By David White
Nearly 50 years ago, a young couple – Rosemary Burke and Charles Campise – had the dream to help foster children in Texas. Their dream came to fruition in 1973 when the couple opened a residential treatment center in Driftwood at Pathfinders Ranch. In the 20 years after, Burke and Campise opened five Child Placement and Adoption Agencies across Texas.
Last week, Rosemary Burke was the center of attention at the grand opening of a new dormitory for the Burke Center youth, but she redirected that attention to the new facilities at the youth center made possible by donors who chose to remain anonymous. The center currently houses 21 young men and boys and has recently built a new dormitory to house up to 30.
In addition to the 30-room dormitory with recreation areas, the facilities have expanded to include a hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouse where residents will learn about horticulture and provide produce for the community, a wood shop, and two swimming pools.
