Ground broken on new $3.8M children's home in Northern Kentucky

On Wednesday, July 28 ground was broken on a $3.8 million expansion to the Diocesan Catholic Children's Home (DCCH) in Ft. Mitchell.  Officials say that the new facility will allow for the children's home to offer expanded programs and services for those that live there.

The DCCH is a treatment center for children between the ages of 6 to 14 that have severe to moderate emotional and/or behavioral problems.  Located on an 83-acre campus just off Interstate-75 in Northern Kentucky, the children's home dates back to the mid-1800s when Kenton County leaders formed the St. John's Orphan Society.

As the organization moves forward with the next phase of its operations, leaders are thankful for the $3.2 million that has been raised thus far to get the project to this stage.

"Guided by the dedicated and passionate service of our board, leadership team and executive committee, we have raised more than $3 million during the most difficult economic downturn since the Depression," said Sister Jean Marie Hoffman, DCCH executive director.  "With more than 83 percent of our goal reached and with the blessings of our many donors, we have entered the construction phase of this long-range endeavor."

The new facility (map) will reportedly expand the DCCH school, meet growing residential needs, create a new treatment center, and include an indoor therapeutic recreational facility.  While much funding progress has been made thus far, officials note that the final $600,000 needed to complete the vision will be raised through the organization's public fund raising phase.

The added room and facilities could not come at a better time as the facility operates at virtual capacity with an average 97 percent occupancy rate.

According to the DCCH, more than $35,000 has been raised as part of the public fund raising phase already.  The $3.8 million expansion is expected to be complete by summer 2011.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
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