The Appalachian Children's Home is a home for at-risk children, located on a 158acres campus on the outskirts of Barbourville, Kentucky.[1] It is operated as a Christian ministry with support from several Independent Pentecostal churches in Kentucky and more than 130 other regional churches.[1] [2]
Its stated mission is to "Strive to provide the best possible care available for the children placed in our custody".[1]
The home was established in 1949 as a ministry of the Independent Pentecostal Churches.[2] It was formerly called the Barbourville Pentecostal Children's Home.[3] Since 2001 it has been operated by Steve and Alice Yeary.[4]
The home is licensed by the State of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services as a child-caring institution and emergency shelter for up to 44 boys and girls under the age of 18.[5]
The Knox Appalachian School is a public school founded in 2004 as a joint venture between the Appalachian Children's Home and the Knox County Board of Education to serve the children committed to the Children's Home.[6] It has five certified public school teachers and a Title One Coordinator.[6] It provides instruction from grades 5 to 12.[7] Special education services are offered on-site by a certified special education teacher. One of the most technologically advanced schools in the area, the school is the site of a pilot program for the Plato Learning System, based on individual learning.[6] Its students have opportunities for educational travel on a 60-passenger tour bus to sites such as the Gatlinburg aquarium, visits by Kentucky historical reenactment specialists, and career days to learn about possible employment opportunities.[6]