Our History

Early 1970s: 

• Statesville citizens, alarmed that abused and neglected Iredell County children had no safe place but jail, advocated for a better solution. 
• Louise Doyle, Barbara Dearman, David Eisele, and other concerned citizens conceived the idea of a home offering safety and nurturing rather than incarceration. 

November 1972: 

• The non-profit organization was chartered, and funds were raised to purchase the first house, known as The Dearman Home. 
• The Dearman Home opened in 1972, initially caring for five children but quickly reached full capacity due to high demand. 

July 1988: 

• The Doyle Home was purchased with Iredell County budget funds to address the growing need. 
• The Doyle Home began operating, accommodating 12 children and youth. 

2005-2006: 

• Both homes were at full capacity, leading to 42 children being turned away. 
• The Board initiated efforts to open a third home, resulting in the groundbreaking of the Eisele Home on October 1, 2007. 
• The Eisele Home opened on August 14, 2008, increasing capacity to 18 children and youth. 

June 2009: 

• With a 44% increase in children needing care, the Board secured a fourth location, the Koepnick Home, which opened on November 9, 2009. 
• The addition of the Koepnick Home permanently expanded capacity to serve 24 children. 

July 2010: 

• The Doyle Home was re-licensed as a Transitional Living Home for youth aged 17 to 21, reducing its capacity to 4. 
• In October 2015, a new Transitional Living Home was purchased in a safer, more family-oriented neighborhood, increasing capacity to 5 transitional youth. 

May 1998: 

• The Dearman Home was licensed to provide care for up to two years, transitioning from temporary 90-day placements to longer-term care to reduce disruptions and provide stability. 

May 2001: 

• The organization changed its name to The Children’s Homes of Iredell County, Inc. to better reflect its mission. 
• Both homes began serving children on a long-term basis, allowing for more stability and a focused approach to resolving family issues. 

November 22, 2001: 

• Both homes were officially serving children on a long-term basis, enhancing the ability to meet their needs and work toward permanence. 

Accreditation and Operations: 

• The organization is licensed bi-annually by the State of North Carolina and accredited by the Council On Accreditation. 
• Local citizens volunteer on the Board of Directors, while day-to-day operations are overseen by an Executive Director and a Residential Program Manager. 
• Homes are staffed with direct care house parents providing 24/7 care and relief assistants ensuring consistency. 

Current Focus: 

• The organization aims to provide peace and stability for children in trauma, advocating for them and supporting their development. 
• The goal is to ensure that children have positive memories of compassion and care, which they can use to navigate their own future challenges. 

Community Involvement: 

• The success of the organization and its impact on the children it serves depend on the support and involvement of the community.