Sunday, October 26, 2008

Open House to Celebrate the New Children's Village at Christian City

Please join us Saturday, November 1st from 8am until 3pm for a celebration of the opening of The Children's Village at Christian City. We are planning a fun-filled day you wont want to miss including a pancake breakfast starting at 8am, tours of The Children's Village beginning at 9am, a car show displaying antique cars, the Atlanta Corvette Club, music and entertainment. Come shop for bargains at our big annual Autumn Days Sale at Graceland Thrift Store. Tickets for the pancake breakfast are $5 at the door or in advance by calling Lauren at 770-964-3309. Christian City is located in Union City at 7345 Red Oak Road. Please access www.christiancity.org for directions or more information on our programs for seniors and abandoned and abused children or call 770-703-2636.

Come to Christian City... for Answers

It has been said “Aging is a process. We’re all in it. It begins at birth and ends at death.” The best way to enjoy the process of getting older is to eliminate as many unexpected events as possible. It is important to educate yourself about what options are available to you as a senior in regards to housing, services and health care.

At Christian City, we look forward to working with individuals and families who are doing their homework and are getting educated about services for seniors. As we move from one stage of our life to another, we should be making plans and getting prepared for what may lie ahead. Few people make major decisions throughout their life without getting information to support those decisions first. Making major decisions about your future as a senior should not be any different.

In order to gain the peace of mind and education you need to be prepared for the events of your later years, you should consider beginning now with the information gathering process. Invest a few hours to explore the “what if’s” of the future in case you or a loved one has a major change in health or ability. Perhaps you are an adult child and want to gather information for your parents….your inquiries are always welcome at Christian City. We look forward to meeting with you and answering all questions big and small.

Located in Union City, Christian City is home to over 1,000 seniors. Christian City boasts a vibrant retirement community including life-lease patio homes, options for independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care, apartments for those on limited income and facilities for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. For more information,or for a free tour call our admissions office at 770-703-2600 or access www.christiancity.org.

Opening of The Children's Village at Christian City Soon!

By Phil Kouns
Chief Operating Officer
Christian City Home For Children, Inc

The much anticipated date is just around the corner! The opening of Phase I of The Children’s Village at Christian City will be announced in a few weeks’ time and occupancy of the first cottages will become a reality.

We have all heard the expression “Some things never change”. Well, that’s not exactly a concrete statement, although it’s a good statement regarding the work of the Christian City Home for Children, Inc. While we are making a change in our children’s homes location on our campus, and we have changed the name of the residential program from The Home for Children to The Children’s Village at Christian City, our quality program and our commitment to the 43 year ministry to children of need “..will never change!”
What began as a dream of caring folks out of the Southwest Christian Church, the Christian City Home for Children, Inc. celebrated the 43 years anniversary of the opening day of service on February 14, 2008.

The Children’s Village at Christian City is a continuation of the past 43 years of serving God’s children who are in need of a “home away from home” due to circumstances beyond their control. These new homes are replacing the original cottages built to care for children placed at Christian City. The need to change to a new type of home that is better suited for these children became paramount. Our homes are being built with state-of-the-art craftsmanship and will include a new floor plan, new furnishings and appliances. Utilities were all considered in planning to assure long term efficiency. These are not institutional settings, but rather a family dwelling with the look and feel of “home”.

Phase I of The Children’s Village is a secure location with limited access and includes the first four homes. One has a full basement to serve as a safety/storm shelter for all four homes should the need arise for a shelter. Each of the homes face the drive-around loop, which will eventually contain 8-10 homes. This initial phase includes two homes for boys and two homes for girls for a total of 32 children. These children are currently placed in our original homes on campus. We are not building new capacity, but rather a relocation of these children. Construction is nearing completion on the last home and we are awaiting a Certificate of Occupancy.

Phase I also includes the Home for Children, Inc. Administration building with an adjoining training room for house parents, foster parents, and the community at large.
This building is currently under construction and is targeted to be completed by August, 2008. The Administration building will serve as the Welcome Center for The Children’s Village, and will be the processing point for all visitors. The Administration Building will also house the social services caseworkers who handle child intake interviews and placement of children at Christian City.


During this initial move, two cottages that serve as relief cottages for our full time
House parents, will remain on the current Home for Children, Inc. campus. Phase II will include two new homes for those relief cottages, as well as two new homes which may be used for emergency/respite relief, and a child advocacy center of some type to be determined.

There is a significant need for assistance with the “move in” to Phase I at The Children’s Village when that date is announced. We will be moving four homes full of furnishings, new furniture, children’s personal belongings, kitchen supplies, as well as all the usual “stuff” that families accumulate through the years. If you, or your church group, civic club, business associates, family and friends would like to be put on the list to assist in this momentous day, please call Lauren Kosiba, Administrative Assistant to Philip Kouns at 770-703-2636. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Children’s Village at Christian City and thank all of you who have donated your time, services, and resources to help make The Children’s Village possible!