Harvest is a non-profit child care agency, licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. In addition, Harvest is affiliated with the Free Will Baptist denomination and the Virginia Association of Children’s Homes. The home officially opened its doors in August 1993 with the mission of providing abused, neglected, abandoned, or troubled children with a healthy Christian home environment, caring parents, and a wholesome family life. Since that time, the home has served nearly 1,900 children with tremendous success.
Today Harvest is licensed to care for 51 children, ages 5 to 18, on our campus located in Lee County, Virginia. Our 36 acre property boasts of the Stickleyville Cottage, home to 8 girls; the Ruby Dobson Cottage, home to 10 boys; the Emergency & Assessment Shelter with a capacity of 22; and our Administration Building, which also has the capacity to serve 11 additional residents. Harvest Free Will Baptist Child Care Ministries began only as a dream in the hearts of a few motivated people. It was a dream of reaching out to victimized young \people who needed a second chance. It was a dream of providing a home of Christian love to children who had been mistreated and misused.
Today, Harvest stands tall among its peers. The home is relied upon by agencies that place children in the Commonwealth of Virginia; by Pastors of Free Will Baptist churches who are helping families in need; and by parents and grandparents who do not know where to turn. One parent recently said, “I believe sending my child to Harvest was the best thing I have ever done for him. Since he returned home, he is doing really well: going to school every day, working part-time, learning to drive, and attending church. Harvest also helped me learn to set limits, make rules and enforce them. Our family was blessed to have found Harvest.”
A Bristol DSS worker stated, “All staff are wonderful to work with! They go above and beyond.” In Virginia alone there were 6,205 substantiated cases of abuse and neglect last year, the majority of which came from dysfunctional families. The need is particularly notable in the southwestern counties, which are among the most disadvantaged in the Commonwealth.”
These socioeconomic conditions are family stressors which contribute to abuse and neglect. A child dies from abuse or neglect every 13 days in our Commonwealth and a child is reported abused or neglected every 81 minutes. In response to these horrifying statistics Harvest reaches out to prevent this needless pain and suffering.
Harvest Free Will Baptist Child Care Ministries is a non-profit agency that provides residential group homes and emergency and assessment shelters for abused, neglected, abandoned, or troubled children. Our philosophy is that a healthy Christian home environment, caring parents, and a wholesome family life are fundamental necessities if not rights, for every child.
