History

Serving the public for more than 160 years, Bellewood is recognized as the oldest childcare agency in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Over the past century and a half, Bellewood has experienced exceptional growth and development as it continues to change lives and build futures. Here is a glimpse at some of our milestones…

February 26, 1849

Four Presbyterian churches open the Louisville Presbyterian Orphan’s Home Society in downtown Louisville to serve the “orphaned and destitute children.”

1875

The organization moves to its current location in Anchorage, Kentucky

1961

Name is changed to Bellewood

1972

Organization incorporated as Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children

1983

Bellewood opens a second branch in Hopkinsville, Kentucky

1988

Bellewood becomes the first agency in Kentucky and the 34th in the nation to be accredited by the National Association of Homes Children

1992

Bellewood moves its Hopkinsville operations to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where a new facility is constructed to serve underprivileged boys in the area

1998

Bellewood breaks ground on its Louisville campus to construct new residential and administrative facilities

2000

Lexington branch opens in the James H. Akin Home

2004

Community Based Service office opens in Louisville offering support for programs that serve older, at-risk youth

2006

Paducah office opens on property provided by First Presbyterian Church

2008

Owensboro office opens to mentor families at risk of losing their children to foster care

2009

Bardstown, Kentucky office opens