Stanberry usually has about 30 children at one time calling this home. Until 2007 the children lived in two dormitories, one for girls and one for boys, with house parents and various volunteers taking care of the children. In 2006 we began the transition to cottage style living and began the construction of three houses or “casitas” and in March 2007 the children moved into these houses where they live in family groups ranging from 10 -14 people per household. They eat together, clean house together, go to church together, and learn how families can function. This model means for less turnover in care givers so the children are able to bond and get to know their caregivers better and vice/versa. We try to keep sibling groups together so each house has boys and girls ranging from 1 year – 19 years old.
At noon the families go to the main kitchen at the daycare and get the food for their house which is prepared for them Monday to Friday as way to help them out, they eat together before the younger children go to school in the afternoons and the older ones go to the library program to do their homework and attend the workshops. Weekends and vacations afford time for more family bonding. There are also times when the larger Stansberry family does things together, monthly birthday parties, worship times, and soccer, basketball and other sports afford us special times together.