A safe, caring home with family reunification at its heart
The Cherokee Children’s Home works alongside families and social-services professionals to meet children’s well-being needs while in care and to help make a successful transition home possible.
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Our story began in 1969
The Home was created so children who could not safely remain at home could stay within the Qualla Boundary and close to their community.
How it started
Seventeen children entered the first home, which quickly reached capacity. A second home was completed in 1970 and a third the following year. Since those early days, licensing and safety standards have continued to evolve.
Since its beginning, the Cherokee Children’s Home has been a permanent or temporary home to more than 1,700 youth.
A new chapter
On October 15, 2015, children in our care moved into two new facilities that accommodate 18 children. The Birdtown property was generously donated by an enrolled member, helping make the $2.5 million facility a reality.
Daily life and support
Residents learn the value of a consistent routine, chores, hygiene, and personal care. Caring staff help with homework, and grades often improve during a child’s stay.
Individual therapy and family counseling are central to each child’s success. Staff also help residents become current with well-child checks, immunizations, dental care, and other health needs.
Referrals and eligibility
The Cherokee Children’s Home is licensed by the State of North Carolina. A child from within North Carolina or elsewhere in the nation may potentially be admitted until a district court judge approves the child’s return home or adoption.
Preserving culture and community
The primary purpose of the Cherokee Children’s Home is to provide a home for Cherokee children. The Indian Child Welfare Act prioritizes placing children who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes within their communities when they must be removed from home because of abuse, neglect, dependency, or a family’s inability to care for them.
This helps vulnerable Native American children remain connected to their culture, community, and traditions.
How you can help
The Children’s Home is a department of the Cherokee Boys Club and receives no direct operational funding from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Operations are monitored by a state licensing consultant with the Department of Health and Human Services and a contract supervisor with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Funding comes from a Bureau of Indian Affairs social-services contract, state board payments from counties that place children in their custody, fundraising, and generous donors. The Home also hosts an annual golf tournament.
Mail or payroll deduction
Cherokee Children’s Home
PO Box 507
Cherokee, NC 28719
Tribal and Boys Club employees may donate through payroll deduction. For forms and information, email cchevents@cherokeeboysclub.com or call 828.359.5575.
The Cherokee Children’s Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.
Contact the Cherokee Children’s Home
Anyone may make a referral or inquire about services by contacting the residential social worker. The intake process includes an inquiry and application packet.
508 Goose Creek Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Call 828.359.5575Email cchinfo@cherokeeboysclub.com