Brief History
The establishment of Presbyterian Orphans' Home, as it was first known, was recommended at a meeting of the Presbyterian Synod of Virginia in 1900. The first Board was appointed in 1901 and a charter was granted by the Virginia legislature in 1902. The Board decided to locate the home in Lynchburg, "providing the local community would contribute one-half of the purchase price of the site". Ivey Farm, 317 acres, four miles outside Lynchburg, Virginia, was purchased in 1903 for $25,000. The down payment and furnishings were provided by $3,000 from the city and donations from the community of $6,000. The official opening of Presbyterian Orphans' Home was July 1, 1903. Six years later there were 43 children in the Home: 24 boys and 19 girls. Additional cottages were built (each named for a major donor) and much of the present campus was built by 1912. |
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In 1964 the Synod approved the Board's plant to establish a training school for young men (ages 16-22) with mental challenges. Another farm was acquired and a residential ministry opened in Zuni, Virginia in 1967. Three young men were enrolled in the first year of operation. Today, more than 40 men and women live at Zuni and actively participate in the community. During the 1900's the Group Home concept - a home-like, supervised living situation - was developed. Residential services for adults with mental challenges expanded with group homes established in Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, South Hill, and Waynesboro. Genesis House, an emergency shelter for children ages 2-17, opened on the Lynchburg campus in 1989. This 12-bed shelter serves children whose families are in crisis situation. Children are admitted twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year and can stay up to 90 days during which time permanent placements are secured. In 1999 the Webster Student Center was dedicated providing an on-campus school and gym for residents who are not ready or able to attend public school. After intensive instruction, many students progress rapidly, return to their grade levels and then return to public school. In 2004, the Outpatient Counseling Center was opened to meet the needs of individuals and families experiencing emotional, behavioral and/or social difficulties in the Danville community. In 2006, the Lynchburg campus expanded its services to include an Independent Living Program for young adults. Many youth aging out of the program needed this support as they began attending college for the first time and learning how to care for themselves. In 2007, the Webster School expanded offering instruction at two sites under the supervision of New Vistas School. There is a focus on individualized instruction along with an educational approach to learn that involves medians such as drama, art, physical education and music. In all, Presbyterian Homes & Family Services addresses critical needs for hundreds of families each year. Thanks to the generosity of churches, individuals and corporations, the ability to serve more and more effectively grows each year. |
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