A Benevolence Highlight
Have you ever felt completely alone? Abandoned? Friendless? That’s the reality of many young children today, going through life in the foster care system or waiting to be adopted. Way back in 1902 (over 100 years ago!) the Deaconesses of the United Methodist Church here in Normal saw a vast need—and they decided to do something about it.
With the help of a generous couple, Allen and Nancy Mason, a house was procured, and in 1905, Deaconess Nellie Randle was sent to begin a home for abandoned and neglected children in Normal, Illinois. “Harry” was the first child to be placed, followed by ten more children in that first year of operation as a “baby fold”.
Eventually, the home grew larger in number, and they relocated to a larger house on Willow Street. The home supported and nurtured children through the Great Depression, World Wars 1 and 2, and many other world-changing events. In 1939, a new couple came into the picture—Reverend William and Gwendolyn Hammitt—and brought needed change to the functionality of the home. At that time, adoption laws were pretty much nonexistent, so couples could pretty much walk in, choose a child, and walk out. The Hammitt’s worked with the state legislature to improve adoption laws to better protect the children. They also hired trained professionals (nursing staff and social workers) to work on site to better serve the home.
By the last half of the 20th century, The Baby Fold had begun programs for children coming through their doors with emotional and behavioral challenges. Special Education services began through what was then known as the Child Development Center. It was later renamed Hammitt School.
In the next twenty years, The Baby Fold continued to grow and flourish in its services to the community, and in 1999 they opened the doors of ‘The Family Center’ (the completely renovated historic Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s School). The Center became home to foster care and adoption services, family support and clinical services, a gymnasium and chapel, and a training center for staff.
Today, The Baby Fold continues to grow and expand as needs arise. They currently serve over 1200 individuals every year through 12 programs across 28 counties in Central Illinois. Hammitt School has expanded to accommodate junior high and high school levels, and several programs are in place to help those that might not be able to attend Hammitt. Their mission is to build positive futures with children and families while reflecting the Christian principles of love, hope, and healing. They are in the ministry of transforming lives, and they never give up on a child.
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
JOHN WESLEY
About The Benevolence Committee
The Benevolence Committee exists to amplify and uphold our “Benevolence” core value and serve as a bridge between employee-owners and the charities we regularly support. The Baby Fold is one such organization. Look for upcoming events on the Dashboard and contact the committee with any questions or comments via benevolencecommittee@nussbaum.com.
