The Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries moved toward the 21st Century Feb. 6 with the dedication and open house of its new facility.
Located in Hoover, the approximately 12,000-sq.-ft. building includes a counseling center and area for social services. The center also includes a business office, with an area for development activities, bookkeeping and other administrative functions.
While the dedication is the culmination of work that began on the center in November 1990, executive director Paul Miller said the real effort was initiated through the heritage of others who have worked on behalf of the Children’s Homes in the past. Miller recognized both former staff and trustees in his comments.
Saying the children’s Homes has “built on the heritage” others have laid, he also expressed appreciation to present trustees in believing in a vision for the future.
“We’re thankful for the trustees that expressed so much confidence,” Miller said.
A hallmark of the new building is the E. Grace Pilot Conference Center, named for trustee and major contributor Grace Pilot. Dedication ceremonies were held in the conference area, which employees said will be used for staff training and other functions.
Jesse Keller, chairman, of the board of trustees, recognized Pilot during his remarks. Keller praised Pilot for her dedication to the Children’s Homes and financial gifts that made the center possible.
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said the Children’s Homes is poised for the 21st Century with the opening of its newest facility.
“I’m excited to see the tremendous progress that the Children’s Homes ministry has taken,” Lance said. He added the Children’s Homes has broadened its base by branding out to other areas, allowing it to make a difference in all communities.
Extended coverage of the dedication and facility will be included in the Feb. 17 Children’s Homes section in The Alabama Baptist.
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