It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Memorial to State Troopers HD Murphy and Edward Wheeler gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Southlake, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“We are so grateful to Always Best Care for the exceptional care they provided to my father-in-law. From the very first conversation, we felt supported and reassured that we were in good hands. Their team went above and beyond, treating him with kindness, patience, and genuine compassion every step of the way. The care service providers that we worked with were professional yet warm, and they quickly became like family to us. They didn’t just meet his medical needs—they truly cared about his comfort, dignity, and well-being. It gave us so much peace of mind to know that he was in such capable and loving hands, whether it was with personal care, companionship, or simply making him smile throughout the day. The communication was seamless, and the staff was incredibly responsive to any changes or needs. We always felt heard, understood, and valued as a family. Having Always Best Care involved made such a difference in our lives, and we cannot thank them enough. If you're looking for home care service providers who treat your loved ones with respect and compassion, I wholeheartedly recommend Always Best Care. They made a challenging time easier for us all, and we will forever be grateful for their kindness and professionalism.”
“My experience working with Always Best Care has been amazing! The team goes above and beyond to make sure my moms is taken care of and I couldn't be happier with my moms care giver, Taelyn! She is the best! I would highly recommend entrusting the ABC team with your family member.”
“I have worked for this company for almost 2 and half years and it has been the best one I have ever worked for (dixie, Matthew ,Shane,Shelly,Jeremy) care for their clients and employees couldn't ask for a better company to hire to care for your family members”
“Every staff member we have worked with is kind and passionate about their job and ABC. They are responsive to families and helpful in making documentation easy for the families. We are new to the service, but so far very pleased, especially with our mom’s caretaker Ailie. She is attentive and caring and respectful to our mom, treating her with dignity and kindness. We are so thankful to have found this service provider who came highly recommended by close friends who have been using them since the company’s inception. Thank you, Shane, and team!”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is a great person to talk with about joining our wonderful team.”
“Melissa Watson did an amazing job with our mother. She worked so hard, changed her schedule when we needed her and was very loving to our mother.”
“Employees caring, compassionate folks with empathy and love for those they care for! Office staff goes (Dixie , Shane, Shelly, Matthew and Jeremy ) above and beyond to make sure all aspects of care are covered.”
“Dixie is a great resource! She shared valuable information around getting my Father In Law benefits through the VA. I had no idea these were available. Highly recommend!”
“I have worked here for awhile and it's the best. I have great clients and great coworkers especially Dixie. Everyone is so understanding when I went through a family emergency. I'm really blessed.”
“ABC is an amazing company to work for, always were respectful, courteous, and caring of both their clients AND their staff.”
“The Always Best Care team (Dixie, Matthew, Shane, Shelley, and Jermey) really care about their caregivers! I have loved working for them and they have done so much for me as well. I would definitely recommend this job for college students who have a passion for helping others!”
“Their staff was wonderful and very trustworthy for my mom’s care- they were there for her through ice storms and hail!! Melissa and Laina took great care of my mom and I didn’t have to worry!! Very trustworthy company!!!”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is a great person to talk with about joining our wonderful team.”
“I have worked for ALWAYS BEST CARE for many years and have always had the Support of a Wonderful Owner and Management Team. This Team not only takes care of its Clients and their Family, but we also make sure that We take care of each other as well! I am truly Grateful and Blessed to be a part of this Team.”
“I have worked for a few home health care agencies in the past 15 years and none compare to ALWAYS BEST CARE! I have never worked with a group who TRULY care about each and everyone of their clients. I have never seen a group so committed to what they do. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to work here. I enjoy the dynamics in the office and never mind getting up to go to work. If you want an agency who truly cares about theirs clients, then ALWAYS BEST CARE is for you and your loved ones.”
“This company is awesome! They treat their employees great and they treat their clients even better.”
“We contacted Always Best Senior Care for additional hospice support for our family member. Jeremy was so prompt in returning our call and putting together a care plan that would work for us. I highly recommend their services as well as Jeremy as the coordinator. Top Notch!”
“Amazing place to work. This company takes pride in helping their clients!”
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“I called , and spoke with Kelly Strong about helping me with a caretaker, and explained my needs. She told me she had the perfect person for me, and I can testify, that she was the best caretaker ever. She was patient, kind, had a great personality , and had great work ethics. I have to say that Kelly Strong has the same qualities as a coordinator. Kelly has always helped me with whatever I needed. It’s great to know that if I need help, I can always depend on her. Thank You Sincerely , Cathy Sewell”
“I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how incredibly awesome Always Best Care is! I had someone recommend them to me and I called them as soon as I could! As soon as Shane answered the phone they immediately started taking care of us! They scheduled the most amazing team of people to be by our side and by my mother-in-laws side. They even jumped through hoops to gather extra people when we needed them round the clock! They always found ways to work their schedule around us! The people they hire are incredible people who truly know how to do their job and truly love who they are taking care of. All of them became family to us and are still family to us to this day. I just cannot tell you how awesome they are, but I can give you the best advice and that is to not call anybody else but Always Best Care!!!!!”
“Always Best Care has been providing care for my father for over two years now; and I’m not quite sure where we’d be without their meticulous care, attention to detail, and compassion for my elderly dad. Their support has enabled our family to have our dad home with us and involved in our daily lives as much as possible. We are forever grateful to Kelly and her team!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lonesome Dove Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab or visit Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Southlake, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Southlake, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Southlake, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Last summer, James Morris resigned as associate pastor at Gateway Church in the Dallas suburb of Southlake amid an internal investigation into child sexual abuse claims lodged against his father, the church founder Robert Morris...
Last summer, James Morris resigned as associate pastor at Gateway Church in the Dallas suburb of Southlake amid an internal investigation into child sexual abuse claims lodged against his father, the church founder Robert Morris. James and his wife, Bridgette, who stepped down as executive pastor at Gateway, left the giant non-denominational Christian evangelical megachurch at the onset of the abuse scandal that led to elder layoffs and tens of thousands of members leaving the congregation.
The presumed heirs to the DFW megachurch haven't commented on the controversy surrounding Gateway and its once highly-esteemed founding pastor. Instead, after an Oklahoma grand jury indicted Robert Morris on child sexual abuse charges last week, James and Bridgette Morris told their Instagram followers that they plan to launch Passage Church on April 12 at St. John Church in Southlake, a short drive from the Gateway campus.
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"LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" the caption to the announcement reads.
"Thank you so much for going on this journey with us, praying for us, praying for Passage Church," James said in a wholesome video posted around the time of his father's indictment. "We have been looking long and hard trying to find a location and God opened a great door." Bridgette chimed in, saying that Pastor Denny Davis of St. John Church "graciously opened up his doors" for them to host services on Saturday evenings. They invited people to attend Passage's first service on the weekend of Palm Sunday, a week before Easter.
Robert Morris, 63, resigned after a woman accused him of sexually abusing her in the 1980s. The victim, Cindy Clemishire, told authorities the abuse started when she was 12 years old and Morris was a traveling evangelist staying in Oklahoma with her family, according to Associated Press. Robert Morris, a well-known preacher among Texas politicians and former spiritual adviser to the Trump White House, surrendered to Oklahoma authorities on Monday. He could face up to 20 years in prison for each of the five charges of lewd or indecent acts with a child.
After months of silence, James and Bridgette Morris announced in September 2024 that they had been "taking time to rest, pray and hear from the Lord after this last season" and received orders by God to embark on a "church planting journey" in the near future. A Gateway spokesman said at the time that the church elders believed "God has placed a desire in both James and Bridgette's hearts to serve as senior pastors of a church at some point in the future" and that the congregation would ultimately "support their desires to plant a church in the future as the Lord leads them."
Passage's new site describes the church as a "Bible-based, Holy Spirit-filled community that is centered on Jesus Christ." It doesn't mention Gateway or Robert Morris.
In response to questions, a Gateway spokesperson on Tuesday said that the megachurch has "no formal relationship" with Passage or James and Bridgette Morris and "has not provided any staff resources" to the congregation. However, Gateway contributed "a donation to their church as part of their departure," the spokesperson added, "which is something Gateway does from time to time for staff who depart to plant churches."
Gateway, continued the spokeperson, doesn't have a relationship with St. John or Pastor Davis. "We are thankful for their long-standing presence in Southlake as a blessing to our community," they said. Neither James Morris nor St. John responded to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, Robert Morris' daughter, Elaine Fisher, and her husband, Ethan, announced in August 2024 their intent to rebrand Gateway Church in Houston into Newlands Church. Ethan, who helped his wife plant Gateway's Southeast Texas sites in Katy and Magnolia beginning in 2020, said last year that "while we’ve always been an autonomous entity, this is a chance to have a local identity as a church and really our own identity."
Newlands no longer has formal ties to Gateway, the church's spokesperon said. However, some of Newlands' pastoral staff have worked in Gateway's network of church years before the rebranding.
This past Sunday, days after his father-in-law's indictment, Ethan delivered a sermon titled "The Storm Before the Calm." He didn't mention Gateway, Robert Morris or Passage Church in the message.
Robert Morris, founding pastor of Gateway Church, a megachurch in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, stemming from alleged incidents dating back to the 1980s, the Oklahoma attorney general's office announced Wednesday.Morris resigned from Gateway Church last year following allegations that he had ...
Robert Morris, founding pastor of Gateway Church, a megachurch in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, stemming from alleged incidents dating back to the 1980s, the Oklahoma attorney general's office announced Wednesday.
Morris resigned from Gateway Church last year following allegations that he had sexual relations in Oklahoma with a then 12-year-old girl, Cindy Clemishire, four decades ago.
"After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child," Clemishire said in a statement Wednesday. "Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable. My family and I are deeply grateful to the authorities who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible and remain hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail."
The indictment was announced by the office of Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. A multi-county grand jury investigation resulted in five felony counts.
"There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children," Drummond said. "This case is all the more despicable because the alleged perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his position. The victim in this case has waited far too many years for justice to be done."
According to Drummond's office, the statute of limitations does not apply to this case because Morris was not a resident or inhabitant of Oklahoma at any time.
Gateway Church released the following statement to CBS News Texas:
We are aware of the actions being taken by the legal authorities in Oklahoma and are grateful for the work of the justice system in holding abusers accountable for their actions. We continue to pray for Cindy Clemishire and her family, for the members and staff of Gateway Church, and for all of those impacted by this terrible situation.
The public controversy for the megachurch began in June, when Cindy Clemishire publicly claimed the church's founder, Robert Morris, sexually assaulted her starting in 1982 when she was 12 years old. Morris was a traveling Evangelist in his early 20s and had become close with her family.
Those allegations were first published by The Wartburg Watch, a North Carolina-based church watchdog blog, and then picked up by The Christian Post. Clemishire told The Wartburg Watch the alleged abuse continued until 1987.
Morris acknowledged in a sermon in 2014 that he was "sexually immoral" when he was a young man and admitted to "inappropriate sexual behavior" In a statement to the Christian Post.
"When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying," he said. "It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong. This behavior happened on several occasions over the next few years."
Church elders said Morris disclosed to them he'd had an extramarital affair, but not that he had allegedly abused a 12-year-old.
On June 18, Morris resigned from his position as senior pastor at Gateway Church.
Clemishire said she has mixed thoughts and feelings regarding Morris' resignation and believes she is not the only victim.
"Though I am grateful that he is no longer a pastor at Gateway, I am disappointed that the Board of Elders allowed him to resign," Clemishire wrote in a statement. "He should have been terminated."
She rebuked church elders for knowing and acknowledging her claims of sexual abuse, but intentionally embracing "the false narrative Robert Morris wanted them to believe."
On June 23, protesters gathered outside the church as a church elder addressed the congregation for the first time after Clemishire's statements.
"As an elder, I did not know the truth and, frankly, like many of you my wife and I are shocked, devastated and grieving," said Tra Willbanks, a Gateway Church elder. "I'd like to express my personal compassion for Cindy Clemishire, I can't imagine carrying a burden like that for so many years and I want to say to you, Cindy, I'm so sorry."
Four members of the Gateway Church Board of Elders, including Robert Morris' son, were put on temporary leaves of absence as an outside legal team investigates the accusations against Morris, the church said on June 28.
Founded in 2000, the Southlake-based Gateway Church expanded to become one of the largest congregations in the nation, drawing approximately 100,000 attendees each weekend to its nine campuses. Morris broadcasted his weekly program live online to over 190 countries, reaching even wider audiences.
Gateway Church also recently settled a 2020 lawsuit alleging child sex abuse.
The case settled in April involved accusations that multiple church pastors covered up the alleged sexual abuse of a child by a member of the congregation in March 2018. The child's mother filed the lawsuit in Tarrant County in 2020, which also claimed pastors encouraged members of the congregation to ostracize her.
The lawsuit also claimed that church leaders conspired when they failed to inform law enforcement that they were aware of the alleged abuse and had spoken with the church member accused. It also alleged the church leaders tried to discredit the allegations.
For its part, the megachurch said it is not guilty of any cover-up or failure to report, stating that the incident from the 2020 lawsuit did not happen on a Gateway campus or at a Gateway event but between two teens during a sleepover at a family home.
The church said a third teenager was told about the incident and later relayed it to his mother, a Gateway Church staff member, who reported it to "proper authorities within 48 hours."
"The mother of the victim was irate and claimed [Gateway Church] intentionally hid the story for weeks and failed to report it to authorities," the church said in a previous statement to CBS News Texas.
"She decided to file a lawsuit against [Gateway Church] … After the mother of the girl went through [six] different attorneys the insurance company decided to provide a settlement to avoid further litigation and expense. This was the 'compromise of disputed claims,' which Gateway justly defended in court," the church added.
S.E. Jenkins is a digital content producer for CBS Texas. She has also been a Digital Content Producer in Tallahassee and Myrtle Beach. S.E. graduated with journalism degrees from Texas State University, Aarhus Universitet and City, University of London.
A North Texas megachurch pastor who was accused of sexual conduct with a 12-year-old girl back in the ‘80s has officially been indicted in Oklahoma. It’s been roughly nine months since the defamed pastor reporte...
A North Texas megachurch pastor who was accused of sexual conduct with a 12-year-old girl back in the ‘80s has officially been indicted in Oklahoma. It’s been roughly nine months since the defamed pastor reportedly confessed to the crimes and resigned from the church he founded and led, Gateway Church in Southlake.
Gateway Church founder and senior pastor Robert Morris allegedly confessed to having inappropriate relations with a 12-year-old girl in June 2024. Shortly after, he resigned from the North Texas megachurch and the elders at the wealthy place of prayer began an investigation into Morris’s statements.
Several elders took leaves of absence a month later amid the investigation, citing conflicts of interest, including Morris’s son and fellow senior pastor, James Morris. That same month, the church issued a statement apologizing to the victim in the alleged child sexual abuse case.
"We apologize for the initial communication which was incorrect. Additionally, two weeks ago, Gateway released a comment referring to the abuse as ‘an inappropriate relationship.’ This was not correct, either. We want to clarify that we believe the incident was in fact sexual abuse of a child, and any description falling short of that does not reflect our or Gateway Church’s position," Gateway Church officials said in a public statement. "We are in no way trying to cover up or minimize the situation, and we want to thank Cindy for coming forward and bringing her experience to light."
In August, another church leader, Executive Pastor Kemtal Glasgow, was kicked from the congregation due to a "moral issue" that was not expounded on. He marked the fourth pastor to be ousted from the church in a two-month period with folks leaving both in connection and unrelated to the investigation into Morris.
It would be roughly five months before the church spoke about what it uncovered into the investigation into the founder. During a sermon in November 2024, church elder Tra Willbanks detailed the church’s findings, calling what allegedly happened to Cindy Clemishire, Morris’s reported victim, heartbreaking and vile. Willbanks said anyone who knew of Clemishire’s alleged abuse were nixed from church staff and leadership.
Now, an Oklahoma grand jury in Osage County indicted Morris on five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child in relation to Clemishire’s outcry. The court document laid out five cases of sexual abuse charges against Morris, spanning years from December 1982 to January 1985. This closely aligns with the allegations against Morris, which accused the pastor of sexually assaulting Clemishire starting when she was 12 years old and continuing for about four years.
If convicted, Morris could face between three and 20 years in prison for each charge. According to Oklahoma law, molestation of a child under 12 is punishable by a minimum of 25 years in state prison upon conviction.
A federal judge on Wednesday sided with Carroll ISD in its lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over the Biden administration's changes to Title IX.U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor vacated the rule, which would have added gender identity to the definition of sex under the 1972 statute to protect against sex discrimination.While the LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organization GLSEN called the rule ...
A federal judge on Wednesday sided with Carroll ISD in its lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over the Biden administration's changes to Title IX.
U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor vacated the rule, which would have added gender identity to the definition of sex under the 1972 statute to protect against sex discrimination.
While the LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organization GLSEN called the rule a “win for LGBTQ+ student safety and protection,” more than two dozen states — and Carroll ISD — rejected it.
A Kentucky judge last month vacated the rule nationally in one of several cases challenging the expanded law.
O’Connor said in his ruling the change “turns Title IX on its head” and violates the First Amendment.
Carroll ISD school board president Cam Bryan said when the district’s lawsuit was filed it was “about protecting our daughters and girls from boys accessing their bathrooms and locker rooms and competing on their athletic teams."
On Wednesday, Bryan declared victory, saying in a statement on the district’s Facebook page that the ruling affirmed the district’s dedication to a safe learning environment.
“We are committed to ensuring that Title IX continues to fulfill its foundational promise to prevent any form of discrimination based on sex in education,” he said.
The district was represented by attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian conservative legal advocacy group.
A Department of Education spokesperson told KERA in an email the department "does not comment on pending litigation."
Bill Zeeble is KERA’s education reporter. Got a tip? Email Bill at bzeeble@kera.org. You can follow him on X @bzeeble.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
Pixel-Shot ShutterstockPut on your most festive green outfit and prepare your pot of gold (wallet) -- there's a plethora of St. Paddy's Day festivities in the Metroplex this week.Many restaurants and bars are offering St. Paddy's Day-themed drinks and dishes during the weekend of March 15-16, since St. Paddy's Day falls on a Monday this year. We'e rounded up what we think are some of the must-trys in and around Dallas-Fort Worth:...
Pixel-Shot Shutterstock
Put on your most festive green outfit and prepare your pot of gold (wallet) -- there's a plethora of St. Paddy's Day festivities in the Metroplex this week.
Many restaurants and bars are offering St. Paddy's Day-themed drinks and dishes during the weekend of March 15-16, since St. Paddy's Day falls on a Monday this year. We'e rounded up what we think are some of the must-trys in and around Dallas-Fort Worth:
The popular fast-casual Mexican food joint is offering a limited-time cocktail that, per a press release, "blends the bold flavors of Jameson Orange with Fuzzy’s signature frozen margarita and a splash of Q Ginger Ale." Sounds delicious. The best news? This drink will be offered from March 10 - May 5, leaving margarita lovers plenty of time post-St. Paddy's Day to try it. Visit the Southlake location today!
480 W. Southlake Blvd., Suite 101
Irish soda bread will be available for customers exclusively on St. Paddy's Day at the well-known Grapevine bakery.
700 W. Dallas Road, Grapevine
As authentic an Irish experience as you can get in Colleyville: bagpipes, Irish dancing and Irish food beginning March 15 and lasting through the end of St. Patrick's Day.
5120 State Highway 121, Colleyville
St. Patrick's Day is quite the celebration at Grapevine's Harvest Hall: On March 17, enjoy green beer, Jameson cocktails, a Lamborghini car show on Peace Plaza and a DJ. Specialty cocktails are $10 all day long.
815 Main Street, Grapevine
Just up the road in Bedford, try this Irish-inspired menu on for size: Shepard’s pie, Irish nachos, New England clam chowder, Ploughman’s platter cheese plate with Irish bangers, smoked cheddar, gouda, fresh fruit and toast points. And beer. Lots of beer.
2824 Central Drive, Suite 301, Bedford
From March 14 - 21 this Uptown Dallas steakhouse will offer a cocktail consisting of Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, St. Germain, cucumber and mint, dubbed the Leprechaun Stiletto -- only $9 during Happy Hour (3 - 6 p.m.)!
2000 McKinney Ave., Dallas
The famous Fort Worth tap house and restaurant should be a must-visit during St. Paddy's Day, with specials galore. Per the Flying Saucer website, all drafts on March 17 including Irish brews from Peticolas, Odell and Boulevard are $5 as well as shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey. St. Patrick’s Day food specials include a savory Shepherd’s pie made with ground beef, vegetables, gravy and topped with mashed potatoes. Flying Saucers collectable St. Patrick’s Day glasses will also be on sale. Popular singer/songwriter Cash Byers takes the stage from at 7 p.m.
111 E. Third St., Fort Worth
It's a giant St. Paddy's Day party at Texas Live! in Arlington on March 15. Doors open at 1 p.m. and drink package purchasers will receive designated drinks, and priority access to St. Patrick's Day Swag items. VIP purchasers will receive a custom Texas Live! St. Patrick's Day T-Shirt. Tickets are on sale now!
1650 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington
Craft beers, whiskey and delicious food make this Irish Fort Worth pub a must-stop if you're in the St. Patrick's Day mood.
700 Carroll St., Fort Worth
940.312.7834
