FAQ
When did the name change to Epworth Village?
Our name changed officially in 1959 from Mothers' Jewels Home to Epworth Village. The name change signified a change in programming from a focus on orphaned and homeless children to youth and families with more behavioral and emotional issues needing to be addressed.
How many kids do you care for?
In 2006 we cared for 160 youth in treatment. On a given day there are:
- 24 youth live with us and are in the Residential Treatment level of care
- 26 youth live with us at the Treatment Group Home level of care
- 10 youth live with us at the Group Home level of care
10-20 youth are in one of our day programs and reside off campus.
Do you have girls in the program?
Yes. Girls could be in the Day Treatment or the Learning Center levels of care.
Do girls live in the cottages?
No. Epworth Village offers several levels of care. Girls are only served by Epworth Village in either the day treatment program or in the Learning Center, but they reside at another location. However, in the 1980's and before we did have one or more girl's cottage. During the 1980's we temporarily stopped using these cottages for youth. When the units were reopened the overwhelming need and referrals were for boys.
How are you funded?
The largest portion of our budget (85-90%) comes from program fees. These fees are charged to the agency funding a youth's placement. This varies depending on how a youth has been referred. The remaining 10-15% is a combination of church and individual donations.
How many employees do you have?
Currently we have just over 120 full-time employees. Another 20-30 employees are on-call. Most of the full-time employees are direct care workers staffing the cottages with awake-staff 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Other staff include Master's level therapists, certified teachers, teacher aides, health care, food service, maintenance, and administration.
How long do the youth stay?
The length of stay varies depending on the youth's progress in treatment. Overall, a youth is with us an average of 12 months. The break down for each level of care in 2002 was:
- Residential Treatment level - 5 months
- Treatment Group Home level - 4 months
- Group Home level- 4 months
- Day Treatment - 3 months
- Learning Center - 1 academic year
Many youth will require more than one level of care before being discharged from the agency.
Where do they go when they leave Epworth Village?
80-85% of our youth leave Epworth Village and either return home or to a less restrictive level of care usually closer geographically to their home. The remaining 15-20% of our youth leave Epworth Village and go to a more restrictive level of care such as a hospital. This, too, is a positive move since the youth would be making necessary advances in their treatment.
How successful are you?
Our success is viewed on many different levels. One of the most visible is a youth's ability to function well in the least restrictive environment possible- such as home. For that measure over the past several years we have between 80-85% of our youth making enough progress in treatment to do well in a less restrictive environment. Other measures of success include following-up with our youth at the three-month, six-month, and 12-month intervals following their leaving Epworth Village. In these follow-ups, most of the youth are still in school, out of "trouble", and still living at a less restrictive level of care (usually at home). That does not mean to say that the youth have had an easy time always. But what we have found is that they have gained the skills necessary for them to better cope with life's ups and downs.
Can anyone go to Epworth Village?
Epworth Village services are open to any youth who meet the placement criteria for the level of care necessary.
How are children placed?
The initial referral or inquiry can be made from any person or source. Frequently this would be from a social service agency, school, therapist, parent, another treatment program, hospital, or psychiatrist. For the majority of the Epworth Village program, a youth must have been identified as having a medical need for treatment for a placement to be considered.
Do the youth attend church?
Each cottage has a non-denominational Bible study offered once each week and we also offer a campus-wide non-denominational service. Youth are not required to attend, but do so voluntary. As a youth progresses in treatment and is able, they may attend services in the community at the church of their choice.
Are you a state facility?
Epworth Village is a private, not for profit agency. We are a mission of the United Methodist Church. Epworth Village is not a state facility.
Are you a locked facility?
Epworth Village is not a locked facility. The youth and families choose Epworth Village as a place to receive treatment.
How old are the youth?
For most of the levels of care offered by Epworth Village, the youth can range in age from age 7 up to their 19th birthday.
What are the quilts used for that are donated to Epworth Village?
Each youth placed at Epworth Village is given a quilt when they arrive. They use it during their stay and then take it with them when they leave.
What size do the quilts need to be?
Twin size and made from washable fabric.
Do you offer any kind of outpatient treatment?
Epworth Village is a recognized, Medicaid approved, Out Patient Service provider. Out Patient services are available to assist a client and their family in transition and for support in the short term. Epworth Village will also assist in the client and family finding appropriate out patient services in their local community.
Does Epworth Village assist in independent living?
The Independent Living component is for those youth that are at or are nearing the age of 18 and have advanced in treatment to be successful in a less structured, more independent living situation. Generally these youth will be older and where it has been identified that returning home is not an option. The youth will reside in their own apartment or other arrangement. The Epworth Village staff will supervise and serve as a resource to them should situations arise that require guidance.