Smoky Mountain Children’s Home Dedicates Training Room
Sevierville, TN–The Smoky Mountain Children’s Home celebrated another landmark day in the life of the organization by dedicating the Miller Training Room honoring the generosity of Roy and Barbara Miller of Holmesville, Ohio. A deteriorating part of the administration building had become one of the campus’ greatest needs but was recently transformed into a state-of-the-art training room.
The dedication was attended by numerous staff members, and other leaders including Bishop Ron Martin, chair of the SMCH Board of Directors and Wendy Corder, board member. At the event, the guest of honor was Barbara Miller, who shared her sincere appreciation for the room being named for the Millers.
(L-R) Dr. Walt Mauldin, Executive Director; Tammie Mauldin, Public Relations Director; Wendy Corder, Board of Directors member; Bishop Ron Martin, Board of Directors Chair; and Barbara Miller (click photo to enlarge)
During the ceremony, Dr. Walt Mauldin, executive director of SMCH said, “On December 17, 2017, the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home celebrated 97 years of childcare in the Church of God. There were only four children in the first orphanage based in Cleveland, Tennessee. Almost a century has passed, and the organization has continued to flourish with a vibrant residential program, thriving foster care program, and an outstanding adoption agency. It is estimated that we have ministered to over 30,000 children! What an amazing legacy!”
With the tremendous responsibility of providing “best practices” training for SMCH’s new staff members, trainers now have the opportunity of sharing PowerPoint presentations, training documents and/or videos shown on the large, high-tech smart board replacing an outdated TV and VCR. Training topics now include administrative history, a welcome and introduction by the Mauldins, lockdown policies, SMCH Employee Handbook, CPR, First Aid, How to Be Successful Caregivers, HIPAA and confidentiality guidelines and accreditation. Newly hired employees receive forty-hours of intense training by professionals who serve at SMCH.
The training room also includes four additional computers for online learning, new flooring, custom cabinetry and updated appliances. Building contractor, Ron Ogle of Sevierville, provided oversight and work in its completion.
Mauldin stated, “We are honored to have individuals like Roy and Barbara Miller who are willing to invest in the lives of children and young people placed at the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. With the launching of our Miller Training Room for SMCH employees, we believe our best days are ahead.”
