Taylor's House

Home » Our Response » Care Center » Taylor's House

Taylor’s House

reflection written by taylor’s neighbor, Jonna Smith

Taylor’s House is currently home to 11 girls at the Touch A Life Care Center. We are so blessed by this structure. Read on to learn more about Taylor’s story.


In church, we learn that we’re supposed to obey God.

I used to think that I had this lesson mastered, believing I followed God everywhere and loved people like he asked. But now, looking back, I realize I had a ways to go.

With a family of four, my own company, teenage daughters, service on the Parent Teacher Organization board,  etc., I had a chaotic schedule. But a couple of years ago—in spite of my busyness—I decided to swing by the public library and get a book. I walked in the door and checked out the first one I found, quickly moving to the next thing on my packed schedule.

The book was Pam’s memoir, Jansten’s Gift.

It moved me in an unusually profound way, and as I read I decided to write to Pam and send a donation to Touch A Life. I discovered she lived in Dallas, TX—just three blocks from my house.

I knew this wasn’t a coincidence. God spoke clearly to me that day, asking me to pick up the phone and get involved with Touch A Life. Less than 24 hours later, I had lunch with Pam and committed to sponsor a house for the Touch A Life Care Center.

I contemplated what I should name it for a long time. Soon after I decided to sponsor a home, a family in my community lost their 13-year-old daughter, Taylor Storch, in a snow skiing accident.

Taylor attended elementary school with my oldest daughter and her brother is the same age as my youngest child. She was full of laughter and kindness, possessing a contagious spirit. When I think of the beautiful Ghanaian children living in a house named after Taylor, I imagine them feeling loved and cared for by Taylor herself.

In spite of my busyness, I decided to take the step of obedience. And I’m so glad I did.

– Jonna Smith

Learn more about Taylor’s legacy: Taylor’s Gift Foundation.

Our Response

Recent Posts

January Updates: So Much Good News!

Starting Strong Where to even begin? This year is already off to a fantastic start and we are excited to share a little bit of the good news with all of you! But first… The statistics around the world regarding human trafficking paint a genuinely dire situation that...

read more

Happy Fall, Y’all!

Happy Fall, Y’all! As the warmth of the fall sun changes and cooler temps blow in throughout the States, we know that means a new school year has begun! Touch A Life students have also welcomed a new school year at The Learning Center, our specialized school at the...

read more