The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source:
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:44 PM
Bean Station Children's Home Helping Reunite Children, Parents Whenever Possible
The program is gearing up to serve as many as 40 children at once at its facility in the Bean Station community of Grainger County. The home even offers classes and case management help for the children's parents.
Children who find themselves living with roommates in cabins adapt to a structure that includes private Christian school, plus typical after-school and summer activities.
15-year-old Shila said, "I think one of my favorite experiences is during the summer we get to do all this cool stuff."
14-year-old Jaydon said, "I like the sports in the summer, the sports Olympics."
An on-site tutor is available every weekday to help children with homework. They have access to a reading library, computers, video games and outdoor athletic fields.
Director Gene Whaley said faith is a critical component of the program.
"If we don't let the children know that they are loved by Jesus and they're a child of God, we've already failed as an organization. So, that's foundational to everything we do," Whaley said.
Because the home runs on private donations, community members in nearby Hamblen County have decided to help with a new Spring Festival as a fundraiser to provide funds.
Event organizer Gene Honeycutt of the Hamblen County Car Club said, "We're gonna see classic cars. You're gonna see vendors. All proceeds go to Kingswood. Nobody makes any money on this."
The Spring Festival was planned for Saturday, May 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the grounds of the home in Bean Station. The address is 160 Wachtel Road. The festival will include bounce houses and other family activities.
Whaley said the home also needs volunteer help throughout the year, with a variety of tasks and tutoring. You can find details about helping or donating at Kingswood Home for Children's website.