Community leaders, volunteers, sponsors, Christian City Trustees, and staff gathered to dedicate a new Crisis Stabilization Cottage and Multi-Court Recreational Facility on the campus of The Children’s Village at Christian City.
Among the attendees were Union City Mayor, Vince Williams; City Councilman, Brian Jones; Consumer Investigator, Dale Cardwell, and many others.
“Polly’s Cottage” (named in honor of longtime Christian City Trustee and benefactor, Pauline “Polly” Sparks who passed away in 2011) will provide a safe haven for abandoned, abused, or otherwise homeless children in crisis.
It will also be used for children coming to The Children’s Village through the National Safe Place program which provides protection for those who have run away from home or have been removed from their home by a parent/guardian.
Guests at the ribbon-cutting event were invited to tour the new cottage which was built with help from community volunteers and features donated windows, countertops, gutters, gas, electricity, insulation, and landscaping.
“This facility is truly a blessing for the children who come to us in crisis. And it would never have been possible without the generosity and commitment of people in our community,” shared Bob Crutchfield, Christian City’s president and CEO.
Also dedicated at the event was a new Multi-Court Recreational Facility with space for activities like basketball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as a workout area filled with exercise equipment.
The facility is designed for all ability levels, making it accessible for children with differing levels of mental and physical capabilities.
“All kids need exercise and a safe place to play,” said Crutchfield. “Thanks to the generosity of those who care about the mental and physical well-being of our children, they now have lots of options right here on campus.”
Both the cottage and recreational facility are the result of generous support from the community. Collaborators included The John and Polly Sparks Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Resurgens Charitable Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Owens Corning, US Windows, True Natural Gas, Georgia Power employees, Mister Sparky, Leafguard, Jones Industrial Lawn Services, Square Foot Ministry, Terry Chapman and The Gray Ghosts, Joe Ard, Phillip and Patty Kearns, Nora Blair, The Tim Hudson Family Foundation, Dale Cardwell, Crystal Marble, and others.
To learn about the Child Sponsorship Program at The Children’s Village, contact Ashley Bonner at 678-466-1093.
