More than 200 people came together April 21 to celebrate the completion of new facilities at The Children’s Village at Christian City.
Thanks to generous support from the community, a food storage facility, swimming pool, outdoor amphitheater and landscaping have been completed at the campus. Supporters who gathered for the ribbon cutting included volunteers, church groups, civic groups, grantors and many individuals who give their time, talents and monetary assistance to help the abandoned, abused, and neglected children who now live hope-filled lives in safe loving care at The Children’s Village at Christian City.
Michael Scherer spoke about his experience growing up at Christian City in the ‘70s and ‘80s. “Christian City helped me develop into the man I am today,” he said. Scherer came to the campus when he was six years old and lived there through college. He is now an associate pastor in Tennessee where he lives with his wife and three children.
Philip Kouns, chief operating officer of The Children’s Village, welcomed the crowd as they gathered in the new amphitheater. “We are overjoyed with the support we receive from the community,” said Kouns. “Your faithful dedication to The Children’s Village is the reason we are able to continue providing loving care for the many children in need who come to us.”
Kouns introduced President and CEO Len Romano, who joined Christian City in December after a 38-year career with YMCA, most recently as CEO of Greater Omaha YMCA. Romano followed Bob Crutchfield, Christian City CEO for the past 23 years, who was also in attendance at the event.
Romano expressed his gratitude to the crowd of supporters, with special thanks to The John and Polly Sparks Foundation, Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, Georgia Power employee volunteers, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Midwest Food Bank and sustaining monthly donors, saying, “It is a blessing to be able to come together with all of you to support the ministries of Christian City.” He also praised the current staff and the vision of those who established Christian City in 1965, recognizing one of the founders of Christian City, Rose Marie Harper, who was in attendance.
Elected officials from Union City, Fulton County, Fayette County and the State of Georgia came to show their support, including Emma Darnell and Vince Williams.
“Mayor Williams is doing an awesome job for Union City,” Romano said. On behalf of Governor Deal and the State of Georgia, Senator Donzella James praised Christian City, reading a proclamation designating “The Children’s Village Day.”
Since 1965, Christian City has offered life services and a safe haven for children in crisis, aged 5-17, who are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Located 9 miles south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Christian City offers the children a welcoming home environment, loving house parents, and an opportunity to heal and grow. The campus also includes affordable housing for nearly 1,000 senior adults – from patio homes and subsidized apartments to a full continuum of care including assisted living, nursing & rehab, home health and hospice care. For more information, visit www.christiancity.org or phone 770-703-2636.
