History
Mrs. Georgia Eastman and a group of ladies from First Baptist Church, Nashville, founded the Tennessee Baptist Orphans' Home in 1891. The Tennessee Baptist Orphans' Home was first housed in the Delaware Hotel in West Nashville.
In 1911, land was purchased from Major C.T. Cheek and the orphans' home was moved to its present location in Brentwood. For many years children were served at this one location. In 1950 a second campus was opened in Memphis and in 1954 one followed in Chattanooga. By the 1950's most of the children in residence were from homes in crisis, not orphans, so Board members decided in 1953 to rename the ministry to more accurately reflect its work--Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes.
Who We Are
Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, Inc, a non-profit organization founded in 1891, is a ministry of the churches of the Tennessee Baptist Convention which provides residential care to children.
TBCH has 6 locations: campuses in Bartlett (Memphis), Millington (Boys Ranch – Memphis), Brentwood and Chattanooga, as well as cottages located in Kingsport and Oakdale. Single parents and their children are cared for at our Houses of Healing and Hope in Brentwood.
Thousands of children in Tennessee suffer the pain and loneliness of a family in crisis. TBCH cares for approximately 200 of these children each year who find themselves without a place to call home due to family crisis. All children are accepted regardless of race, creed, or socio-economic background.
Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes does not accept government funding so that children in TBCH care may be taught Christian values. TBCH funding comes from the Cooperative Program (primary funding source of the Tennessee Baptist Convention); from individuals and churches; and from charitable gifts in the form of estate bequests, trust fund, investments, and endowments.
Mission Statement
The MISSION of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes is to minister the love of Jesus Christ to children and families in crisis.
The VISION of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes is to strive to be a ministry to children and families that leads them to become whole persons in Christ through faith, hope and love.
Core Values
People - We believe the most valuable thing to God is people. People matter and have potential. (John 3:16/Galatians 5:14)
Grace/Faith/Trust - We believe grace, faith and trust are the basis of our relationship with Christ and essential to a healing community. (Romans 5:1-2/ 2 Corinthians 5:17/ Galatians 5:22-23)
Excellence - We believe we should give God our very best in every aspect of our lives. (Philippians 4:8-9/ Proverbs 18:15/ Philippians 1:9-10)
Safe Environment - We believe our ministry requires a secure environment that is safe from physical and emotional harm. (Psalm 32: 7-8)
Stewardship - We believe that we are accountable and responsible to God for every resource He has provided this ministry. (Psalm 24:1/I Corinthians 4:2)
Funding
Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes has never accepted government funding. This is possible because of the support we receive from individuals and churches through our Mother's Day Offering and Cooperative Program funds.
Additionally, TBCH is the beneficiary of estate planning of our supporters as well as support from corporate and individual foundations. Together these revenue streams help provide the funds necessary to meet the wide range of needs of the children and families in our care.
You can make a difference by making a gift through an on-line donation. Click here to be transferred to our on-line donation service GivingMatters. Any and all gifts are greatly appreciated and we encourage you to partner with us in this ministry.
TBCH financial records are audited each year. You may order printed copies of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes' audit by calling 1-800-624-8591 or e-mail office@tbch4kids.org or download the complete copy of the 2012 Audit Report (2012 Audit Report PDF format).
For the mailing address and phone number of TBCH locations, see Contact Us.
