The T.J. Community Mission Foundation (TJCMF) is proud to announce that Children’s Day has officially become a program of the Foundation. The public announcement took place during a resolution signing ceremony at the Champions of Care Luncheon, hosted by TJCMF on Friday, October 4, 2024. The resolution was signed by Children’s Day Fund Board Chair Helena Birdwell, Dr. Bharat Mody, Chair Emeritus of the Children’s Day Board, and T.J. Community Mission Foundation Board Chair Doug Landers. The agreement marks a new chapter for Children’s Day, transferring its operations to TJCMF.
The resolution highlights TJCMF’s commitment to preserving the original mission of Children’s Day by continuing to support the basic needs of local children through partnerships with Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSCs). Additionally, TJCMF is dedicated to expanding this mission to include new pediatric health initiatives, further enhancing the well-being of children in the region.
Founded in 2012, Children’s Day has supported the basic needs of children in Barren County through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Bharat Mody and FRYSC coordinator Brenda Chaney. Each year, the program has raised funds through the Children’s Day Celebration, held around November 20 to coincide with World Children’s Day, as well as through major fundraising efforts led by Dr. Mody. The funds have directly supported FRYSC programs in the Barren County, Glasgow Independent, and Caverna Independent school systems, providing essentials such as food, clothing, school supplies, and mattresses to children in need.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Dr. Mody shared, “Each year I return to my home village in India and have undertaken projects to support children’s basic needs there. After one trip, I realized that similar challenges exist for children right here in Barren County.” Over the past 12 years, Children’s Day has made a difference in the lives of countless children by addressing these needs locally.
Randy Burns, Executive Director of the T.J. Community Mission Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about the program’s future: “The Foundation is incredibly honored and excited to receive this wonderful program, which has helped so many children in our community. We are committed to continuing the traditional work of supporting FRYSC coordinators, while also exploring new ways to impact pediatric health in this region through Children’s Day.”
Both Dr. Mody and Mr. Burns extended their gratitude to the Barren County Educational Foundation, which has served as the financial partner for Children’s Day over the past twelve years, enabling the program to raise donations as a non-profit organization. “I am very thankful for their willingness to help in that way,” said Dr. Mody. Mr. Burns added, “This is an exciting day for our community and region. With the support system of T.J. Regional Health, I look forward to collaborating with our schools, healthcare network, and community to build on the great work already done and to make an even greater difference in the lives of children in south-central Kentucky.”
For more information about the new partnership or to learn how you can support Children’s Day, please contact TJCMF at (270) 651-4619 or foundation@tjsamson.org.
About the T.J. Community Mission Foundation
Established in 2014, the T.J. Community Mission Foundation (TJCMF) is celebrating 10 years of building healthier communities. The TJCMF supports capital projects, community engagement programs and other projects that aid in accomplishing T.J. Regional Health’s goal of improving the health of the residents of southcentral Kentucky. By creating partnerships with employees, business leaders, social groups and families, we will further advance excellence in healthcare to those we serve in this region.
(Randy Burns, Executive Director – T.J. Community Mission Foundation)