In the early 1920s, the United Methodist Church recognized the need for a residence for homeless and abandoned children. The mission was adopted to provide shelter and care to these children. The church's mission quickly became a reality when Mr. Edward P. Libbey of Newton left the bulk of his estate to the project, and the City of Newton followed by leading fundraising efforts. These efforts led to the purchase of 20 acres of land for an orphanage, which became the site of the Kansas Methodist Home for Children.
Libbey Hall, named after Mr. Libbey, was built in 1929. The campus also included an orchard, barns, a farmhouse, stables, granaries, cow lots, and chicken houses. Over the next three decades, a chapel and residential cottages were also built.
In 1960, the Board of Trustees officially changed the agency name to United Methodist Youthville. They also approved a plan that focused on providing services to adolescent youth with emotional or social adjustment problems. That same year, Youthville was asked to assume management for the Bronco Busters Boys Ranch in Dodge City. Youthville offices then began to spring up across the state.
In 1996, Kansas became the first state in the nation to fully privatize its adoption, foster care, and family preservation services. Youthville has maintained the Region 5 foster care/reintegration contract since the inception of privatization by SRS in 1996.
Today, Youthville specializes in foster care, adoption, counseling and residential services and cares for over Kansas 1,400 children every day.
Rocky Rockenbach (left) has had many turning points in his life. Among the many interesting moments was the time he spent at Youthville's Newton campus when he was a child. Rocky has recently had the opportunity to return to the Newton campus to share his inspiring story and message of encouragement to the kids on campus.
Click here to read his full story or watch his video.
If you are a Youthville Alumni and would like to share your story please contact Brett Weller at bweller@youthville.org or (316) 529-94104.