Our History
The Twin Cedars history is characterized by a strong tradition of caring for and providing
services for children dating back over 160 years. 1845
Our beginning was fueled by the foresight of "The Ladies Educational and Benevolent Society" of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Columbus. The mission of this dedicated group of women was to educate and provide sanctuary for the orphaned and needy children rapidly growing town along the banks of the Chattahoochee River.
1924
Columbus, Georgia -
Colonel W.S. Shepherd
bequeathed to the
Ladies Society the original
properties for the home in
memory of his mother, Anne
Elizabeth Shepherd. The three-story Victorian Anne Elizabeth
Shepherd Home (pictured) became a haven for children in need for the next 40 years.1963
The Board of Directors for the Shepherd Home, responding to the need for a larger home, purchased 15 acres at 751 Double Churches Road, Columbus, GA — the home's present location
1965
The new Shepherd Home campus opened offering two cottage-style units situated on a beautiful wooded hillside. The youth enjoyed summers swimming and fishing in the small lake on the campus while living in a secure, loving and protected environment.
1973
The Shepherd Home Board voted to change the purpose of the home from custodial care to residential treatment. The former orphanage evolved into a treatment oriented group home facility for adolescent girls who were unable to reside with their parents.
1980
Community leaders in LaGrange, Georgia, under the leadership of Mrs. Arthur "Click" Bradfield, concerned for the safety and welfare of local children and families in crisis, formed the West Georgia Youth Council.
1990
The Bradfield Center Campus, in LaGrange, located at 1022 East Depot Street, was created to meet the needs of troubled youth and was licensed to serve up to 40 boys from throughout the State of Georgia. A plan was launched to serve youth ages 9 to 17 who suffered from sexual abuse, trauma, severe emotional disturbances, and those exhibiting sexually aggressive behaviors.
1991
The West Georgia Youth Council relocated to the former Eastside Primary/Boys Junior High School property at 1022 East Depot Street. Located on 15 acres, this facility provided services for boys at Hudson Boys Group Home, services for girls at the Bradfield Girls Group Home, and offered after school and evening treatment services through the Youth Guidance Center.
1993
The Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home in Columbus merged with the West Georgia Youth Council in LaGrange on May 18, 1993. The name was officially changed to Twin Cedars Youth Services, Inc. on October 19, 1993.Currently, The Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home serves up to 58 girls ranging in age from 7 to 17. Three cottages on the campus are utilized for residential services and support a fully accredited year-round school, Ault Academy. Two group homes, Owens Cottage and Reality House, are also part of the Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home Campus.
2003
Through a unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity and The Jimmy Carter Work Project, the Magnolias Campus was constructed. Programs at this campus include: the Georgia Farm Bureau Second Chance Home for teen moms and their babies; the Frances Wood Wilson Assessment Center, for children need short term care; Children’s Advocacy Center of Troup County, providing supervised court-sanctioned visits and forensic interviews for alleged victims of child abuse, The Faress Home for visiting parents of children receiving care at West Georgia Regional Hospital or with Twin Cedars and a therapeutic foster care home, and the George R. Moore Specialized Foster Care Program which pairs children receiving treatment with a nurturing family.
2005
Twin Cedars reached north to Carrollton and southeast to Americus to begin the establishment of Assessment Centers in each community.
Twin Cedars Youth Services, Inc. was named the Agency of the Year by the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children.
In May 2006, The new Connections facility was completed and dedicated in honor of Mr. Lewis L. Banks, a charter member of the West Georgia Youth Council.
2006
Following weeks of renovation, The Weracoba Second Chance Home became the fourth home to in the Twin Cedars network to serve mothers and their babies.
The Bradfield Campus houses the main administrative center, two residential cottages, a gym housing a challenge ropes course, a recreation field, a cafeteria and a fully accredited school, Ault Academy. One group home is also part of the Bradfield Center Campus. The Bradfield Campus and Group Home serves up to 50 boys ranging in ages from 9 to 17.
2007
In June of 2007 Circle of Care celebrated “ A Decade of Service to Teen Mothers.” The program was established in 1997 by the Troup Family Connection Authority in collaboration with Troup County DFCS and District Four Health Services to address the issue of rising repeat pregnancy rates in the LaGrange Community. Overall, 700 teen mothers, babies, and fathers have been assisted by Circle of Care services. 2008
In LaGrange, The Callaway Foundation has granted TCYS the use of the Coleman Center for a long-term lease of $1 per year. In addition, the Foundation will assume the cost of renovations which is estimated at $1,450,000 for the 12,000 square foot facility. Set for completion in July of 2008, the newly renovated facility will house the new Twin Cedars Community Counseling program, as well as all other LaGrange area community based programming.
Chattahoochee CASA was established in November of 2008 to recruit, screen, train, and retain volunteers to serve abused, neglected or abandoned children involved in juvenile court deprivation hearings in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. Appointed by a Juvenile Court Judge, trained CASAs gather information about a child’s situation, attend court proceedings and make recommendations to the court for the best interests of a child. CASA volunteers advocate for the safety, permanency and well-being of children. 2009
In 2009, the Georgia Industrial Children’s Home, located in Macon, Georgia, combined services with Twin Cedars Youth Services, Inc. As we continue our shared vision together we have a combined 270 years of experience caring for needing children based on Christian beliefs.