Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, Senator Ronnie Chance, Senator Mitch Seabaugh as well as Fayette County's four State Representatives, three Fayette Mayors,and other well known members of the community are joining together to support Christian City's ministry to abandoned and abused children this Christmas by hosting a "Char-ity" Event at the Hollingsworth House in Fayetteville.
All proceeds will help the children who live in the cottages at Christian City to have a wonderful holiday season including buying gifts, holiday meals with all the trimmings, winter coats and clothing and to help buffer the many other operational costs this winter.
Over 20 local artisans including Vicki Turner, Patsy Gullet and Cressida Chance have painted unique and beautiful chairs which will be auctioned off in a silent auction.
The owners of the Hollingsworth House, Craig and Belinda Fitch, are inviting guests and the general public to drop in on Monday, December 1st from 5:00pm to 7:30pm and support this very worthy cause.
The event is volunteer driven and is being sponsored by over 50 local businesses including Truett Cathy and Chick-fil-A, Greystone Power, Metro Catering, AT&T, Georgia Power and BB&T Reece Insurance to name a few. Tickets are $20 each and due to popular demand must be purchased in advance by calling Lauren at 770-964-3309.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Community Leaders Host "Chair-ity" Event for the Children's Village aat Christian City
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!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Atlanta Business Chronicle Ranks Christian City First!
Christian City Ranked First in Atlanta's Top 25 Retirement Communities and First in Top 10 Assisted Living
Christian City was ranked number one in Atlanta's Top 25 Retirement Communities and number one in the Top 10 Assisted Living Communities in a recent issue of the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The paper's 30th anniversary issue ranked the city's senior facilities by total number of residents. Christian City is noted as being the facility with the longest history of success having been established in 1962.
Christian City's Vice President of Senior Services remarked "While it is important to be recognized for being the biggest, our goal is to continue to be the best. We take pride in offering top quality care, individualized programs, all in a loving, safe environment. Whether you are an active retiree living in our life lease patio homes, or an aging senior in need of daily assistance, Christian City offers a sense of community. Our residents are like family...each one is treated as a special guest."
Christian City is located on a 500 acre campus in Union City and is home to over 1,000 seniors. For more information please call 770-703-2636 or access www.christiancity.org
Friday, June 13, 2008
Christian City…A City Within A City
Nestled on a 500 acre campus among stately pines and pleasant walkways, sits a beacon of light to many…Christian City. With the humble motto of “Loving people…loving people” Christian City reaches out to young and old and those in-between by providing safe homes to abandoned and abused children, affordable housing to seniors on limited income, as well as providing professional care to those in need of assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Additionally, Christian City is a well respected community for active retirees. Seniors can live out their latter years in a secure neighborhood setting with opportunities to participate in fun activities, to make new friends, to attend worship, to do their banking, socializing, and to get involved helping others through volunteer work. Christian City is affectionately referred to as a “City within a City” because of all the conveniences it offers and the strong sense of community that the residents feel.
It all started around a kitchen table. Back in the early 1960’s Ms. Millard Price was looking for a way to provide a safe place for homeless children. She met with her Minister at Southwest Christian church, Jim Dyer, who agreed that this was a worthy endeavor and a calling from God. Others began to get involved and share the vision, especially members from numerous independent Christian Churches throughout Georgia and beyond. Ms. Price offered to bear the cost of the first cottage, and Dr. and Mrs. Byron Harper, Jr., central participants in the visionary team, offered to donate the first 50 acres. The dream was becoming a reality, and the mission was clear: To minister to the needs of families with particular emphasis on children, the aged, and the infirm, by providing residential, health and social services in accordance with the principles of the Christian Faith.
The first of eight cottages opened on Valentine’s Day in 1965 with eight little boys. Full time houseparents provide a nurturing family environment complete with sit down dinners, household responsibilities and traditions that create a sense of belonging. The funds to provide this care are raised through individuals, civic and professional groups, corporate sponsors, and the faith community, along with some support from the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Over the past 43 years, Christian City has been “home” to over 1,000 abandoned, abused, and neglected children. Licensed for up to 64 children, Christian City also provides foster care placement with well qualified Christian families.
A few years following completion of the Home for Children, construction began on hundreds of patio homes for active seniors followed by nearly 300 apartments for seniors on limited incomes.
As the needs of the residents continued to grow, so did Christian City! It was a natural progression to begin construction of an assisted living facility, a skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation center, and eventually a full continuum of care for the aging all on one campus.
At Christian City, the “future is now” and the needs of many are at our doorstep. A brand new state-of-the-art Children’s Village will be completed this summer. When the original children’s cottages are vacated, they will be renovated to make room for a new ministry for developmentally disabled “adult” children.
Over the past 43 years, Christian City’s campus has grown from 50 acres down a quiet country road, to 500 acres bustling with life and filled with hope for over 1,000 residents. The dreamers keep dreaming… and God keeps providing.
Christian City is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.christiancity.org/ or call at 770-703-2636.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Christian City Named Georgia's Best Management Company
Christian City was presented the award for "Best Management Company in the State of Georgia" at a recent 2008 Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association luncheon held at the Airport Hilton. Paul Baker, Director of the Retirement Division at Christian City accepted the award from Valerie Todaro, CEO of Georgia HAP (Housing Assistance Payments). Over 1,000 residents live on Christian City's 500 acre campus which offers quality homes in a community environment for those on limited income, active retirees, seniors in need of assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation and Alzheimer's disease care. The Children's Village at Christian City provides safe, family centered homes with full time houseparents to abandoned and abused children. Located in Union City, Christian City is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization and is always in need of volunteers and donations. For more information on Christian City call 770-703-2636 or access www.christiancity.org.
Pictured (l-r) are: Christian City's Shirley Myers, Kaye Fogg, Paul Baker, Director of Retirement Division accepting the award from Valerie Todaro, CEO of Georgia HAP Administrators, Christian City's Paula Brown and Jeanette Payne.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
VOLUNTEERING GIVES MEANING TO RETIREMENT
Experts tell us that an increasing number of Americans can expect to live as many retirement years as they have had in their vocational careers. On this “second time round”, retirees are not seeking financial benefit and career advancement. Many, having secured a measure of financial freedom, now seek to invest their time in activities that bring lasting meaning and purpose. They realize that finding a passion for making a difference “makes all the difference” in both their emotional and physical well being.
Ms. Jill Growney, a 21 year resident of Christian City, embodies this growing trend among seniors. “While I was working as a teacher, my life was busy with the responsibilities of my job – classroom, conferences, lesson plans. I did not have much of a concept for my retirement years other than some traveling – but that is no longer the case,” she stated. Ms. Growney notes that her life has certainly changed for the good since having the time and opportunity to invest in the lives of others; “I had always been a people person, yet after the death of my husband I found myself alone. In spending my time investing in the needs of others, I have found new ways.. meaningful ways, to enjoy my life."
Indeed Ms. Growney has! In addition to the recreational activities she enjoys, her desire to serve others has brought her into (among others) a meaningful role as a volunteer chaplain to the Christian City community. For over ten years, her love of ministry has been evident as she has led a weekly bible study for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. She warms the room with her bright smile and residents look forward to hearing her uplifting message each week. She expressed, “My service as a volunteer has definitely changed me – I find so much enjoyment and purpose in helping others. My life now has a new sense of worth. ”I recently started square dance lessons – I say to myself....“I can’t believe I am doing this!”
Located on a beautiful 500 acre campus in Union City, Christian City is home to over 1,000 senior residents and is always in need of enthusiastic volunteers like Ms. Growney. In addition to being an active retirement community, Christian City offers housing for those on limited income, assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation, convalescent care and care for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Less fortunate children also live on campus at The Children's Village. For more information or a free tour please call 770-703-2600 or access www.christiancity.org
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Monday, May 05, 2008
Huge Tent Sale at Christian City
On Friday, May 9th from 9am to 2pm. Christian City is hosting a huge tent sale at the baseball field on their campus, next to Graceland Thrift Store at 7345 Red Oak Road, in Union City. Brand new merchandise will be sold at bargain prices including storage rooms full of area rugs, home and garden decor, grills and patio accessories and much more. Proceeds will benefit the abandoned and abused children who live in The Children's Village. For more information call Mike Cater at 770-969-9957. For more information on Christian City and their ministries for children and seniors, call 770-703-2636 or access www.christiancity.org.
Congressman Westmoreland Addresses Senior Issues at Chamber Luncheon
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Dr. Byron Harper dies. His legacy? Christian City.
Last Saturday, Dr. Byron Harper, Jr. passed away. There was a funeral on Wednesday and then he was buried in simple grave in a small cemetery. He ended his personal presence as humbly as he lived…quiet, unassuming, loving, positive, an encourager of all that is good and decent. His voice is now silent, but his legacy is not.
Dr. Byron Harper, along with his wife Rose Marie, was the driving force behind the creation of Christian City over 47 years ago. It was around his kitchen table that Christian City was prayed for, birthed and nurtured. It was on Dr. Harper’s land that Christian City became a reality. It was with Dr. Harper and Rose Marie’s direction, encouragement and support that Christian grew from one cottage for homeless children in 1963 to a sparkling new Children’s Village; from 50 acres of scrub pineland to a 500-acre campus housing over 1,000 children and seniors today.
Doc Harper loved people. He helped provide affordable housing for thousands of seniors many of whom had little or no income. He encouraged the building and operation of a 200-bed nursing and rehabilitation center, an assisted living and personal care facility, and an Alzheimer’s Disease center on Christian City’s campus. He provided free medical care for children without families of their own, the aged and infirm. He cared for hundreds of employees of Christian City, went from floor to floor to see and minister to residents, worked tirelessly in the clinic, and still maintained his private medical practice to thousands of patients from around the city.
Dr. Byron Harper is with us no more. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in the thousands of families that have been touched by his servant heart. Dr. Harper was a great man.
Bob Crutchfield,
President/CEO,
Christian City
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Fayette County Civitan Clubs Host Statewide Golf Event to Benefit Christian City's Initiative For Developmentally Disabled
The event will be held at the Braelinn Golf Club in Peachtree City. Tee time is 9am and entry fee is $100, which includes lunch catered by Shane's Rib Shack.
Recently, Bob Crutchfield, President/CEO of Christian City was invited to address over 100 Civitan leaders at their annual meeting in Athens to promote the upcoming event and garner support for Christian City's new initiative.
Since 1965, Christian City has been providing homes for abandoned and abused children in a family centered setting in Union City. The construction of a new Children's Village on their campus leaves existing cottages vacant to be retro-fitted for "adults functioning as children".
Line Creek Civitan and Tournament Chair Steve Kiser commented, "On an international level, Civitans are dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities. Georgia District clubs are stepping forward to help Christian City start this new program to provide a safe living environment for those who are cognitively challenged."
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
LEADERSHIP FAYETTE RAISING MONEY TO BUY COMPUTERS FOR CHILDREN AT CHRISTIAN CITY
PHOTO: Leadership Fayette Team members, a shopper and staff of Christian City stand by the tag sale sign on HWY 74, PTC; L to R: Tim Carter, Mary Ann Glazner (shopper), Vicki Butler, The Home for Children at Christian City's Program Director Noelle Porter and COO Phil Kouns, Scott Woodward, Holly Woodward, Cheri Scranage, Lyal Scranage
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Sunday, February 10, 2008
CHRISTIAN CITY HOSTS FOSTER PARENT ORIENTATION
The Children's Village at Christian City is hosting a foster parent orientation on Thursday, February 28th from 6pm-8pm on their campus at 7347 Red Oak Road #19, Union City.
They are looking for married, Christian couples living within a 50 mile radius of Christian City's campus. You will learn what it means to be a foster parent, what the requirements are, and about the application process.
Please RSVP by calling Jill Thompson at 770-964-9390.
As a nonprofit organization, Christian City has been caring for abandoned and abused or neglected children since they opened the first cottage on Valentine's Day, 1965. For more information on the ministries offered for children and for seniors, please access www.christiancity.org or call 770-703-2636.
Monday, January 21, 2008
WORLD GYM DONATES CARLOADS OF GIFTS TO CHRISTIAN CITY
CHRISTIAN CITY APPOINTS THOMPKINS AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Monday, January 14, 2008
THE HOME FOR CHILDREN/CHILDREN'S VILLAGE AT CHRISTIAN CITY CALLS ON COMMUNITY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
Christian City, a nonprofit, nondenominational organization serving less fortunate and neglected children as well as seniors, the elderly and the infirm, is calling on the community for financial donations, gift cards, and pantry items. The following is a list of needs for the Home for Children/Children's Village:
Cereal
Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D)
Paper towels, plates and napkins
Cereal
Boxed Drinks (100% Juice)
Canned Fruit
Boxed Dinners
Peanut Butter, Jelly
Chips
Toilet Paper and facial tissue
Laundry Detergent – powdered or liquid
Soaps (hand or bar)
Cleaning Supplies
Canned Fruit
Crackers, chips, snack cakes (individually wrapped)
Gift cards to local stores such as Wal Mart, Target, Kroger, Ingles
Christian City, located in Union City, relies on community support to continue to meet the needs of the children in their care. To make a donation, sponsor a child, become a volunteer or for more information on the Home for Children and the new Children's Village under construction, please contact Phil Kouns, Chief Operating Officer of Children's Services at 770-703-2641 or access www.christiancity.org
Thursday, January 03, 2008
CHRISTIAN CITY, A REMEDY FOR THE “AFTER THE HOLIDAY BLUES”
By Barbara Foster, Christian City - NHA, Professional Counselor
Many seniors look forward to the holidays only to feel let down when the celebration is over. For no known reason as the new year approaches, depression increases, especially in older adults. Depression affects nearly 3-5% of the population at any one given time, and there is a 20% chance of having an episode of clinical depression at some point in one’s life. However, it can be successfully treated more than 80% of the time with medication, counseling and/or life style changes.
Symptoms of clinical depression include:
• A sad mood most of the day, nearly every day
• Significant weight loss and/or weight gain or decrease/increase in appetite
• Trouble sleeping (either too much or too little)
• Feelings of restlessness
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Problems with concentration or decision making
• Recurring thoughts of death or thoughts of suicide
Christian City is the perfect place for those prone to feeling let down after the holidays. They offer a professional, loving staff who monitor for signs of depression and make sure residents get the attention they need. Keeping seniors engaged is an important factor in maintaining good mental health. Morning exercise classes, three nutritious meals taken with friends, water aerobics in the heated pool, an ice cream shoppe, library, and numerous planned social occasions keep residents active and happy. Seniors can make new friends and be a part of a vibrant community.
Located on a beautifully wooded campus in Union City, Christian City has a long history of offering excellent retirement opportunities, assisted living, nursing and Alzheimer’s disease care. Call our admissions department today for more information or to set up a free tour at 770-703-2600. You can access our website at www.christiancity.org. In the new year, come to Christian City….your place for life!
