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Harvest is a non-profit child care agency, licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. In addition, Harvest is affiliated with the Free Will Baptists and the Virginia Association of Children's Homes.
The home officially opened its doors in August 1993 with the intent to care for children who were victims of abuse and neglect. Since that time, the home has served over 1200 children from Virginia with tremendous success.
Today Harvest serves 74 children ages 5 to 18 in its current facilities, located in Lee County . The Jasper Cottage is located on a 60-acre leased tract, which contains a large two-story residence, promoting a family-like atmosphere for 12 boys. The Stickleyville property is a 36-acre tract, which houses the Stickleyville Cottage, home to 8 girls; and the Emergency & Assessment shelter, which has a capacity of 22. The Ruby Dobson Cottage cares for 10 younger children. The Intensive Services home cares for 22 children who are low functioning or behaviorally challenged and need special attention.
Future development planned for this property will contain separate group homes for boys, girls, and younger children.
In addition, the ministry intends to add facilities for recreation, independent living, and administration.
When finished the campus could serve more than 100 children.
Harvest Free Will Baptist Child Care Ministries began only as a dream in the hearts of a few motivated people. It was a dream of reaching out to victimized young people who needed a second chance. It was a dream of providing a home of Christian love to children who merely knew abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
Today, Harvest stands tall among its peers. The home is relied upon by the communities and leaders of Virginia. A Scott County Probation Officer noted, "The children have felt that Harvest was their second home...they felt secure and cared for during their placement." A Wise County Worker stated, "They go the 'extra mile' with kids..."
In Virginia alone there were 6,487 substantiated cases of abuse and neglect reported last year, the majority of which came from dysfunctional families. The need is particularly notable in the southwestern counties, which are among the most disadvantaged in the Commonwealth. Our own Lee County is "poorest" in the state.
These socioeconomic conditions are family stressors, which contribute to abuse and neglect. A child dies from abuse or neglect every 13 days in our Commonwealth; and a child is abused or neglected every 76 minutes. In response to these horrifying statistics Harvest reaches out to prevent this needless pain and suffering.
