For over 40 years, the Stoddard County Children's Home has provided a positive home environment for children that may not have the opportunity to receive the love and care they deserve.
Our mission is to provide a safe haven for abused and neglected children in Stoddard county. With our dedicated Board of Directors and compassionate s
For over 40 years, the Stoddard County Children's Home has provided a positive home environment for children that may not have the opportunity to receive the love and care they deserve.
Our mission is to provide a safe haven for abused and neglected children in Stoddard county. With our dedicated Board of Directors and compassionate staff, we are driven to meet the physical, nutritional, educational, and emotional needs of the children in our care.
Stoddard County Children’s Home is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit agency administered by a 18-member board of directors, comprised of dedicated and concerned citizens representing each town in Stoddard County. The board is responsible for ensuring sound financial planning, execution of all state guidelines, and securing additional funding to meet all the needs in operating a home for our children.
To maintain a sense of continuity for the children, we provide transportation to and from schools in the County at no cost to the schools, or the family. The children are also able to participate in school activities, as well as community recreation programs.
The State of Missouri does approve our licensure. This requires periodic visits from the Department of Social Services and regular inspections by the State Fire Marshall, as well as the Stoddard County Health Department, Fire Department and the Board of Directors. Safety drills are also performed to ensure the children are aware of the surroundings and know how to react in the event of an emergency.
As a licensed residential care facility, we are subject to the ever-changing guidelines established by our state government. We are contracted to house up to 10 children, ages birth to 18, and are required to have 2 staff on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We receive a daily stipend paid from the state for each chil
As a licensed residential care facility, we are subject to the ever-changing guidelines established by our state government. We are contracted to house up to 10 children, ages birth to 18, and are required to have 2 staff on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We receive a daily stipend paid from the state for each child placed in our care.
The Home operates just as any other "normal" home with utility, fuel, grocery and other bills that require payments. In addition, the Home also has additional expenses such as salary for the houseparents. The State of Missouri does provide limited assistance. However, that state assistance only accounts for a small amount of the operational income. Donations provide the main source of income for the Home.
The Stoddard County Children's Home Tribute Fund is a meaningful way to remember special occasions such as an anniversary, birthday or graduation. It also provides a lasting way to serve as a memorial for the loss of a loved one or honor someone special. These gifts are acknowledged per the donor's instructions. All donations are tax deductible.
Our only fundraiser is an annual letter that is sent in the fall of each year. Individuals, clubs, churches, school groups and businesses faithfully respond each year with their support, whether it be a cash contribution, or with basic products such as cleaning supplies, paper products, diapers, health and hygiene items, clothing, canned goods, twin sheets and towels. All donations, whether large or small, are gratefully appreciated.
The Stoddard County Children's Home began as an idea in 1979. Melvin "Churn" Williams, who at the time served as the Chief Juvenile Officer for Stoddard County, saw the need to provide an alternative home for abused, neglected and abandoned children misplaced due to family conflicts.
Individuals from various communities around the cou
The Stoddard County Children's Home began as an idea in 1979. Melvin "Churn" Williams, who at the time served as the Chief Juvenile Officer for Stoddard County, saw the need to provide an alternative home for abused, neglected and abandoned children misplaced due to family conflicts.
Individuals from various communities around the county gathered together to form the Board of Directors of the soon to be established Home. The volunteers were committed to providing a positive home environment for each child. The new Board learned of a grant that was available through the County court system to purchase a home in the Stoddard County area for this type of project. In order to receive such a grant, the Board of Directors needed to raise enough funds to operate the Home for the first year.
Surpassing the original goal of $20,000, the Board was overwhelmed by the generosity of fellow community members and opened the Home for operation in 1980.
MOST RECENTLY
A bequest from the Norman B. Harty Trust and a gift of land donated by the Regional Healthcare Foundation has allowed the Stoddard County Children’s Home to move to a larger, modern residence that will address growing areas of concern and ensure that we have a solid future.
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Your generous gift will help us fund our mission to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference. Donate online or mail your donation to: Stoddard County Children's Home, Inc., P O Box 164, Dexter, MO 63841.
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