Mission
Our Mission Statement:
- To provide a Christian Home environment for children dependent upon others for care.
- To promote their growth physically, emotionally, and educationally.
- To develop the child in the teaching of God's word.
- To guide the young person toward a devoted life of good citizenship in the world and ultimately in the Kingdom of God.
Spiritual Life:
The word of God is essential in the development of a child. The children attend bible classes and worship at the Church of Christ. They are also involved in summer church camps and weekly summer youth meetings. Decency, moral character, a respect for God and man are some of the very basics taught. Developing these attributes will help the child understand and accept authority.
Education:
"Reading, riting and rithmetic" - the three r's are important in the educational process of a child. The Cherokee Independent School District provides an education for the children grades Kindergarten through 12. Headstart students are taken to San Saba for pre-school training. Special tutoring on our campus (W.P. Brummett Memorial Library) benefits each child at the level he or she may be in their educational endeavors. Students have opportunities to attend most any college or university. Many of the students will participate in reading, poetry, prose, math, science and many of the other competitive programs offered by the University Interscholastic League, or UIL.
I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
-Acts 20:35
History:
Many decade ago people were concerned about how to meet their responsibilities in helping unfortunate children. Dedicated Christians in Abilene, Texas explored interest in a home for these children. It was pioneers like B.A. Hays, J.E. Epperson, Hilly Walkers and others who made the dream come true.
Cherokee Home was a result of their concern. In the mid fifties, it became apparent that there were few provisions for assistance to the Mexican-American child. The tradition has continued over thirty years and grown to include all races.
In May of 1956 the Cherokee Church of Christ said that they were ready to accept the responsibility to begin the Children's Home. The ribbon was cut on the first cottage on September 23, 1958. The second cottage was added in September of 1960.
In 1965, a third cottage and administration building were built. The dedication for the J.E. Epperson Multipurpose Building was conducted in 1970. In May of 1970, the Superintendent's dwelling was opened. January 8, 1972, there was an Open House held for a fourth cottage. A 25' by 50' swimming pool was donated in October, 1972. In November, 1973, the new administration building was completed. An addition to the Assistant Superintendent's dwelling in July 1981 made it a small cottage.
The addition to the administrator's home was completed in 1988. This move provided six cottages on campus allowing Cherokee Home to be licensed for sixty children.
The Years of 1990 and 1991 were great for development of campus facilities. Many supporters saw the construction from buildings such as W.P. Brummett Memorial Library, Griffith/Granbury Relief Duplex, and the remodeling of the playground.
In 1992-93 renovation of the campus wastewater system was finished. Plans for the remodeling of the campground were introduced in 1991 have progressed over the years.
Major renovation on the campus swimming pool was accomplished in 1992, making the pool area exciting and inviting.
The years 1994, 1995, and 1996 saw the construction and completion of the Kenny Alexander Memorial Flag Pole, the Food Pantry with an underground storm shelter, and the Henry A. Daughtry, Sr. Family Center & Pavilion. The Center was used for the very first time on Cherokee Day 1996!
Under the direction of the elders of Cherokee Church of Christ, the Home was served by four part-time superintendents. Hilly D. Walker served as the first full-time superintendent followed by Lloyd Beasley, John Gunvordahl, and Jack Goble. Carol L. Lee was hired in 1988 as Executive Director. Danny Duggan was hired to return to Cherokee Home as the Executive Director in February 1998. He had served the Children's Home as the Executive for Development from 1982 to 1992.
Overseeing the home since March, 1979, are the elders of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ in Brownwood, Texas. The board of directors if made up men from this congregation.
The success of a child cannot be measured by the number of buildings erected. It is measured by what the child achieved through his/her development at Cherokee Home. Many opportunities are given to the children to helped them excel and advance toward their own success.
People who love people are the heart of our success. Our prayer is that more folks like you become partners and co-workers with us...in providing care for the children.
