Our History (
Historical Statement
The Children’s Home of Virginia Baptists, Incorporated, formerly known as the “Virginia Negro Baptist Children’s Home,” as founded in 1947 by Dr. Charles S. Dodd, as an orphanage for black children. Dr. Dodd’s inspiration came from two pivotal events; a promise he made to his wife and a call he responded to at the Petersburg General Hospital for a young patient. The patient was a homeless child who had been found by a Petersburg police officer. Driven by his desire to support children like the one at Petersburg General Hospital, Dr. Dodd began the difficult journey to establish a home that could provide shelter and nurturing care for children in need. Dr. Dodd committed to give the first financial donation of $5,000.00 and enlisted the support of his pastor, some of his close friends, and several of the Baptist Associations/Conventions in the state of Virginia to do the same. This effort resulted in a commitment from these individuals and groups that produced the first $30,000 needed to get The Children’s Home of Virginia Baptists (“HOME”) started. The Home received its formal Certificate of Incorporation in 1947 and began operation under the authority of the Baptist General Association , The Baptist General Convention, and the Baptist State Convention.
The Grounds
The Home is located on 265 acres of land, formerly known as the Jackson Farm, in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The Home officially opened and received it first nine children on December7, 1947. The Home provided the experience of home living for all children regardless of race, creed, or color. The goal was to provide stability and structure to support the children in becoming well-rounded, productive, and contributing members of society. The Home sought to provide the children in its care with the educational, social, cultural, and religious opportunities afforded to other children.
From 1948, the Home began to expand it footprint and facilities. In 1951, a boy’s dormitory, equipped to house twenty (20) boys, completed by donors, and named the Pauline F. Dodd Building. In 1955, Craddock J. Nunnally completed the construction of a girl’s dormitory that also equipped by donors to house twenty (20) girls and called by the name of Jones Hall. In the same year, the minimum age of admission changed from three to two years old. Subsequently, the Robert’s building, a residence hall, was erected to accommodate teenage boys. In 1971, the Jones Cottage (Jones Hall) later modified to function as the counseling center for children and family services. The L.C. Johnson Building, named for Reverend L.C. Johnson, member of an earlier Board of Trustees, opened in 1971 to house teenage girls. The Mack Cottage for boys constructed in 1981, named for Dr. Janice M. Mack, Director of the Home (1972-2000) opened that same year was designed to meet licensing space requirements. The Richie Multipurpose building opened in 1999, named in recognition of the contributions made by Mr. J. S. Richie and his family. The facility designed to address and support the needs of the residents of the Home and surrounding communities.
Previously the physical layout of the Home consisted of the Director’s home, Administration building, Multi-purpose building, three cottages, two fishing ponds, enclosed recreation area for young children, open recreational area for older children, a baseball field, picnic shelter, trade ship and Boy Scout Hut.
Since its inception, seven Superintendents/Administrators, Matrons and Directors have served the Home.
Administration
The Home received its Certification of Incorporation in 1947 resulting from the efforts of Dr. M. Jackson Board of Trustees appointed by the Baptist General Association, the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, Incorporated, and the Baptist State Convention, Incorporated. Today, the Baptist General of Virginia, Inc., and the Virginia Baptist State Convention, Inc., appoint members to the Board of Trustees. Children’s Home of Virginia Baptists, Incorporated (CHVB) continues to receive financial support from individuals, churches, clubs, and organizations across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
From 1948 to 2004, so many children lived, played, educated, and nurtured at the Children’s Home. Children came into the Home’s care through various circumstances- some, for a few days, others for months and still more for years. Their lives care and upbringing made possible through the efforts and resources provided by the Children’s Home of Virginia Baptists, Incorporation, and the vital contributions of concerned donors.
In 2009, the home transitioned away from providing full-time residential care as a primary service. Through grant received from the Cameron Foundation, Children’s Home of Virginia Baptists, Incorporated worked the Child Welfare League of America to assess the need of the Home’s surrounding community. It was determined that residential care was no longer a primary need, but that CHVB remained well positioned to provide other types of critical services and programming to the children of the community.
CHVB’s strategic plan outlines it approach to utilizing the established resources, land, and facilities to provide for the needs of an ever-evolving community in the 21st century. As a part of that plan, CHVB works closely with parents, relatives, community leaders, community service agencies, as well as mental health and health care providers. CHVB serves as a community advocate with the best interest of each child’s total welfare in mind.
