Teach Youth Motivate and Empower (T.Y.M.E.)

Elaine, a 35-year-old single mother, has been a foster mom to over 50 kids, starting when she was 23. She opens her arms to hard-to-place children, many with developmental disabilities, and gives them unconditional love and support. On the Dr. Phil episode "The Dr. Phil Foundation: Helping Kids," Elaine explained, "There are thousands of kids with disabilities, but nobody wants to take those children, and those children have a right to have love and a home as well." It wasn't long before Elaine's home became the hang-out spot: a warm, safe place where foster kids were always welcome.

Elaine describes why she founded T.Y.M.E.

Elaine decided to formalize what she started, so she founded T.Y.M.E. Ministries, a foundation which stands for "Teach Youth Motivate and Empower." T.Y.M.E. is a program designed to give foster youth a voice and a venue to be heard, while providing resources and support. But it hasn't been easy, and Elaine struggles to keep her mission afloat. "Our program could be so much more powerful if we had the space. Right now, we're renting a small storefront, and it hurts my heart when I have to turn away kids. My greatest fear is that I won't have the resources to do the things that God has called me to do," she said.

The Dr. Phil Foundation recognized Elaine's outstanding work with foster children and made a donation. WalMart, a corporate sponsor for The Dr. Phil Foundation, heard about Elaine's mission and donated a 32" Sanyo flat-screen television, a Compaq laptop computer, BMX bikes, art supplies, recreational equipment, books and videos. Also, WalMart.com donated a basketball hoop, sports equipment and items to spruce their space!

Watch Dr. Phil’s surprise for Elaine!