Historical Story Of Children's Home
The Kentucky Methodist Children's Homes is a non-profit organization. We serve
all ages of children through a variety of programs. We've been established
for over 135 years. We have two locations-- Versailles and Owensboro.
The Home was originally established in 1871 as the Widows and Orphans Home by the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Louisville. Sixty years later, the Home was moved to Versailles, Kentucky.
The original mission to rescue women and children from abuse, serve
unwed mothers, and provide housing for homeless and orphaned children,
is historically similar to that of today's mission. However in the late
1980s, our Home changed from being an orphange to a treatment facility
in order to serve adolescent children with histories of abuse, neglect,
abandonment, and family trauma. 
Then in 1984, the Home purchased the property in Owensboro, also known
as the Mary Kendall Home.
(Read more about Mary Kendall's History Below)
In 1993, our new name became "The Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children and Youth."
Throughout our history, this ministry has always made children a top priority. We are committed to keeping God's children first. All of this is possible because years ago compassionate Christians united to help children who were thrown into desperate situations.
After the citywide revival, the ladies of Owensboro Bible Club formed the Women's Christian Association (WCA), which was led by Mrs. Mary Kendall. In a letter dated 1929, written by Mary Kendall, she said, "Through the activities of this body, with the Bible Club, a rescue home for unfortunates among women and children came into life; the women, to show their love and appreciation of my labors in their midst, called this home The Mary Kendall Home." She added, "It would have been more pleasing to me had others given these facts, for I feel unworthy of the honor bestowed."
The Mary Kendall Home was purchased in 1984 and became a part of the
Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children, under the direction of
Dr. Donald Durham. Since the Mary Kendall Home came into existence because
of an effort spearheaded by United Methodist Women, it is fitting that
the Kentucky United Methodist Children's Homes would step in to save
Mary Kendall. The rich heritage of both campuses combine the 100-year-old
history of the Mary Kendall with the 134-year-old history of the Kentucky
United Methodist Children's Homes to make us one of the finest agencies
in the state.
The Mary Kendall Campus of The Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children
serves a similar purpose as it did when it was established-that is to help
those children and families who are suffering to receive help and hope. We
are serving more children and providing more services than ever before. All
of this is possible because years ago compassionate Christians united to help
women and children who were thrown into desperate situations. We have much
to celebrate with our Mary Kendall Campus!
