Establishment
As the Civil War rages, the first effort by Alabama Baptists is made to establish an "Orphan Asylum for the State of Alabama, especially for the children of deceased soldiers." However, as the war ends, and funds disappear with the devaluing of Confederate currency, the dream of a Baptist home for orphans would have to wait almost thirty more years through the era of Reconstruction.
Read More →The early years
Times were tough in the early years. More funds were always needed, especially as the numbers of children began to swell. There were also unforeseen issues, such as a severe June hailstorm in 1898, as well as a drought, and then in 1901, a number of whooping cough cases and a dangerous scarlet fever epidemic.
Read More →A new Home
In February, the first of the children are transported by train to Montgomery, and then on to Troy, where they are welcomed by hundreds of visitors within the first two days. The younger ones come first, as all of the cottages are not yet complete. On June 14, however, the remainder would arrive and all the children and workers are happily reunited.
Read More →The Ministry Expands
A five-year program is proposed to the convention to expand the minsitry by building more homes around the state.
Read More →A Necessary Move
Paul Miller says today that one of the greatest accomplishments of the organization during the time of his employment (1972–2012, as well as a summer in 1971 during graduate school) would be the growth to a more multi-faceted approach to caring for children and families. In the eyes of the state's Department of Human Resources, it became important that ABCH was seen as more than just a residential care program.
Read More →Onward
Birmingham's first counselor, Rod forged the trail that Pathways Professional Counseling would follow through its inception and into its current state. In 2012, Paul Miller retired and Rod was elected by the board as President/CEO. Under his leadership, the ministry continues to expand and diversify as programs grow. Directors have been brought in to oversee the areas of finance and communications, roles have been added in development in multiple locations, a new Family Care home in Mobile will break ground in 2016, and Pathways has grown to over 40 locations statewide.
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