In August 2007, we officially opened the new James & Charlene Balcom Learning Center ("The BLC"). This facility provides 8,000 square feet of classroom, meeting, and office space for our children and those who work closest with them.

The heart of the BLC is the alternative learning environment. Children's Homes has operated an alternative learning environment -- originally called the Little Red Schoolhouse program -- on its campus for many years. The move to the BLC allowed us to double the number of students who can learn in this special atmosphere.

The BLC features two large classrooms, each bordered by 13 "learning carrels" -- where each student spends quiet, undistracted time with his or her schoolwork. Each classroom also has its own "breakout room" -- a smaller classroom in which targeted groups of children can study a specific subject without interrupting the lessons being taught in the main classroom area. The BLC also has a multi-purpose room that provides space for a library, for meetings, and for group therapy sessions.

The BLC also provides much-needed office space for the therapeutic caseworkers and others who spend the majority of their time each day working with children, families, state agencies and court representatives.