.

Recognizing that the law wasn't what these children needed, but rather the guidance of a caring adult, he recruited 39 volunteers to become the first Big Brothers.

Simultaneously, the Ladies of Charity began befriending girls entering the New York Children’s Court.

Among these pioneers were Mrs. O’Keefe and Mrs. Parker, two of the first Big Sisters who realized that equity in mentorship was just as vital for young women.

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Native American Childrens Fund

Since 1964, Native American Children's Fund, a non-profit youth development and educational organization for disadvantaged Native American children.

The fund provides free summer camp for Native American youngsters from Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

Through these camp adventures, children enjoy all kinds of fun-filled camp games and activities.

More importantly, these children are motivated and inspired to believe they can make their world a better place!

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Save the Children

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future.

Save the Children does whatever it takes to transform a child's life.

Since its founding in 1919, Save the Children has worked in the United States and around the world to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm.

When crisis strikes and children are most vulnerable, Save the Children is always among the first to respond and the last to leave.

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National 4-H

4‑H is a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provide experiences where young people learn by doing.

Through life-changing 4-H programs, nearly six million kids and teens are learning the skills and abilities to be resilient, adaptable and ready for work and life.

They see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

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Feed the Children

Children need access to nourishing food to grow and thrive.

Yet millions of children in the United States lack consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active lifestyle.

Feed the Children’s US programs meet immediate needs and facilitate sustainable solutions as they work to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry.

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National Adoption Association

It is the belief of the National Adoption Association that all children in foster care should have the opportunity to find a family regardless of where they may live or the resources available to them.

The National Adoption Association works with their national network to ensure that every adoption professional has the opportunity to be connected and made aware of the most effective ways to support newly-formed families and to recruit new homes for children.

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First Place for Youth

A little over 20 years ago Amy Lemley and Deanne Pearn were struck by how many young people who grew up in foster care faced intense challenges after aging out of foster care, including homelessness.

With a small grant in hand, Amy and Deanne were inspired to break the cycle of poverty for these vulnerable youth and launched First Place for Youth.

First Place for Youth helps foster youth attain the skills foster children need to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and responsible adulthood.

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Covenant House

Covenant House is the largest, privately funded charity in North America providing immediate and long-term support for young people facing homelessness and survivors of trafficking.

Since 1972 doors have remained open 24/7, day or night, to more than 1.5 million young people, with more than 2,500 waking up in a Covenant House every day.

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American Red Cross

Each day, thousands of people – people just like you – provide compassionate care to those in need.

The American red Cross network of donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, at home and around the world.

Supporters of the American Red Cross donate time, money and blood.

They teach life-saving skills so communities can be better prepared if the need arises.

The American Red Cross does this every day because they are needed every day.

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Blind Childrens Center

Since 1938 the Blind Children’s Center has prepared infants, toddlers, and preschoolers of all abilities to thrive through inclusive, family-focused early childhood education, with a specialized focus on children who are blind or visually impaired.

Programs are supported by donations and a grant from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

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Disabled American Veterans

Navigating the transition from military service to the civilian world isn't always easy, but Disabled American Veterans (DAV) understands that no veteran should have to go at it alone.

Disabled American Veterans provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, in positive, life-changing ways.

The DAV ensures veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits they rightfully deserve, providing care and support during tough times, advocate for the veteran community on Capitol Hill, and connecting veterans with meaningful employment.

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Easterseals

In 1907, Ohio businessman Edgar Allen lost his son in a streetcar accident.

The inadequate medical services available to save his son prompted Allen to sell his business and launch a fundraising campaign to build a hospital in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio.

Edgar Allen later founded the National Society for Crippled Children in 1919.

In the spring of 1934, the organization launched its first Easter seals campaign to raise funds for its services.

Following World War II, the National Society for Crippled Children expanded its mission to provide to veterans re-entering civilian life.

These programs addressed community reintegration, job opportunities, and physical rehabilitation.

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Farm Aid

In 1985, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson organized the first Farm Aid concert to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on the land.

Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America, and has raised over $90 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture.

In 2001, Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors, Margo Price joined in 2021, and Nathaniel Rateliff joined in 2026.

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Gary Sinise Foundation

Gary Sinise's career is a powerhouse of artistry, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to our nation's heroes.

What began as support for Vietnam veterans grew into a lifelong mission—entertaining troops, building memorials, and founding the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011 to uplift America's defenders and their families.

His impact has earned him the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal, making him only the third actor ever to receive the honor.

Through the Gary Sinise Foundation and bestselling memoir Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service, Sinise's legacy of service continues to inspire and transform lives.

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Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources needed to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, scholars, and alumni as possible.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund strives to make college education a top priority for Hispanic and Latino families across the nation.

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Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund serves US military personnel injured in performance of their duties.

The Fallen Heroes Fund has constructed twelve major treatment centers at military bases nationwide where advanced care is provided for traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and other severe injuries.

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund has continuous ongoing support to these centers to advance patient care and research.

Their goal is to ensure that our nation’s wounded heroes in uniform receive the best possible treatment, allowing them to enjoy a full and productive life.

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March of Dimes

The mission of the March of Dimes is to lead the fight for the health of all mothers and babies.

Since 1938, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive.

From polio to preterm births, their goals are to end the preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap.

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Midwest Food Bank

Every day, people face hard decisions about food.

Midwest Food Bank is recognized as one of the most efficient food banks in the United States.

The Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based nonprofit providing hunger relief across the country and beyond.

At Midwest Food Bank they make hunger relief efficient, easy, and free.

The goal pf the Midwest Food Bank is to ensure that accessing support is never out of reach, and everyone feels cared for and valued.

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Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund

In 1948, the Military Officers Association of America established the Scholarship Fund to provide educational assistance to military families.

The MOAA Scholarship Fund Board of Directors has steadily increased the grant allocation.

For the most recent academic year, the board approved $16.5 million in interest-free loans and grants.

Education is the cornerstone of a strong democracy, and the MOAA Scholarship Fund helps over 1,500 students turn their academic dreams into a reality.

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National Stuttering Association

The National Stuttering Association exists to ensure that people who stutter are supported, informed, and empowered at every stage of life.

The association believes stuttering is a neurological difference, not a flaw to be fixed.

Everything they do reflects that belief.

The focus of the National Stuttering Association is to advancing education, build community, honor lived experiences, and expanding access to resources that help people who stutter communicate with confidence and live empowered and meaningful lives.

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Navy Seabee Foundation

Each year the Navy Seabee Foundation gives seven awards to honor Seabees, their supporters and a distinguished scholar.

The awards are given throughout the year and presented to individuals, active duty Seabees, and corporations for embodying the Seabee “Can Do” spirit.

Seabees truly honor those who make a difference. Seabees can do and so can their kids.

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Navy Seal Foundation

Established in 2000, and as of 2025, the Navy Seal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has invested more than $220 million in programmatic support for the Navy Seal Warfare community, families, and veterans through tailored programs under four Pillars of Support: Community, Health, Education, and Legacy.

These complement government initiatives by addressing needs that fall outside the scope of the Department of Defense and the VA, filling gaps neither institution is designed or funded to cover.

The foundation is there to help warriors shift to successful careers in the civilian sector.

The Navy Seal Foundation is there to assist their families every step of the way.

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Operation Blessing

When children face poverty, instability, or crisis, Operation Blessing provides hope, education, and a safe place to grow through Orphan programs.

The staff and volunteers work alongside families to ensure vulnerable children have safe environments, and the support they need to thrive.

Through mentorship programs, children are encouraged to develop strong values and a vision for their future.

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Operation Second Chance

Operation Second Chance is celebrating 20 Years of Dedicated Service.

Operation Second Chance are patriotic citizens committed to serving wounded, injured and ill Veterans.

They support Veterans and their families by building relationships and identifying and supporting immediate needs and interests.

Operation Second Chance is dedicated to promoting public awareness of the sacrifices made by our nations Armed Forces.

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Ronald McDonald House

Beginning in 1974, Ronald McDonald House began a journey of care to provide services for families with children who are sick.

With the need of accommodations and support close to pediatric hospitals around the world, Ronald McDonald House is expanding services across Austria, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and United States.

Ronald McDonald House continues to identify new ways to support families of hurting children, including providing supportive spaces of rest inside hospitals.

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Salvation Army

The ministry of the Salvation Army is motivated by the love of God, with a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Give With Joy.

Your gift can help bring happiness to your neighbors in need.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical leg of the universal Christian Church.

The message of the Salvation Army is based on the Holy Scriptures.

Every dollar you give to The Salvation Army helps people navigate food insecurity, unexpected job loss, housing instability, and much more.

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Scholarship America

For nearly 70 years Scholarship America has aimed to eliminate financial barriers to students’ dreams.

Scholarship America collaboratively creates and sustains scholarships for sponsors in almost every industry, in partnering to develop student talent.

Scholarship America works with corporations, foundations, and government institutions to build flexible programs to connect their missions with best-in-class solutions and real results.

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Shriners Hospitals for Children

Founded in 1922, Shriners Hospitals for Children has a network of 22 medical facilities focusing on care to children with neuromuscular conditions and burn injuries.

Shriners Hospitals for Children has been providing hope and healing to children for more than 100 years.

Shriners compassionate, prestigious doctors and care teams are committed to excellence in pediatric care.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit healthcare system, Shriners Hospitals for Children provide leading pediatric specialty care for children, ensuring treatment is available to all families, regardless of their insurance status, or ability to pay.

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Special Olympics

Special Olympics offers 30-plus Olympic-style individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Unified Schools empowers youth and educators to be leaders of change.

Students of all abilities have the power to positively impact their school communities by promoting social inclusion.

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St Jude Childrens Research Hospital

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life becomes overwhelming.

Because of donors like you, St Jude can provide a community of care at no cost to patient families, so the families can focus on what matters most; helping their child heal.

Supporting St Jude is one of the best ways to support kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

As a supporter you will have access to your St Jude donation history, as well as the ability to manage your contact information, change gift amounts, or request a tax receipt and more.

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Students For Life of America

Let your moral outcry against abortion be heard. Students for Life is in over 1,700 campuses nationwide, changing the hearts and minds of students every day.

Since the reversal of Roe v Wade, the Abortion Lobby has pulled out all the stops to brainwash young people and peddle taxpayer-funded abortion-on-demand for any reason, even up to the nineth month of pregnancy.

Help Students for Life change hearts and minds.

With your support, Students for Life is ensuring your moral outcry against abortion is heard.

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Support Our Troops

Do you want to do good things for their troops ???

Support Our Troops provides millions of dollars’ worth of goods and services that range from large scale enterprise-level container shipments to bases and battalions, down to individual soldier support.

Support Our Troops is a 501(c)(3) public purpose charity through which Americans strengthen the morale and well-being of current military service members and the complete military unit, the soldier, the spouse, and most important, the children.

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The Arc of the United States

In 1950, little was known about intellectual disabilities.

There were virtually no programs to support people with intellectual disabilities and no laws to protect them against discrimination.

But some families refused to accept that.

They wanted their loved ones to lead fulfilling lives in the community, not be locked away in some institution.

The Arc was born from their determination to keep their children at home and change what society believed was possible for people with disabilities.

Since then, The Arc has helped drive major disability rights advances and built a network of state and local chapters.

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Tunnel to Towers

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is embarking on the most comprehensive commemoration in their history—one that honors the past, serves those in need today, and educates the generations of tomorrow.

Tunnel to Towers extends to those who struggle long after their service.

Since launching their Homeless Veteran Program, they have helped nearly 20,000 homeless veterans with housing and any services they desperately need.

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Veterans of Foreign Wars

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is the nation's largest war veterans organization, dedicated to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.

Working alongside America’s youth and instilling a sense of patriotism has always been — and will always be — a priority for Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The VFW youth scholarships challenge students to reflect on our nation's history, ideals and principles, and their experiences based on a patriotism.

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YMCA of the USA

The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirits, minds and bodies.

The YMCA is active in 10,000 communities across the country committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages and inspiring action in and across communities.

The YMCA has the presence and partnerships not only to promise but to deliver positive change.

Guided by their core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the YMCA is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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Young Life

Young Life is a mission devoted to introducing adolescents to the Lord Jesus Christ and helping young people grow in their faith.

The next generation is searching for life.

Young Life is there building relationships with young people while introducing them to the Lord, who offers all who come to Him abundant and eternal life.

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