Enterprise, Florida The Florida United Methodist Children's Home began as the Florida Methodist Orphanage in 1908. The Children's Home was founded by the Florida Conference of the (United) Methodist Church. What began as an orphanage in 1908 has developed into a diverse ministry to meet the needs of children and their families. We still seek to be a home for children who, for many different reasons, need a home. The children in our care come from a wide range of circumstances, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment and broken and dysfunctional families.
The Children's Home cares for school-aged children and youth, ranging in age from 5-18. The Children's Home is located in Enterprise, Florida, about a half-hour to the north of Orlando, on the shore of Lake Monroe.
The children live in one of twelve cottages; each cottage provides a home for eight boys or girls. The children usually live two to a room and are responsible for keeping their rooms clean, doing various chores, completing homework and managing day to day life in the cottage. They eat family style and enjoy the comfort of a loving home. Two sets of house parents (one couple on duty at a time) ensure a stable, secure and home-like atmosphere. The average stay of a child is about 12 to 18 months, but some will remain for much longer depending upon circumstances. One cottage is designated as “transitional living” and seeks to train and prepare our older young people to make the adjustment to adulthood. Another cottage is designed as a more intensive setting for residents who need a high level of attention.
Our children attend public school and participate in an active tutoring program at the Worrell Memorial Education Center located in the center of our campus.
The residents attend therapy in our Bruton Counseling Center and in each individual cottage. All residents receive individual and group therapy. Our therapists also seek to work with the families when possible. The Bruton Counseling Center also houses a play therapy room and provides office space to agencies in the community providing services to children.
Residents also enjoy a full range of recreational activities including the use of a full gymnasium, a certified Ropes Course, fitness room, game room and off campus activities. Two staff members oversee the recreation program. Some older residents hold jobs around the campus as a part of our work program. A wide variety of programs and ministries are in place to help our residents achieve success.
On Sunday morning the residents and staff assemble in our chapel for worship. The residents serve as ushers, acolytes, worship leaders and musicians. Wednesday evenings all gather once again for a vesper service. Our Chaplain serves as the pastor to the young people in care and is a vital part of the treatment team for each child in care. An important part of the chapel program is our music ministry. Our music director gives leadership to two age level choirs, gives piano lessons and directs other musical opportunities for the residents.
The Florida United Methodist Children's Home is now providing Foster Care Services. The Children's Home recruits, trains, licenses and monitors foster care families in our area. We currently are responsible for approximately 60 families and 80 foster children. We are proud of the development of this program as we seek to meet an important need in our community.
The Florida United Methodist Children's Home is proud of the ministry we do for children, youth and families in need. We are deeply grateful to the United Methodists of Florida and all who support us. For more information you may call the Children's Home at (386) 668-4774, or visit our website. |
