Welcome to our new home!

Since the last time we talked, Kids First has moved into a new home and celebrated its Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in which more than 500 people participated and toured our  new home.  As you will see our new Center is absolutely gorgeous and represents our desire to make children feel welcome and safe. The kids seem to relax once they get out of the car and look around. They have made comments such as: “can I just stay here” or “this is like a big house”. They know from the smiles of the staff,  to the playrooms to the many murals that they are the reason we are here.  They love the murals donated by the Art Guild of Tellico Village, the horses grazing in the pasture, the Kids Treasure Chest and the many bugs, monkeys, dancing bears and words of affirmation that adorn the walls and hallways. Our Child Protective Investigative Team is very grateful for the workspace and have begun to bring their laptops, files, paperwork, etc… to the Center as they work cases and truly enjoy the work environment. We are still pinching ourselves and continue to be amazed with the amount of generosity poured out by all of you. This Center is a wonderful example of what folks can do when they believe in a cause. Thank you for making possible a Center that displays warmth, purpose, encouragement and acceptance to victims of child abuse and for joining us as we seek to heal their pain. Lastly, I must thank Mr. Kevin Gentry of Philadelphia Elementary, his teachers and students as they participated in our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by cutting the chain of child abuse. Mr. Bill Williams emceed this event as we were joined by Congressman John Duncan, Representative Jimmy Matlock, Mayor Doyle Arp, Sheriff Tim Guider, David Leaverton representing Senator Corker, District Attorney General Russell Johnson and Mr. Ted Wampler.  A special thanks to Mr. Dave Hudgens and the dedicated volunteers and board members of Kids First!