Our Beginnings
In the mid-1950s, a group of dedicated Christians in Abilene, Texas, recognized a pressing need: there were very few resources available to care for vulnerable children—especially Mexican-American children—through residential ministry.
Leaders such as B.A. Hays, J.E. Epperson, and Hilly Walker helped bring that vision to life.
- May 1956 – The Cherokee Church of Christ accepted the responsibility to establish a children’s home
- September 23, 1958 – Ribbon cutting for the first cottage
- September 1960 – Completion of the second cottage
What began as a focused mission has grown into a ministry serving children of all backgrounds for over 60 years.
Our Growth
As the needs of children grew, so did the Cherokee Home campus—expanding facilities, improving care, and strengthening stability.
Expanding Facilities
- 1965 – Third cottage and administration building constructed
- 1970 – J.E. Epperson Multipurpose Building dedicated
- 1972 – Fourth cottage opened & swimming pool donated
- 1973 – New administration building completed
Strengthening the Campus
- 1981–1988 – Housing expansions increased capacity to six cottages
- 1991 W.P. Brummett Memorial Library and Griffith/Granbury Relief Duplex
- 1997 Food Pantry & underground storm shelter
- 1996 Henry A. Daughtry, Sr. Family Center & Pavilion
- 2001 Staff Duplex Completed
- 2002 Director's Home on Navaho Trail Completed
- 2008 Jessie and Robbie Ratliff Smokehouse
Stability First Initiative-A major step forward in child-centered care:
These cottages were designed to eliminate disruptive moves, giving children greater consistency and emotional stability.
2015 Boys’cottage completed
- 2018 Girls’ cottage completed
- 2022 Jarryl and Sharon Young Hospitality Center
- 2022 Danny Duggan Memorial Splash Pad
Preparing for the Future
2025–2026 – Richard W. Zipp Transitional Living Center Completed
This new addition reflects Cherokee Home’s deep commitment to long-term success. The Transitional Living Center:
- Serves up to five youth nearing high school graduation
- Provides focused instruction and vision for adult life
- Prepares youth for college, trade school, military service, or the workforce
Includes three efficiency apartments where college students can return during school breaks—ensuring they always have a place to call home
Leadership Through the Years
Cherokee Home has been guided by faithful and committed leadership:
Early Leadership
- 1957 – J.C. Bristo
- 1959 – W.C. White
- 1961 – Gene Linder
- 1962 – Lloyd Alexander
- 1963– Hilly Walker
- 1973 – Lloyd Beasley
- 1976 – John Gunvordahl
- 1976 – Jack Goble
Modern Leadership Executive Directors
- 1988 – Carol L. Lee
- 1998 – Danny Duggan served as Development Director from 1982-1992 then as Director from 1998 until his untimely death while playing basketball with the Aggies for Christ in 2011.
- 2011 – Delton McGuire served as Development Director from 2003 until becoming Director in 2011. In 2016, he returned to Development Director until 2018.
- 2016 – Shawn Hull served as Social Services Director from 2012-2016 until becoming Director. In 2025, he became Director of Development.
- 2026 – Michael Warren
Each leader has helped shape Cherokee Home into a place of stability, care, and opportunity.
Cherokee Home Today
Since March 1979, Cherokee Home for Children has operated under the oversight of the elders of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ in Brownwood, Texas, with a dedicated board of directors from that congregation.
But the true measure of Cherokee Home is not found in buildings.
It is found in lives changed.
Children are given opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed
- A nurturing environment helps them build confidence and character
A community of caring people provides love, guidance, and support
“The success of a child is not measured by what we build… but by who they become.”
People who love people have always been the heart of Cherokee Home.
And that hasn’t changed. We continue to pray that more individuals, families, and churches will join us as partners and co-workers in providing hope, stability, and a future for every child in our care.
