When did the Smoky Mountain Children's Home (The Home) start?

The Church of God started the children's home in 1920 in Cleveland, TN with 4 small children.

Why do children come to live at The Home?

Children come because of sexual abuse, other physical abuse, abandonment or because of family breakdown due to divorce, drug abuse, illness or death of a parent. There may be neglect, or conflicts that have made impossible a normal family life. A majority of referrals now come from family, schools, courts or other agencies. Each child is evaluated to see if the program at The Home can be of help.

Where do the residents of The Home come from?

SMCH is America's home for children. We accept and care for children and youth from across the country regardless of race, sex, religion, national origin, or ability to pay. As long as there is a needy child and an empty bed, we will respond to that need.

What is the life of a child like at The Home?

Children live in one of ten cottages. Each has a therapeutic capacity of eight residents and their cottage parents. No more than two residents share a room. Meals are prepared by members of the cottage as a "family" group. Menus are supervised by our cafeteria manager to ensure that a wholesome, balanced diet is available. Residents share chores in the cottages and are responsible for cleaning their own rooms.

What religious opportunities are available?

The religious life is vital to the program of The Home. Residents and cottage parents attend services and youth activities in targeted area churches. They are involved in music, drama and dance programs in their respective youth groups. Residents are involved in mission projects beyond the campus. By learning of and responding to the needs of others, the residents learn to care for themselves and others. The residents have the opportunity to commit themselves to a God who loves them and seeks to guide them to a full life.

Where do the residents of The Home attend school?

Our campus residents' ages range from 5 to 18 and are enrolled in local public schools from kindergarten through high school. An SMCH staff member, evaluates each incoming resident to make the proper placement in school. Tutoring is available to help each student. Cottage study time is a regular part of each school day. We have a classroom on the campus for children with special educational needs.

Are residents provided the opportunity to attend college or university?

Opportunities are available for residents who qualify for higher education to attend local community colleges and Lee University. Many residents receive advanced training in vocational skills in place of formal higher education.

What recreational opportunities are available?

In addition to the regular school programs the residents have many opportunities on campus. Trained staff persons supervise recreation activities. An essential part of the recreation program is our Certified Ropes Course, which helps youth to develop self-esteem, improve self-confidence and learn to trust themselves, their cottage mates and adults. Individual cottage "families" make trips off campus for recreation or entertainment events in the area.

How long do children stay at The Home?

The length of stay for a resident varies from a few weeks to several years. The extensive therapeutic services of The Home are made available to children and their families have helped to reduce time necessary for a child to remain in our care. Each child is an individual and the time in residence will be influenced by the complexity of the problems they and their families face and the progress they can make in dealing with those problems. The best interests of the child are always of primary concern to the program of The Home. Each resident has an individualized treatment plan.

What are the qualifications of cottage parents?

The Home looks for House Parents who are committed Christians and have a genuine concern for the well being of children and youth. "On the job" training and supervision are provided by highly qualified staff members. House Parents must be at least 18 years old and have a High School diploma or a GED.

How is the Children's Home financed?

Each year, on average, over 50% of our total funding comes from private sources. Strong church and individual support enables the program of the Home to maintain its ministry as a Christian outreach of our commitment to children. The Home is audited on as regular basis by an independent auditing firm and we adhere to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. We are accredited through the Council on Accreditation and have a four star rating with Charity Navigator.

How can I partner with The Home to help children in need?

You can join with The Home in this ministry in many ways.

1. The first and most important way is through your prayers. Yours prayers will make a difference in the spiritual battles fought for the souls of the residents of The Home. As much as God loves children, Satan hates them more. We need and desire your prayers.
2. Secondly, your financial support will allow The Home to provide "Hope and Healing" to those that need it the most, but can afford it the least. By joining the Heroes of Hope or Guardian Angels program you can make an investment in the future of a child. For more information on these programs contact The Home at (865) 453-4644 or follow the links to those pages on "Ways to help."
3. Collect Campbell Soup labels. This program allows us to turn your soup labels into transportation for the residents. Whether we are going to a doctor's appointment, ballet practice, a baseball game or on a mission's trip; safe reliable transportation is a necessity

Participating in the yearly Mother's Day offering. We ask churches to set aside one offering a year for the future of children in need. This offering represents you and your church's opportunity to generously minister to needs of the children and youth at The Home.