Ministries and services provided by the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries (ABCH) are about to expand in the Oxford area.
ABCH recently purchased property in Oxford to build a multipurpose facility that will offer social services, professional counseling, foster care and other ministry services. The new facility will work in conjunction with The Friendship House, ABCH’s emergency care home in Oxford, which was built in 1997.
"We’re pleased that we’ve found the ideal location for us to expand our services in the east Alabama area," said Paul Miller, ABCH executive director. He noted that the site, which is about 16 acres, provides ample space for current services as well as future developments and opportunities to partner further with Calhoun Baptist Association. The association currently provides office space for ABCH services in the Oxford area.
Those will move to the new site once construction is completed, said Ted Embry, ABCH area director for central and northeastern Alabama.
"The positive response of church, social service and community leaders in the area has greatly enhanced the children’s homes ability to serve hundreds of children and families in the past decade from its Oxford location.
"After much prayer, evaluation and planning, the children’s homes is ready to move forward to meet the growing needs of children and families of Alabama," he said.
ABCH is currently accepting and evaluating proposals from contractors, with the goal of choosing a contractor by July, Embry noted.
At that point, construction should begin with the goal of moving into the facility by spring 2008.
Oxford is one of seven existing primary service locations for ABCH.
The children’s homes offers campus, group, foster and emergency shelter homes in multiple locations throughout Alabama. The ministry also provides professional counseling, family assistance and educational and other services for those in care.
"[The new facility] is one of three capital improvements we want to make in the next two years," Miller said, noting locations for more ministry service centers and family care facilities across the state are being studied.
"Scripture tells us to care for widows and orphans," he said. "We can’t be concerned about children without being concerned with families and the lack of families. It is our Christian responsibility, No. 1." But reaching children who need help while they are young will also help prevent societal and economic problems that can come as they grow up, Miller added.
Robert Dewhurst, ABCH director of development, noted how the ministry of ABCH is growing. It is "one of the oldest and most comprehensive faith-based child welfare ministries in Alabama," he said.
And in 2006, it "served more children and families in more places in more ways … than anytime in its 115-year history." (TAB)
Share with others: