It Takes a Village

In South Georgia lies a story of compassion, community, and transformation. The tale begins in the 1930s with a man named Mr. E. L. Odum, whose vision and generosity set the stage for what would become GBCH&FM’s Baxley Campus.

Mr. Odum purchased over a thousand acres of land in Appling County to establish an orphanage, and local Baptist leaders were stirred by the idea of providing a home for orphans in their community.

With Mr. Odum's encouragement, the Southern Industrial Orphanage was born, and opened its doors in early 1932 to welcome twenty children into care. In 1946, Southern Industrial Orphanage was deeded to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, marking a new era in its history.

One of the most remarkable chapters in the campus's history unfolded on November 3, 1948, when 1,300 acres of land were transformed into a thriving farm in a single day. A monumental undertaking fueled by the dedication of 10,000 men. The farm not only supplied sustenance for the children but also provided jobs for the local community for many decades.

Today, the Baxley Campus remains a symbol of resilience and hope for children and families in need. The campus continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of the children in care. Our dedicated staff and many volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that every child and family receives the quality care and assistance they deserve.

The Campus’s residential programs provide shelter, food, clothing, medical and dental services, counseling, educational opportunities, spiritual guidance, and independent living skills to youth who are in DFCS, DJJ and private custody. 

The facility’s Family Care program provides furnished apartments to mothers and their children who have been displaced from their homes for various reasons or fleeing situations of domestic violence. Staff work with these families to provide resources, training, and spiritual guidance to help them in rebuilding their lives and becoming more independent. 

Michael Shumans, a hometown native of the community, is the Administrator of the Baxley Campus where has served for the past eight years. 

Shumans oversees the campus’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that the campus runs smoothly, and that each resident receives quality care. His commitment to fostering a sense of community and providing consistent support for his staff has earned him the admiration and respect of his employees. “The Administrator wears many hats and responsibilities can change day to day and sometimes moment by moment,” Shumans shares. “My role is to hire good people who have a Christian mindset, support them, make sure they have what they need, and then get out of their way and let them do their job. This is a beautiful campus that’s been here a long time and our vision is to make sure that this is the place God wants it to be.”

Working alongside Shumans is Tiffany Holloway, the Director of Services, whose 11 years of experience has made her an invaluable asset to the campus. 

With a focus on creating a trauma-responsive culture, Holloway ensures that both staff and residents feel safe and supported as they navigate the challenges they face. Her dedication to upholding the highest standards of care and implementing best practices has helped to shape the nurturing environment that defines the Baxley Campus. “My role is to make sure that we provide quality care for our residents, and reminding staff of the importance of having a mindset of excellence when we do our work. I grew up in a family of teachers, social workers, and both of my grandmothers were foster parents. I considered other career fields, but God was leading me in a totally different direction. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” 

“I’m proud of the fact that we operate like a family here.”

Despite their unwavering dedication, the team at the Baxley Campus faces numerous challenges in their mission. From maintaining the physical campus to recruiting and training qualified staff (which there has been a shortage of since Covid), the need for resources is constant. However, with the support of generous donors and volunteers, the Baxley Campus continues to make a difference in the lives of those it serves.

“We wouldn’t even make it a week or a month without our South Georgia Baptist Associations 

and churches partnering with us. Almost every weekend, we have a group coming to do ministry work on our campus or activities with our kids,” explains Shumans. “There’s always something for everyone to do.”

Rev. Stephen Bene serves as the Associate Chaplain /Development Specialist at the Baxley Campus. With nearly three decades of service, Bene provides spiritual guidance and support to residents and staff in helping them find strength and solace in their faith. Since the beginning of this year, 11 residents have already made professions of faith!

“I want to make sure I’m available to any of our residents as well as staff, if they need any kind of spiritual guidance, if they have questions, or if they just simply need someone to listen,” said Bene.

Bene’s efforts to foster connections with local churches and associations strengthen the bonds of community and have helped to ensure our children and families receive the support they need to thrive.

“I want to foster more relationships, especially with our churches in the South Georgia region. 

We want to always share our opportunities for volunteering, I want churches to become more involved with us on a consistent basis and find opportunities for them to support our kids spiritually.” 

As the Baxley Campus continues evolving its programs to meet the needs of those it serves, one thing remains constant - its unwavering dedication to providing a safe and nurturing family atmosphere. It really does take “a village” and the staff at Baxley are certainly that. Everyone and every position are vital to their success. 

For those looking to positively impact their community, there are numerous ways to support the work of the Baxley Campus. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering time, or providing much-needed resources, every act of kindness helps to ensure that children and families in need receive the care and support they deserve. 

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most and ensure that the legacy of compassion and kindness continues to thrive at Baxley Campus.  See more pictures in our Messenger Magazine.