Maryland Salem Children's Trust Inc.
editMaryland Salem Children's Trust Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded and functioning on Christian principles. Salem Children's Villages were begun as Christian vegetarian orphanages.
Salem provides a home, therapy, and educational services to vulnerable children who have been abused or neglected, or have educational or behavioral needs that require a residential or day school placement. The Maryland Department of Human Resources licenses Salem to provide long-term group home care and short-term shelter care to children placed by the Department of Social Services, Department of Juvenile Services and children placed privately by their parent(s).
Set against a backdrop of old-growth cherry, maple, pine, and oak trees in the Appalachians and bordered by exquisite Meadow Mountain and pristine state forest in beautiful Garrett County, Maryland, Salem is a haven for children who have experienced repeated trauma at a young age.
It was designed to become a sanctuary whose mission is to glorify God and respect His creation through promoting reconciliation and peace in a broken world, primarily for stressed children with difficult backgrounds.
History
editThe Maryland Salem Children’s Trust, Inc. was founded by Louise Sutermeister Richards of Bethesda, Maryland. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree in the History of Religion, Louise was accepted into a program to live and work on a family farm in Northern Bavaria. Within a few years, she applied for an organic gardening apprenticeship at a Salem village in Germany. In 1976, two social workers from Montgomery County Maryland visited the village in Germany. They fell in love with the village and said that they would love to have a Salem in Maryland. As a result of that visit, Louise was encouraged to think and pray about starting a Maryland Salem. As she stated in her book, A Heart For Children, “slowly, painfully, and through many tears, I said yes to following Him on this new path”. Returning to the states, with help from family, friends and foundations, The Maryland Salem Children’s Trust was formed and welcomed its first child in January of 1978. She retired in 2008, and currently lives in Bethesda with her husband John.
- 1976 - Louise Sutermeister returns to the United States from Germany, where she had worked in a Salem village, and founds The Salem Children’s Trust.
- 1977 - A house is purchased in Huntingtown, Maryland (Calvert County).
- 1978 - The first children are welcomed.
- 1979 - Salem is able to purchase the former Meadow Mountain Farm in Garrett County Maryland. The old farmhouse is renovated and used for children’s housing. A trailer is used for offices.
- 1983 - Horse Stable is built.
- 1984 - Thomas House is built, with rooms for eight children and their staff
- 1986 - Matthew House opens, with rooms for eight more children and their staff. The farmhouse becomes the Salem Office.
- 1988 - Gymnasium and Hay Barn are constructed and the first section of road is paved
- 1989 - Andrew House opens for eight more children and their staff
- 1989 - Outdoor Riding Arena is constructed
- 1990 - Paul House opens as a Grandparent’s House
- 1991 - James House opens with room for eight more children and their staff
- 1992 - Salem School opens in the Andrew House basement
- 1993 - Salem School moves to a remodeled house on Lower New Germany Road
- 1995 - Salem School adds a modular classroom
- 1997 - Salem School adds a second modular classroom
- 1998 - Salem School adds a third modular classroom
- 2000 - James House becomes the Shelter Program
- 2001 - Salem Equestrian Center begins providing services to the community
- 2003 - Indoor Riding Arena constructed
- 2006 - Construction of the new Salem School is completed
- 2008 - Louise Sutermeister Richards retires
- 2009 - Paul House is remodeled for office space and Farmhouse Office is closed
- 2010 - House remodeling campaign begins – Chi Sigma National Sorority commits funds for new windows and doors for all the children’s houses
- 2012 - Plan to install a new furnace in each of the children’s houses begins
- 2015 - The Nancy Smith Beall Fitness and Training Center is opened
- 2016 - Paving of Salem’s hill is completed, and the Pickard Family Hill is dedicated
- 2016 - New roofs are installed on children’s houses
- 2017 - New kitchens and bathrooms are installed in children’s houses
From a single residence in 1978 to nine structures now in use and a complete range of therapeutic services, Salem has grown steadily, claiming 'divine guidance and the generosity of a world-wide network of friends.' More than 800 children between the ages of six and 18 have been served during its four decades of service.
External links
editReferences
editCategory:Organizations established in 1979 Category:Christian charities based in the United States Category:International charities Category:Children's charities based in the United States Category:Charities based in Maryland Category:Educational organizations based in the United States