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• One-on-One with Cloydia Hill Larimore, Vice President for Advancement at the Cunningham Children’s Home

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Cunningham Children's Home Benefit »

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• Mike 'n Molly's »
  105 N. Market St. Champaign, IL 61820
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Home: a place of security, care and trust. To a great deal of us, our homes hold the memories of our youth and were the places we were allowed to simply be and grow. However, for others, this idea of home is only a concept, a sought-after dream in a callous reality. For so many, the Cunningham Children’s Home has made hopes for better days possibilities, and pave the way towards greater futures. While a reunion open to the public was held to celebrate the home on July 25, those who wish to do their part in helping keep the home going are welcome to attend a benefit concert at Mike ‘n Molly’s on July 30. Cloydia Hill Larimore, vice president for advancement at The Cunningham Children’s Home, sat down with buzz to explain how the home has grown, why it’s so important and how the reunion brings a family back together.

buzz: How long has the Cunningham Children’s Home been open and providing services to children and families in need?

Cloydia Hill Larimore: It’s been 115 years. Our doors opened Oct. 25, 1895. Originally, it was an orphanage. We housed children who had been living with economic troubles or who had no family. And in the 1960s after WWII, we became a center of custody for the abused and neglected. Now, we specialize in caring for children dealing with trauma, mental health limitations, abuse and resulting neurological issues from mistreatment. We have residential programs, group homes, independent living plans and schools inside and outside of the home itself.

buzz: What have been your latest developments?

CHL: In 2000, we created a master campus plan made to renovate and revamp the services for the children. In 2005, we opened the Residential Services Center here, and we are able to give even more focalized attention to the kids because of it. Our next plan is to build facilities for our special education schooling. The buildings would be more energy efficient and all around better for what we’re doing. Some of the kids have to travel between five or six different spaces every day, and it’s hard enough as it is to deal with the elements already. In the new plans, there will be a cafeteria in house and that will help a great deal.

buzz: Are there any major hurdles the CCH faces?

CHL: The biggest obstacle is money. We will need somewhere between 15 and 20 million dollars to complete the projects we have planned.

buzz: Considering that money is such an issue for the home, what sources does the home most rely upon for continuity and growth?

CHL: There are so many! But most of the money comes from our fees for services. The families of the kids pay for what we offer. And, those placed here by Children’s Services are paid for by that department. Our fee does not usually cover the full cost of care, though. That’s just a typical fact. So, from there, we are supported by private donations. Church groups give to us a great deal, as do individuals in the community. Those who value our work give back, and we’re very, very grateful for them.

buzz: Can you elaborate on the events of July 25?

CHL: Absolutely! It actually is a reunion for the kids who’ve lived here. We hold them every five years. An 89-year-old woman who resided here during a part of her youth will be joining us. It’s a time for people to reminisce and catch up with the people who knew you when you were just you, before Mr., Mrs., Dr. and other labels preceded your name. There will be a private brunch for the kids, a public opening a 1 p.m. and a ceremonial celebration at 2:30 p.m. dedicated to the children from before, the children currently at the home and those to come in the future. We usually see about 300 to 400 people from the public at the event.

buzz: One can assume any tears shed at the event are primarily those of joy, correct?

CHL: For the most part, yes, but some are deeper than that. People remember how they came to the home and what they had to endure growing up. Nobody ever comes here wanting to live in a home. That’s something that can be very difficult for people to deal with. They leave this place, though, as members of a new family. So the loving experience is touching nonetheless.

buzz: Why the public portion of the reunion?

CHL: Because so many people drive past the home and wonder what happens on the inside with only a few sentences worth of an idea. This gathering gives the community a chance to see and to understand what goes on here in a way that can’t be explained with just words.