With renovations underway, a major building project on the horizon and the holiday season already in full swing, the Turbeville Children’s Home is entering one of its busiest — and most meaningful — times of the year. Executive Director Perry Wooten says the work is steady, the needs are real, and the community support continues to make all the difference.
Wooten returned to Turbeville in July after previously serving as director of campus life from late 2018 until 2020. His long history with Falcon Children’s Home and Family Services — where he has served as a house parent, maintenance director, campus life director and case manager — has shaped his understanding of what the home needs most.
That list is long. The home currently has 11 teens in care, well below its capacity of 32, and many of the buildings date back decades. Dorm renovations remain a constant priority. Staff are replacing aging hollow-core doors, repainting interior spaces, and tackling ongoing repairs. Larger, more costly needs are also approaching: water heaters and HVAC units, many between 18 and 25 years old, are beginning to fail, and every dorm roof will need to be replaced within the next two years.
“These buildings have served a lot of kids over the years,” Wooten said. “As they age, you have to deal with things breaking down.”
Even with the routine upkeep, the home is preparing for its biggest project yet — a new office building, auditorium and gym complex that will sit on a recently cleared lot next to the campus. The home hopes to raise $200,000 before construction begins and has collected about $67,000 so far. The combined facility would provide indoor recreation space, additional offices and room to expand the growing foster care program, which now has two approved families and several more working through the licensing process.
As crews work on improvements, the holiday season has brought a burst of activity that the residents look forward to each year. Church groups, civic clubs and local organizations have already begun hosting Christmas parties, providing meals, games and gifts. Every child at the home will have presents waiting for them on Christmas morning thanks to community sponsors.
But the season also brings mixed feelings for the teens.
“It can be a highly emotional roller coaster,” Wooten said. “They’re excited about the celebrations and the generosity, but it’s also a reminder that they’re not at home.” He said that while gifts and activities help brighten the season, the most meaningful support comes in the form of steady encouragement.
“Prayers and support mean a great deal this time of year,” he said. “When the holidays stir up those hard emotions, just knowing the community is lifting them up helps our kids work through it. It reminds them they’re not forgotten.”
Throughout the year, the home relies heavily on the generosity of the community — something Wooten says cannot be overstated. When the staff posts needs on Facebook, donations arrive quickly. Everyday items such as cleaning supplies, detergents and toiletries remain among the most frequent needs.
“If your family uses it regularly, we use it about five times that much,” Wooten said. “People here are so giving. We are grateful for every person who sacrifices their time, their effort and their money to help us. This community has truly accepted Turbeville Children’s Home.”
The home will continue raising funds for its new building project into the new year. Those interested in donating, fostering or supporting ongoing needs can contact the home or follow updates on its Facebook page.
