1.

How many people may come to the event?

Our largest indoor facility in Warminster can accommodate about 50-60 people, therefore, groups sponsoring activities will typically be limited to 10 or 12 participants. On our Paradise campus the indoor facilities are much smaller accommodating about 30 people and group sizes must be adjusted accordingly.

Some groups sponsor outdoor activities during warmer months of the year, weather permitting, on our spacious campuses which allow for more attendees.

2.

Who may attend this event and what is expected of our group during the visit?

We work with a particularly vulnerable population of children who have experienced neglect, abandonment and abuse; these children require structure and positive correction. Groups that come are asked to monitor the behavior and interactions of their group members with each other and with the children. To help reinforce the children’s training, we do not allow such behaviors as smoking, aggressiveness, ignoring physical boundaries, or disrespect for property, leaders and adults in charge.

3.

Can I take pictures of the children at the activity?

Christ’s Home is the children’s home. Even though your intention is honorable, it crosses a boundary of privacy that we adhere to for the children and their families. Taking pictures to publicize or draw attention to your group activity (posting on a website, bulletin board or PowerPoint presentation) is prohibited. Taking pictures for your personal memories is not advised. There are no photo release forms which would cover this use.

4.

Will our group be given the names of actual children for gifts?

At parties where gifts are given, the first names of the children are used. However, in order to respect the privacy of the children in placement, this may not always be possible. In order to guard the privacy of the children and their families, we often use generic names, or age and gender designations, especially when the information will be publicly displayed on angel trees and the like.

5.

Why do you request that donated items be unwrapped?

We appreciate that our donors help to provide a bountiful Christmas for our children each year. Except for instances where the children will directly receive a gift at a party, it helps us a great deal to have gifts delivered unwrapped. It is our policy to distribute the gifts where the need is the greatest, so presents that are delivered in gift or shopping bags saves our staff time in sorting and arranging a personalized and generous grouping of gifts for each child. The donation of wrapping paper and tape is certainly appreciated.

6.

Can I invite a child to my home for the holidays? Or take them out for an activity? Or can I spend time in the homes during the holidays?

Christ’s Home strives to make the children’s stay as stress free and normal as possible. One of the strengths of the program which Christ’s Home operates is the quality and strength of the Teaching Parent – Child relationship that closely mimics the relationship between parents and children. Each Home operates like a family and the children look forward to the events that happen within each family.

In addition, many of the children either spend time at home with their family or else the biological families are invited to spend time in the homes during the holidays or life events to help support the family relationship. Therefore, there are limited opportunities for one on one volunteer involvement with the children.

7.

Can my group, “just spend time with the kids?”

When you call to make an appointment – you will be asked what activity you would like to provide for the children. We request detailed information because of scheduling, staffing, and the emotional needs of the children which require careful structure and planning. The children particularly enjoy group games involving competition, action, and open space, so the months of April through October provide a terrific opportunity to interact with the kids while having fun.

Groups also help by doing work projects where they may interact with the children in a less formal setting. Spring and fall cleanup of flower beds, the greater property, or even spring and fall cleaning of the homes is a natural and relaxing way to get to know the children.

8.

Can I adopt these children?

While Christ’s Home is not an adoption agency, we do participate in finding permanent homes for children in our population when this becomes necessary. Christ’s Home staff cannot reveal information about specific children, so families desiring to adopt should contact their local children and youth agency or an adoption provider to express their interest in adoption services.