50 Stories for 50 Years of Ministry

We ask, Lord, that Your presence always graces us, that our words and actions reflect Your heart for people.

Karon first stepped foot on CCHO’s Wooster campus in November of 1981 when her parents, Tim and Pat McKelley, were hired as house parents.

CCHO will always have a special place in my heart. Not only did it bring me to Ohio, but I’ve witnessed many miracles and lives changed.

As we prepared to celebrate our 50th anniversary we perused old photo albums. Enjoy 50 photos from our five decades of ministry.

Today, we invite you to learn more about Esperanza de Ana, an affiliated ministry based in western South America.

CCHO kids may not wake up in their own homes on Christmas, but because of kind supporters, they wake up to an astonishing example of love.

Amidst the heartache of loss in the foster care system, our staff has had the opportunity to witness the joy of adoption in the last year.

Katie needed to feel safe and loved. Thanks to donors like you, Katie found the support, therapy and love she needed at CCHO.

It’s been quite some time since I first set foot on the CCHO campus. To say I had some anxiety when I arrived would be an understatement.

Kristina Fryson, MSW, LSW, CTT shows the powerful difference that effective trauma treatment can make in someone’s life.

Not every season and every case are created equal, but if given the opportunity to build a bridge, I encourage you to take the first step.

I entered foster care at age four. By the time I was 15, I already had 13 homes including a failed adoption under my belt.

CCHO has been a part of my life for at least 20 years. God has filled this relationship with a combination of wonder, trial, and purpose.

Two former CCHO residents share their inspiring stories of transformation in story #38 of our 50 Stories for 50 Years of Ministry series.

We’re pleased to once again celebrate our staff with a closer look at the work they do each day to help people experience their worth.

James 1:27 calls God’s people to meet the needs of orphans. The Zieglers answered that call by joining Encourage Foster Care.

As a first-time VBS director this year for Meadow View Church of Christ, I was asked to choose a mission to support with our VBS donations.

How do you show appreciation to staff who consistently fight for the highest good of others?

Although all clients have a special story, some clients’ stories stick with you long after their treatment in the program has ended.

We are so grateful for the collection of caring churches that have supported CCHO and our family of ministries over the past five decades.

What started in 1994 as a small fundraiser has become an annual event that allows us to continue helping kids and families.

Don Boehm and his sons have been swinging their clubs for CCHO for years. Here’s why they come back every year for the golf outing.

The Northern Ohio Chapter of the Sons of God Motorcycle Club has been blessing the kids at CCHO every summer since 1996.

I believe that God directed the county to choose CCHO because it was what my son needed to help him become the man God created him to be.

Jim Morrison and Regi Muich from MOCC share the history behind their annual Cruisin’ for the Kids event.

On July 11, 1997, a little girl was born to a single mom. That young mom was a former CCHO resident.

That was the first time I saw Brent cry. He regretted that he would leave CCHO without being baptized.

I’d like to take you on a trip back to 2008. I had just earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Malone College.

Our group from Fairlawn Mennonite Church in Apple Creek, Ohio has been regularly volunteering with CCHO since June 2018.

Once upon a time…. Probably the most famous opening line of a story.

Several employees share their vision for what’s ahead for our family of ministries and what “More” might look like over the next 50 years.

Louie Pantelis takes the storytelling reins today. Louie lived in fear and desperation as a teenager. But then he wound up on at CCHO.

When Julie and Ron began their foster and adoption journey, they couldn’t have imagined they would one day have 18 children.

When new residents arrive, our therapy team writes a narrative from the child’s perspective to help staff understand their trauma.

It is an honor to walk alongside people like Ashley, who has found health and healing during her time as an Encompass client.

What a way to commemorate five decades of ministry! More than 1500 people attended our three-day celebration on June 7-9.

As we prepare to gather for our 50th celebration this weekend, we’re especially grateful for our community partners who support our mission.

A lot changes in one decade, let alone five. The world is different today in many ways than it was when CCHO started in a farmhouse in 1969.

Helping meet residents’ needs takes a lot of hands and partners. We are grateful for the kindness of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

I came to CCHO in 1971 and lived there until I graduated in 1975. I was the second resident. My memories are numerous but here are a few.

When you hear people talk about foster care and adoption, you often hear about a broken system and all the reasons to stay away.

I met Mia when she first became a resident in our Young Girls Cottage. I was immediately struck by her kindness and vibrant personality.

I was 16 when I came to CCHO. I was a lost, angry teenager, but the love and support of CCHO helped mold me into the woman I am today.

Fifty years ago today, on a Tuesday evening at Rittman First Church of Christ, 12 men were selected as interim board members of CCHO.

When I first met Josie, I met a powerhouse of a young woman; she presented as a strong, independent teenager with something to prove.

Joey was a kindergarten student when I met him. He had the typical chubby cheeks of a kindergartener and he was missing his two front teeth.

As the Discipleship Minister at Discover Christian Church in Dublin, I’ve led our annual CCHO men’s mission trip for the past 10 years.

From the first employee hired in 1969 to our most recent new hires, our staff have served by stepping into the pain and to offer hope.

It’s not easy being a foster parent. Many would say opening their hearts and homes to kids in need is the hardest thing they’ve ever done.

Each day, employees of our family of ministries aim to uphold our three core values: relentless commitment, selflessness and kindness.

For 50 years, Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) has been “a place where kids and God can meet.”