by Sandi Austin

“If those children are unresponsive, maybe you can’t teach them yet, but you can love them. And if you love them today, maybe you can teach them tomorrow.” ~ Jeffrey R. Holland

Since its inception in 1960, Mountain States Children’s Home (MSCH) has been helping children who are headed in the wrong direction in life. At MSCH, through a loving and supportive environment, they overcome neglect or trauma, challenging mental/psychological disorders, disobedient behaviors, or poor decision making, both socially and academically.

From a vision by a single person at a small Denver church, and with the support of the church elders, a plan started taking place. In 1980, farmland north of Longmont came up for sale and the founders sold bonds and took out second mortgages on their own homes to purchase that property, thereby setting the mission of helping children into motion.

Over the years, the farm property has expanded to include five homes, a school, recreation center, a donation/distribution and storage area, farm buildings, the farm manager’s home, and the administrative offices.

Today, through commitment of the founders and the donations from individuals, churches, civic groups, and businesses, the property and all the buildings are owned free and clear. The 155 acres continues to be a safe place for children to grow and overcome difficulties.

Did You Know?

• MSCH takes no state or government funding.
• Children at MSCH may experience love and hope for the first time in their lives.
• Children improve an average of 3.7-grade levels in academic achievement in one school year while attending our on-campus school.
• 100% of the children who remain in our program through their senior year graduate from a public or accredited school.
• The counseling program, on average, eliminates more than 50% of the areas of therapeutic concern children experience in their first year of placement.
• The counseling program works not only with the child but also with the child’s family.
• MSCH is licensed to care for children as young as 3 years old up to 17 years old.
• MSCH has a thrift store in Longmont with plans to open a second store in Fort Collins soon.
• MSCH builds long-term relationships and becomes a second family for many children.
• MSCH has a working farm to provide a natural source of food, offset costs and teach life skills.
• A contribution to MSCH made prior to December 31, 2023, entitles Colorado Residents up to a 50% tax credit with the state of Colorado.

Update 1/14/2020 – The date of inception was corrected to 1960. We apologize for the initial error!