CHARLESTON (KFSM) -- The need for foster care in The Natural State continues to grow, but a new home for abused and neglected children will soon open its doors in the river valley. This project has been over a year in the making.
The Maggie House in Charleston will serve as a family crisis service center and will be accepting abused children to come in and get the help that they need.
The new 15,000 square foot building will be separated into four different cottages serving 8 to 9 children per cottage. The building is designed for children between the ages of 6 and 17. The Maggie House does this so that no child gets left behind or separated from their siblings after facing abuse at home.
In each cottage, children will have their very own set of house parents that will show them love and support. Leaders with the organization said that the average stay for most children at the Maggie House will range from 12 to 16 months.
There will be a common space for everyone with offices, a kitchen and even a dining room.
The total cost of renovation is about $993,000. "There's such a desperate need for placement for children within our area," said Executive Administrator Bob Moody.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Tuesday (Dec. 1) at 1:30 p.m.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a dedication ceremony will take place at First Free Will Baptist Family Life Center, which is right next to the Maggie House. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will be speaking at the dedication ceremony which starts at 1:45 p.m.