The groundbreaking was preceded by a Kick-Off Party on Valentine's Day, Feb. 12, designed to launch Christian City's yearlong celebration of its past successes and the emerging plans for the next 40 years of service. Christian City was founded on Valentine's Day in 1965.

More than 1,000 children have been served over the past four decades. Today, nearly 100 buildings are situated on the 500-acre campus, providing residences for approximately 1,000 children and adults. The yearlong celebration provides the opportunity to reflect on the history of the organization's work over four decades and the development of the projects envisioned for the next 40 years, said President and CEO Bob Crutchfield.

"Now 40 years later, we look to the future of how we may continue to serve children in an ever-changing world," he said. "This groundbreaking marks not only the beginning of a new campus for the Home for Children, but also the beginning of our expanded efforts into a full continuum of services for children, including assessment, an emergency shelter and permanent placement."

Expansion plans call for the construction of eight new homes for the Children's Village. The old homes will be upgraded or used for other Christian City growth opportunities, said Communications Manager Debs MacNellis.

Christian City serves children of all ages from around Georgia up to age 19, MacNellis said. Approximately 50 percent of children served are from Georgia Department of Family and Children's Services while the remaining residents come from homes where parents, for a variety of reason, cannot provide for their children, she said.

Crutchfield said the Home for Children creates a loving environment, both on campus and in foster care by enriching their lives and guiding them through their formative years and by instilling a sense of confidence and security in their lives. His words were echoed by MacNellis, who said that, above all, the needs of the children come first.

Noting the substantial undertaking of the project, MacNellis said a large portion of the time, materials, labor, land clearing activities and other aspects essential to the project were provided by Georgia Utility Contractor's Association.

Christian City is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that ministers to the needs of children and senior adults. In addition to the Home for Children, the organization's many other services include a convalescent center, Alzheimer's Care Unit, Sparks Inn Assisted Living/Personal Care Facility and numerous independent retirement homes and apartments.

The groundbreaking ceremony provided a venue for many who remarked on the compassionate success of Christian City during the past four decades. Union City Mayor Ralph Moore read a proclamation citing Feb. 22 as Christian City Day and Fulton County Commissioner William "Bill" Edwards told how he first came to know the ministry of Christian City. Fulton County Commission Chair Karen Handel spoke of the partnership between the organization and the community and Christian City Board of Advisors member and Rep. Virgil Fludd (D-Tyrone) read a proclamation from the Georgia House, while referencing the value of the organization in his own life. Letters from Gov. Sonny Perdue and Pres. Georgia Bush and wife Laura were read.

Near the end of the ceremony, cofounder Rose Marie Harper offered remarks that captured the essence of a ministry that puts the needs of children first.

"Could you believe that a dream could become this kind of miracle?" Harper said, posing a question that had an immediate answer. That answer is realized daily in the lives of residents, past and present, that know Christian City as their home.

Additional information on Christian City and its services can be obtained at www.christiancity.org or by calling (770) 703-AMEN.