[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 135 (Thursday, October 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CALVARY CHILDREN'S CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 1999

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor today to 
recognize an exceptional organization that has made a significant 
difference in the lives of hundreds of Georgia's children. That 
organization is Calvary Children's home.
  The Calvary Children's Home was founded in 1966 by Reverend Ben F. 
Turner, and has been located in Cobb County, Georgia, for 33 years. 
Rev. Turner's first vision of Calvary took place on the streets of 
Jerusalem, when a poor woman offered to sell her baby to his tour group 
for money to support her other children. Then, in 1965 a local father 
and mother of six were returning from shopping when both were killed in 
an automobile accident. However, as much as the children were disturbed 
by the loss of their parents, they were equally upset with the prospect 
of being separated from each other in the foster care system, 
especially after such a great loss.
  In September 1997, Rev. Turner's ultimate dream was finally realized, 
as the Calvary Children's Home moved from its original dormitory-style 
complex into three beautiful homes located on 13 acres of land near 
Powder Springs, Georgia. In January a new administrative center 
featuring a dining hall, library, and counseling center was completed 
on the property under the direction of Administrator Snyder Turner. The 
home has always been funded entirely by generous private funding from 
churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to 
giving children in need a second chance.
  The Calvary Children's Home presently houses 26 children, and has 
housed more than 400 children since first opening its doors 33 years 
ago. The center is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing long-
term residential care for children who are victims of broken homes, 
abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The majority of its residents are 
brothers and sisters who otherwise would have been separated from each 
other and placed into separate homes through the foster care system.
  The Calvary Children's Home is an excellent example of private 
individuals reaching out and making a difference in the lives of our 
youth, without public mandates or tax dollars. It speaks well of 
Georgia's Seventh District that such an organization can survive. I 
wish Administrator Turner, the staff, residents, and donors well in 
continuing their commitments to love, spiritual values, and improving 
the lives of our young people.

                          ____________________