4 minute read
A Safe Home for Children
By Cassie Johnson
In 1990, a group of concerned Christians in western Kentucky were motivated by love and compassion to provide better care for children who were neglected or hurt. New Pathways for Children was born, helping hundreds of children for now 31 years. The facility has expanded to a beautiful 25-acre campus complete with separate boys and girls housing, a foster home and parents for younger children, playgrounds at each house, a gym, and a pond fully stocked with fish.
“We meet the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of these children,” shared Executive Director Ricky Burse. “We don’t just repeat our mission statement, we live it. We are a safe home, not an orphanage. We will not turn any child away because of age, health, or any other condition.”
Several things set NPFC apart from other programs. Unlike any other in our area, NPFC does not receive or operate with state funding.
“In 2014, we decided on faith to no longer accept government funding to keep NPFC Christ-centered,” said Burse. “The community support has been overwhelming. Each child is generously sponsored to attend Community Christian Academy and we receive donations on everything from snacks to swim wear.”
Every child has a private room. For many, this is the first time they experience not only having their own bedroom but also having their own bed. A house manager and other staff members are at the houses 24/7. Meals are prepared by staff and eaten together, just like a family. The nurturing, structured environment makes sure homework time, playtime, simple chores, and other daily activities are surrounded by love and support.
Children receive clothes from the Clothes Closet, and the public is encouraged to donate new or ‘like new’ clothing.
“Every child needs play clothes, shoes, church clothes, socks, and so on,” said Burse. “We don’t want any of our kids to feel like they are different from any other family. Dressing in clothes that are trendy and fit well, as well as age-appropriate help to build the children’s self-confidence.”
Kids participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities, all of which are possible thanks to gracious donations. Each child is encouraged to do what they love, whether it’s gymnastics, basketball, or another activity.
In addition to daily life, New Pathways takes the children on as many fun trips as possible. These include visits to businesses such as Vertical Jump Park and Chuck E. Cheese in Paducah, as well as local plays, and the circus. NPFC has also organized trips to Discovery Park of America, the zoo, and even Cardinals baseball games in St. Louis.
“We are a family, and we take family outings,” said David Simmons, Director of Development and Marketing. “One of our goals is to make their childhood as normal as possible. When one of the kids achieves the Student of the Month award at school, he/she is treated to a special time at Parker’s Drive-In for ice cream. Each child picks the theme for their birthday party. Little things that make big differences mean a lot.”
The ultimate goal is that each child can return safely to their parent or legal guardians.
“Often, young or single parents may not have the support system they need while trying to raise a child,” explained Burse. “ Situations arise, where rehab is needed for substance abuse, jail sentences, or some other crisis, may leave them without a safe place for their kids. That’s where we come in. We don’t take custody away from parents, we become the guardian of that child. We make sure they are loved, taken care of, receive proper medical care, and are safe while their parent is not able to do so.”
Golf Scramble Fundraiser
On Saturday, June 12th the annual New Pathways golf scramble will take place at Paxton Park. This is a major fundraising event for NPFC and they ask the public to sign and support their endeavors. The cost is $300 for a team of four. The title sponsor is David Taylor Chrysler, and other sponsors are still needed. All sponsors receive a tee sign, banner recognition during lunch, and are verbally mentioned at the event. Please contact David Simmons at 270.540.1942, or dsimmons@ npfc.net.
New Pathways for Children is a 501 ©3 Christian ministry with the vision of bringing hope to children in crisis. They rescue children out of neglect, abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, or other harmful environments. They are placed in a safe, loving home where a sense of hope and belonging are instilled in them. If you need information for children currently in need of a safe home, contact Jan Jones at 270.674.6061.
