Evangelical Children's Home Inc history

Incorporated in 1861, the then-named German Protestant Orphan’s Home operated in the parsonage of the church for the next two years.

Following a fire in 1863, Rev.

Later that year, a building was purchased in Tiffin, Ohio, and in July 1866, a home was opened with eight children.

In 1867, a farm of 170 acres was purchased near Flat Rock, Ohio, 20 miles from Tiffin.

A two-story, 50′ by 85′, brick building was built in 1868 for $12,000.

The Ebenezer Church, a two-story brick structure, was built across the street from the home and dedicated in November 1871.

They had both attended the first dedication in 1868. Thus, the east wing was added in 1873.

By 1874, the number of children reached 250 and the Board of Directors had to make the decision to turn some children away.

With homelessness and poverty on the rise, the Christian Home Mission transformed into the Home for the Friendless in 1875 by way of a State of Illinois charter.

Just eleven months after the blaze, a new home was built on the existing foundation and was dedicated in November 1877.

Incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska on March 1,1889, the Christian Orphan Home quickly drew more homeless children, who were cared for initially by Reverend Nordin’s mother.

Recognizing this couldn’t serve as a permanent solution, they worked with members of the Central and Morrellville chapters of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and formally established the Christian Home on November 1, 1908.

The need for additional space became apparent from the beginning, and in 1910 property was purchased at 1100 Edson Avenue.

The following year, an adjoining lot was purchased, and in 1913, another lot with a double house was purchased and remodeled as a separate residence for boys.

In 1921, the shelter housed eighty plus women and their children and had since expanded its footprint to the neighboring building. ‍ Over the years, the organization expanded in various ways.

Moving day was June 21, 1926, and the Home became known as the Christian Childrens Home.

1946 saw the orphanage become a residential treatment facility for children from “broken homes.” Following World War II, more and more children were being placed in foster care.

In 1962, the concept of child abuse was re-introduced.

In 1967, a merger resulted in what is now known as Kiefer School, one of two fully functioning schools under the Children’s Home Association of Illinois (CHAIL) umbrella.

In 1968, Flat Rock Homes became affiliated with the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, following a merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church.

In 1972, The Unity Center was built, offering a more home-like atmosphere for the boys and girls and also to allow for “on campus” educational classes.

In response to a 1978 study in the Kansas City area, it was decided to open a girls’ residential treatment program as a branch of Evangelical Children’s Home.

By 1980, the need for an educational facility on campus, and in the community, was so great that the Learning Center was built to provide special education to Ädelbrook’s residents as well as day students from surrounding school systems.

In 1981, the Jacob Fend Foundation, named for local businessman, Jacob Fend, provided a major grant to the Christian Home.

In 1982, a new on-property school was started to help children living on the St Louis Campus as well as in the community.

The St Louis Campus began Steppingstone services for older youth in 1986.

In 1990, the Fend Home expanded from 12 to 18 beds, and currently has a capacity of 20.

In 1991 a new building located on Edson Avenue was purchased in order to expand the programs of the Christian Home.

In 1992, the building opened as a second group home that provided Independent Living to females aged 15-18.

In the true sense, they are children in society with the most need for support and care.” (Taken from “Orphanages: An Historical Overview”, Family & Children Services Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services, 1995.)

Our Kansas City campus eventually began accepting young men as well as women and, in 1997, changed its name to Steppingstone and its program to transitional living.

A capital campaign to raise $2.3 million was commenced in January 2002.

The first gathering in the new building took place on a chilly Saturday afternoon in October 2003 when former residents of the orphanage returned for a Homecoming in the yet to be completed gymnasium.

In response to the pressing need, Flat Rock’s ministry was expanded to additional counties and additional adults with ID/DD. By January 2005, the Community Services program was serving 46 adults in community settings.

In 2008 ECH offers a Child Outpatient Psychiatric program with three doctors available to see children in need for families who could not otherwise afford this specialized medical care.

In 2009, Evangelical Children’s Home found it necessary to once again change their name, becoming ECH: Every Child’s Hope.

In 2012, In-Home Support Services, professional and behavioral assistance to families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, began and has been offered in 50 of Connecticut’s communities.

In 2013, Shiloh House, a residential assessment program for boys and girls, opens in Cromwell.

In 2015, ECH served over 1,400 children, youth, and families, providing quality care for those who need it.

ECH celebrates 160 years of service to children and families in 2018.