The Impact of Our Mission is Helping Children in Crisis Find Happiness and Lead Independent Lives

Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home has been serving youth in crisis for more than 100 years. The task of reorienting the lives of children and families is highly complex and intensive. Your support allows us to help abused and neglected youth find happiness and grow to lead independent lives. Over the years, thousands of our graduates have become productive members of society. We are proud they are raising families, coaching youth leagues, serving in our military and running companies.

While placed at the Children’s Home, youth live in a therapeutic family-style, non-institutional environment with family teachers and assistant family teachers that have specialized training in the Teaching-Family Model. The Home also includes 24/7 awake coverage and a 1:5 staff to youth ratio with a maximum of 8-10 youth per home. Each youth receives a private, fully furnished bedroom.

The impact of our mission is helping 5,500 children in crisis find happiness and lead independent lives. What a legacy!

Our History

Our Timeline

1906

First gift Angie Godwin received from a donor who said “I Believe in you..” This inspired the legacy that is now the Children’s Home.

1915

Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home began an orphanage in Greencastle, IN.

1922-1923

All three Indiana Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church sponsor and endorse the Home.

1924

Move from Greencastle to Lebanon, IN.

1927

Swift Hall built housing 12 boys & 12 girls.

1959

IUMCH begins transition from orphanage to residential treatment facility.

1967

Auxiliary established.

1972

James E. Davis Activities Center and School is built.

1981

James E. Davis on-grounds school certified by the Indiana Department of Education.

1987

Gress Memorial Chapel dedicated.

2011

IUMCH implements new Teaching-Family Model.

2014

Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home Foundation established.
Founding board members: M. E. Thomas Jr., James L. Engledow and John O. Bodman.

2015

The Home celebrates our 100th Anniversary.

2019

Dedication ceremony of Independent Living group homes.

2021

1st Annual Indiana Children’s Champion Day.

2024

Independence Project pilot for transitional living welcomes first residents.

Our Story

Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home, Inc. was organized in 1915 by Miss Angie Godwin, a Methodist Deaconess. With great zeal and ability, she operated a home for orphans in Greencastle, Indiana. In 1922-23, all three conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church sponsored and endorsed the Home. In 1924, the Home moved from Greencastle to its present location in Lebanon, Indiana. Over the years, many changes have occurred, and the program has developed to meet the needs of the children it serves. The philosophy at Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home, Inc. involves a genuine concern and love for each child. Our multi-faceted treatment program aids youth who cannot cope with the everyday responsibilities of family living.

Today, Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home is an open campus facility with group homes designed to offer services to youth who need a less restrictive setting.

Youth who benefit the most from the services offered by the Home include:

  • Youth who are experiencing difficulties in the educational setting, both academic and/or behavioral.
  • Youth who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse but are not in need of inpatient substance abuse treatment.
  • Youth who have completed inpatient psychiatric or drug/abuse treatment and need transitional placement prior to returning home or being placed in a less restrictive placement (i.e., foster home, independent living).

Our Vision

To enrich the quality of life for children, youth and families through Christian values.

Our Mission

The Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home provides the best opportunities for children and youth to thrive and to achieve permanency in a stable and loving environment.

Core Values

Compassion:

Serving those in need with a caring spirit, regardless of their faith or culture.

Connection

We foster loving relationships with those we serve and with our generous donors of all faiths. We seek partnerships in the community and State to further our mission.

Diversity and Inclusion

We create an environment where everyone is valued, respected, and included

Education

We focus on social skills and also on career and life preparation through high school and post-secondary completion which leads to independence.

Excellence

We continually improve our services to children, youth and families, utilizing evidence-based treatment through the teaching-family model.

Family

We believe that teaching and modeling healthy family-style relationships is essential to the development of social, relational, and interpersonal skills to create strong families and citizens.

Respect

We embrace all people, treat them with dignity and love, honor confidentiality, and separate the person from the action.

Safety

We ensure that everyone feels secure and is physically and emotionally safe.

Spiritual Development

Using Christian values, we promote each person’s search for sacred meaning on the journey to hearing and self-directed, positive choices.