The Ark was dedicated to Rev. Msgr. Robert E. Freeman, P.A. on May 15, 2002.

The Ark is the only licensed facility within an 80-mile radius that is contracted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide emergency shelter and assessment services for the children who have been physically abused, sexually abused or neglected by parents or guardians. The shelter is licensed to care for children from anywhere in Texas. The Ark is home to infants and children as young as one day old through 17 years of age.