Why and when was the Home established? 
The Home was founded in 1816 by a group of Christian women in Natchez who recognized a need to house and educate children orphaned by Indian wars and a widespread yellow fever epidemic. It was established as the "Female Charitable Society" and through almost 190 years and numerous name changes the Natchez Children's Home Services today is one of the oldest continuously operated homes for children in the United States.  The majority of current placements in the Home are not orphans but victims of families experiencing alcoholism and drug addiction, incarceration, divorce, poverty, and unemployment. 

How many children live at the Home? 
The Natchez Children's Home Services is licensed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services to serve 12 children, from birth through seventeen years old. 

Are the children available for adoption? 
The goal of the Natchez Children's Home Services is identifying a permanent plan for children that includes family reunification as a first effort.  When all attempts to reunite a family have been exhausted, a youth court judge may recommend termination of parental rights (TPR) and adoption may then be considered. 

How long can children live at the Natchez Children's Home Services? 
A permanent plan for placement generally requires from six months to two years to identify.  Some placements require additional time. 

How is the Home funded? 
The Natchez Children's Home Services is a privately funded, Christian home for displaced and at-risk children.  It writes NO grants to the federal government for funding.  Less than l0% of the Home's income is generated by interest income from investments.  The remainder comes from individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, bequests, special events, gifts in-kind and donated services and goods. 
 
Besides monetary gifts, what else does the Home need? 
Everything needed to operate a private residence is needed at the Natchez Children's Home Services-just in larger quantities!  We maintain a six-acre campus, a 12,000 square foot building, seven vehicles, ten washing machines and dryers, an institutional kitchen, a computer lab, indoor and outdoor recreational areas, ten bathrooms, four offices and equipment, as well as living space for live-in staff and residents.  Household supplies, medicines, cleaning items, linens, grocery items, office supplies, lawn mowers--just to name a few things . . . all are needed to operate this children's ministry. How you can help!!!

Who is the contact person for offering help, services, or donations to the Home?
Contact Executive Director Nancy Hungerford at 601-442-6858 or email at info@ntzchs.org Click on the link to “Contact Us” for other contact names.

Can anyone stop by and visit the Home?
Guests are always welcome at the Home but a visit with the children requires an appointment with the social worker and a completed application process. How to find us!!!