Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter in Chattanooga gets new name

The Chattanooga-based Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter is changing its name to the Chambliss Center for Children.

"We were looking for a name that was more reflective of what we do and what our mission is," center board Chairman Paul Jacobs said.

"We wanted a name that is very welcoming and can better articulate our vision and mission, as we are much broader than a children's home or shelter," he said.

The Chambliss Center for Children's mission is to preserve family unity and to serve the community's child-care needs.

The center operates through an extended care center along with residential and foster-home programs.

After working with a consultant, leaders decided the name should do a better job identifying the center in the community and nationally.

"We have internally talked about changing our name for several years because of the confusion over our current name," said Katie Harbison, vice president of development and administration.

The Chambliss Center for Children leaders hope the new name is clearer and more helpful for everyone as the facility moves forward.

CENTER'S HISTORY

1872: Home is established after a yellow fever epidemic that orphaned a large number of children in Chattanooga.

1896: Land is donated on Vine Street and money is raised to construct a large, two-story building.

1913: Name is changed to Vine Street Orphan's Home.

1937: Program moves to current location, 315 Gillespie Road.

1937-1950: Shelter begins caring for neglected children as well as orphans.

1955: Name changes to the Children's Home.

1969: Child and day care program extended to 24 hours, seven days a week.

1983: Center contracts with Hamilton County to provide emergency care and opens the Chambliss Shelter. Name changes to the Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter.

2013: Name changes to the Chambliss Center for Children.

Source: Chambliss Center

Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at 423-757-6357.

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