Kemmerer Village

"Kemmerer Village is a Presbyterian Child Care Agency providing Foster Care, Residential Treatment, Equestrian & Pet Therapy, Adoption Services, Recreational and Occupational Therapy, the IIAA and Christian camping supporting children and families since 1914."  -- Kemmerer Village website

On the morning of June 13, we - David Volkers, Sarah Rozny, Margie Clay and Kathleen Bashem - left First Presbyterian Church and made our way to the Kemmerer Village campus, just outside of Assumption, Illinois (30 minutes south of Decatur). The campus is located in the middle of corn and soy bean fields, with their chapel steeple rising up out of those fields, visible from the highway.

Upon arrival, we were met by Alice Christenberry from the Financial Department/Auxillary Program, who began our tour with a stop to visit the Kemmerer Village Chapel. The chapel is home to their Sunday services and special ceremonies, such as graduation. We moved on to the school, which was in its summer session, then to the athletic building which houses the gymnasium and the recreation/activity room. All Kemmerer residential students are required to choose a sport and compete in the Illinois Inter-Agency Athletic Association (IIAA). Sports include basketball, softball, swimming, soccer, volleyball, bowling and track. The IIAA, and participating agencies,  strives to teach all aspects of sportmanship.

We were invited to see one of the residential cottages where children 11 - 19 years old are housed while in their residential programs. At this time, there are 20 residential students. Each has a plan of education and treatment with goals to meet before moving on from the program. The average stay in the residential program is 12 months, but some can stay for a shorter or longer time, depending on the resident's needs. The cottages are very pleasant, with bedrooms, a kitchen, eating area, living room and washer/dryer. The main space is open and comfortable. Those who earn the privilege of a roommate, have one, but there are not more than two students per bedroom.  We also toured the cottage for visiting volunteer teams, those doing mission work on the campus such as painting, repairs or work in the stables. These accommodations are very comfortable and inviting. In addition to the residential program, Kemmerer Village has both a foster and adoption program.  The foster program has grown from 60 children to 160 children. These children are placed throughout the state of Illinois.

Our next stop was a lunch break in the cafeteria. We had a delicious lunch, prepared and served by the Kemmerer Village kitchen staff. They are a friendly and helpful crew, and they immediately made us feel welcome and at ease as we navigated the lunch line.

After lunch, we made our way to the stables to see the horses and learn about the equine therapy program. Our guide was Grace, a volunteer of the equine program, who is working toward certification to help lead therapy sessions. Both Kemmerer residents and outside groups have access to horse therapy. Outside groups include children with physical, developmental and emotional challenges. Grace introduced us to "Raven," a Gypsy Vanner horse, the first of her breed to join the Kemmerer Equine therapy team. Gypsy Vanners are used exclusively for riding at Kemmerer, due to their docile natures and even temperaments. We met the other Gypsy Vanners and the mini horses that are also part of the equine therapy program.

At the end of our tour of the stables, it was time for us to head back to Galesburg. We left a donation from the FPC Missions Committee, a donation of ten blankets from the Wednesday Sewing Ladies group (which will be given to babies in the foster program) and a gift card and zip drive donation from individuals in the church. All donations were gratefully accepted.

Kemmerer Village is a wonderful place for children to learn, grow, be protected and to heal. The Presbyterian Church is rightly proud of this agency and all of its successes. 

Who wants to go on the next visit?