Our History
Children’s Homes of Iredell County (CHIC) was founded in November 1972 by a group of concerned community members who recognized a critical gap in care for children experiencing abuse and neglect. At the time, children with no safe placement options were often housed in jail cells—an unacceptable reality that galvanized local leaders, including Barbara Dearman, Louise Doyle, and David Eisele, to act. Their vision was to create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where children could receive care while the Department of Social Services worked toward family resolution.
That vision became a reality with the opening of the Dearman Home in 1972, a 90-day emergency placement serving up to five children. The need was immediate and sustained, leading to the opening of the Doyle Home in 1988 with support from Iredell County. As community needs evolved, CHIC expanded its capacity and scope of services, formally becoming Children’s Homes of Iredell County, Inc. in 2001 to reflect its role in providing longer-term care and stability.
As a direct result of this strategic plan, CHIC is actively expanding its continuum of care in 2026 to include integrated clinical services. These services will include trauma-informed assessments, outpatient mental health counseling, and substance use treatment for youth and families. In addition, CHIC is developing a therapeutic foster care program designed to support children with higher acuity needs in family-based settings.
Through these advancements, CHIC is intentionally evolving from a traditional child welfare provider into a comprehensive child and family well-being organization, delivering integrated, whole-person care that addresses the full spectrum of needs—behavioral, emotional, social, educational, vocational and environmental—that impact long-term outcomes.
