Carolina Children's Home

The Carolina Children's Home (CCH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the underserved mental and physical health needs of children, young adults, and their families. It was founded by Reverend Carlisle Courtenay and initially chartered as the Rescue Orphanage in December 1909[1][2].

History

CCH began its operations by serving children in a rented house on Assembly Street in downtown Columbia. In June 1910, the organization relocated to a sixty-four-acre site at the corner of Sunnyside and Trenholm Roads, where it constructed dormitories, a cafeteria, a barn, a laundry, and other facilities over the subsequent decade[2]. The children attended local schools and assisted with campus chores. At its peak, the Home housed over 125 children from various South Carolina counties[1][2].

In 1958, the Palmetto Little League was established at CCH, with the Home's field serving as the League's headquarters for more than three decades[1][2]. By 1964, the Home had merged with children from the Richland County Children's Home and hired its first psychologist to address the growing emotional needs of its residents[1][2].

Services and Programs

During the mid-1970s, CCH developed various mental health services, including low, moderate, and high management programs, supervised independent living, an intensive clinical day program, wrap-around service programs, temporary de-escalation services, and therapeutic foster care[1]. An outpatient counseling center also provided therapy to children and families[1].

CCH collaborated with the South Carolina Department of Education and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program to offer on-campus educational programs aimed at preparing students for post-secondary academic success[1].

In 2012, CCH launched the Hearth Center for Eating Disorders, which provided comprehensive treatment services for eating disorders in South Carolina. However, due to financial viability issues, the Hearth was closed in 2015, and its property was sold to the Epworth Children's Home in 2016[1].

Current Operations

Today, the Carolina Children's Home continues its mission as a public benefit organization by offering financial support and advocacy for children's initiatives across South Carolina. The CCH Foundation provides community grants and scholarships to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life for children and young adults[3].

The organization focuses on meeting the mental and physical health needs of its target population through strategic partnerships and initiatives[3].