Sevierville, TN–On Wednesday, September 5, the staff and distinguished guests held an official groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the construction of a new home / cottage at the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. It marked the campus’ first building project in more than 30 years.
Attending the observance were numerous SMCH staff members; executive administrator Bishop Mitchell Corder from the Church of God Division of Care; the mayor of Sevierville Bryan C. Atchley; Brenda McCroskey, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce; Bill Denton, architect; David Stanfill, membership coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce; and Thad Mitchell, staff writer for The Mountain Press.
SMCH Executive Director Dr. Walt Mauldin stated, “This was a momentous occasion for our children and youth! Even though we have many aging facilities, this new building seems to have brought a renewed energy and vision to our campus. The community is responding with positive support.”
[1]SMCH Director Dr. Walt Mauldin, center, is joined by Care Ministries Executive Administrator Mitch Corder, left, and others at the groundbreaking for SMCH’s new cottage (click photo to enlarge)
Local business leaders, Ron and Betty Ogle, are providing the needed $500,000 to construct the facility, and Ron Ogle is serving as contractor. During Ron Ogle’s response, he reiterated a statement that has summarized the vision-casting since the Mauldins were appointed to SMCH four years ago. Ogle said, “We are going to build a home for youth that is just as nice as what we live in.” These residents deserve the very best. They deserve to live in a home just like many of us live in…and nothing less.
The Home’s leadership, administrators, and board are transforming the campus in order to make it a better place not only for this generation but for generations to come. Their objective is to continue to impact lives for the Kingdom of God…one child at a time.
(Source: SMCH, Dr. Pamela Kay Overbey)