Who We Are

Stoddard County Children’s Home is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, licensed by the state of Missouri and governed by an 18-member Board of Directors. Our board includes representatives from each city in the county, ensuring community-wide oversight and involvement. They are responsible for upholding state regulations, maintaining financial stability, and securing the funding necessary to meet the needs of the children in our care.

As a licensed residential care facility, we provide 24/7 care for up to 10 children at a time, from birth through age 18. Our home is staffed around the clock, 365 days a year, with at least two trained caregivers always on site to ensure a safe, supportive environment.

To give our children a sense of normalcy and connection, we provide daily transportation to and from their local schools at no cost. We also support participation in school activities and community recreation programs, helping every child feel included.


Our Story

The idea for the Stoddard County Children’s Home began in 1979, when Melvin “Churn” Williams, Chief Juvenile Officer for the county, recognized the urgent need for a safe haven for children who had been abused, neglected, or abandoned.

Volunteers from across the county came together to form a Board of Directors with one mission: to create a nurturing, stable home environment for these children. Their first step was to raise $20,000 to secure a grant for purchasing a building. Thanks to incredible support from the community, they surpassed their goal—and in 1980, the Stoddard County Children’s Home officially opened its doors.



Our Board of Directors

  • Advance

    • Paula Miles- Board Treasurer

    • Ryan Slinkard- Board Vice President

  • Bell City

    • Amy Brown-Nichols

    • Allie Scherer- Board Secretary

  • Bernie

    • Tommie Ellenburg

    • Lauren Mayer

    • Jackie Mayberry

  • Bloomfield

    • Loyd Rice

    • Tracy Robison

  • Dexter

    • Al Banken

    • Sue Grobe

    • Scott Kruse

    • Josh Miller- Board President

    • Tyler Ramsey

  • Essex

    • Judy Ackman

    • Randy Russell

  • Puxico

    • Pat Holloway

    • Janet Muckerman

  • Advisory Board

    • LeAnn Below- Juvenile Division Judge

    • Jessica Brown- Chief Juvenile Officer

    • Jessica Hawkins- Program Director of SCCH

    • Robert N. Nayer- Circuit Judge

    • Kim Strafford- Children’s Division Circuit Manager

    • Renee Trout- Executive Director of SCCH

Looking Ahead

Most recently, a generous bequest from the Norman B. Harty Trust and a gift of land from the Regional Healthcare Foundation have made it possible for us to expand. We’ve moved into a larger, modern facility that meets today’s needs and prepares us for tomorrow’s challenges. With this new home, we’re better equipped than ever to serve the children of Stoddard County.