In the early 1920s, the United Methodist Church recognized the need for a residence for homeless and abandoned children. The mission was adopted to provide shelter and care to these children. The church’s mission quickly became a reality when Mr. Edward P. Libbey of Newton left the bulk of his estate to the project, and the City of Newton followed by leading fundraising efforts. These efforts led to the purchase of 20 acres of land for an orphanage, which became the site of the Kansas Methodist Home for Children.

Libbey Hall, named after Mr. Libbey, was built in 1929. The campus also included an orchard, barns, a farmhouse, stables, granaries, cow lots and chicken houses. Over the next three decades, a chapel and residential cottages were also built.

In 1960, the board of trustees changed the agency name to Methodist Youthville. They also approved a plan that focused on providing services to adolescent youth with emotional or social adjustment problems. That same year, our organization was asked to assume management of the Bronco Busters Boys Ranch in Dodge City.

In 1971, the board of trustees officially changed the agency name to United Methodist Youthville, Inc.

In 1972, the agency began a family foster home program in the Newton community.

In 1996, Kansas became the first state in the nation to fully privatize its adoption, foster care and family preservation services. Our agency also began serving youth and families as part of the Region 5 foster care/reintegration contract.

Our organization expanded into mental health services in 2007 by acquiring Family Consultation Service.

In 2011, we began serving families in Washington state through a parenting support contract with the state.

In 2012, Youthville Family Consultation Service became FCS Counseling.

After eight decades of providing quality services to children in foster and residential care, Youthville was renamed EmberHope in 2013 to encompass our expanding services in counseling and behavioral health, as well as the launch of a new program, STRIVE independent living.

Our Youthville foster care program also expanded in 2013 by adding services in the state of Texas.

All of our programs aim to spark change and enable people of all ages to improve their lives. We are supporting a community of hope.