Childhaven

The Childhaven Story

“In the beginning,” the original orphanage was begun as a work of the “The Rebekah Assembly, I.O.O.F. (International Order Odd Fellows) of Alabama.” The original four story structure was dedicated on April 15th, 1910 as “The Alabama Odd Fellows Home.” This structure remains the centerpiece of the Childhaven Campus. By 1923, records indicate that the “Home” had 97 children, and was cultivating 200 acres of farm land. But, the numbers began dropping and as the Great Depression struck, financial problems forced the closing of the home in 1937. In the Fall of 1938, all the furnishings and equipment were sold at public auction. The records indicate that the remaining children were placed back with their families. Following the close of the home, the structure was used as a boarding home for a short time, and then was abandoned.

In 1948, interested Christians purchased the property, and Childhaven came into being. Renovations were begun, and Childhaven was incorporated. Since that time, the tradition of caring has been a way of life at Childhaven. The property has undergone many additions and renovations. The Childhaven Campus now includes seven large Residential Cottages, a full size gymnasium, full size auto / body / woodworking shop, a pool, Director’s residence, as well as the original building that is the centerpiece of the Campus. This building was gutted by fire in 1964, resulting in the loss of the fourth floor. Through the efforts of the brethren, and the community, with a little help from the insurance company, the building was saved and rebuilt. In 1995, this centerpiece was formally named the “Brock Center,” in honor of the Brock family. Barney Brock was the first superintendent at Childhaven. Today, we stand on the strong foundation built by his hard work! The Childhaven property also includes the original 250 acre farm, which is in full production. 1995 also marked the beginning of a major renovation of the Brock Center, made possible by the gifts of Chester and Martha Hicks. Martha grew up at Childhaven.

Foster Care at Childhaven

Children in need of caring homes!
All across the state of Alabama, literally thousands of children are in need of a caring and loving foster family. Over 5,000 children in Alabama are unable to live with their biological parents.
Some are like Amy, who is less than one year of age, and whose little body showed her abuse (she was covered with cigarette burns.) Some are like Mark, whose sad dark eyes began to brighten when he learned that he could play on the super sized swing set at his foster family home. (On the way to the home, Mark asked the social worker if his foster parents would starve him, or lock him in a closet. His father had evidently told him these things would occur.) Others are like John, a young teen who was upset because he had been removed from his mother. She suffered from alcoholism, and John had repeatedly protected her from an abusive boy friend. Each of these children needed a safe, caring, and loving foster family. Perhaps you are whom they need.

Who can be a foster parent?
At Childhaven, nearly any faithful Christian can become a foster parent. Many of Childhaven’s foster parents are married couples. Some are young couples; others have already raised their family. Single women and men have also served as effective foster parents. Widows and widowers can serve. As Childhaven is supported primarily by Churches of Christ, each foster family must be a member of the independent Church of Christ.

For more information visit the Childhaven Website.
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Childhaven Positions Available
Childhaven has positions available for House Parent or a Part- Time Relief House Parent. For more information contact Dr. Jim Wright 256-734-6720 or email .