Childhaven history

CULLMAN – Childhaven’s main building, the original white, four story building was dedicated on April 15th, 1910 as The Alabama Odd Fellows Home.

By 1923, the Home had grown to house 97 children and was cultivating 200 acres of farmland.

But, the numbers began dropping and as the Great Depression struck, financial problems forced the closing of the home in 1937.

In 1965, Childhaven was the first organization to bring Head Start to the west coast, providing a year round preschool program to help prepare young children for school.

1970 – The Berry House (RAYS) was founded to provide crisis intervention and support services to youth and families who were impacted by drug use.

1972 – The Berry House expanded to provide crisis intervention, counseling, foster care, job placement assistance, and community education services.

In 1977, Executive Director Patrick Gogerty launched an innovative Therapeutic Child Care program to serve children who had experienced trauma, abuse and neglect.

Ehmke’s Childhaven Preschool opened it’s doors in March 1981.

Inspired by the ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Child Haven International is a registered not for profit charity founded in 1985.

In 1995, this centerpiece was formally named the Brock Center, in honor of the Brock family.

1996 – RAYS West Hill Family Enrichment Center opened to provide a range of family oriented prevention services to the Skyway, Campbell Hill, Lakeridge and Bryn Mawr communities.

2002 – Art with Heart’s first book Oodles of Doodles is published.

In 2005, the Ehmke’s sold the preschool to their Assistant Director Eve Hoskins who continues to run it to this day with the same philosophy and dedication to the families and children of the community.

2014 – In March the largest landslide in US history devastated the community of Oso, WA. Art with Heart provided books, resources, and sent a team to the Darrington Elementary School to work with students, families, and the community impacted by the tragedy.

2018 – RAYS opened an integrated primary care and behavioral health clinic at the Family Center in partnership with HealthPoint.