Rock Hill, SC - On a bright and windy Monday morning, the Children’s Attention Home marked a long‑awaited milestone—the groundbreaking of two new homes that will soon support young adults stepping into independence. More than 50 teammates, board members, campaign contributors, and community leaders gathered on October 20, 2025, to celebrate a vision years in the making.
“What a beautiful day to break ground,” shared Executive Director, Tara Burgess. “Not just on two new homes, but on new beginnings, new possibilities, and new hope.”
The idea for these homes first emerged in 2017 and steadily gained momentum through planning, advocacy, and a long‑anticipated approval. The Way Forward Capital Campaign, launched in 2024, established bold goals to build new homes and strengthen the programs and services that help young people thrive. The homes will serve as the future site of the Home’s Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program, designed for youth ages 18 and older who are stepping into adulthood without the safety net many rely on.
“Each brick laid here will represent stability,” Tara emphasized. “Each room will echo with laughter, learning, and growth. Because independence doesn’t mean doing it alone—it means having the tools, the support, and the belief that you can do it.”
The morning’s atmosphere reflected the spirit of the occasion—bright, colorful, and full of anticipation. From the sidewalk, attendees could see the two future home lots, construction equipment, festive displays, and vibrant balloons. Ceremonial shovels in the Home’s signature colors—red, orange, light green, blue, and purple—added a joyful touch to the celebration. Light refreshments and time to connect set a warm tone before the program began.
As attendees gathered near the corner of the lot, Board Chair Adam Smith offered a heartfelt reflection on the Home’s mission and the community that sustains it. Keynote speaker Sharon Floyd, Founder and Executive Director of Better Bound Bookstore & Youth Development, delivered powerful remarks rooted in both professional experience and personal truth.
A longtime partner who has employed many of the Home’s youth in their first jobs, Floyd spoke to the deeper meaning of the day:
“This isn’t just about buildings. It’s about belonging. It’s about giving our young adults a safe place to grow, to learn, and to become.”
She also highlighted the broader impact for young people aging out of systems without support:
“Today, Rock Hill is saying something powerful: We see you. We believe in you. And we’re building a foundation for your future.”
In the weeks since, the transformation has been unmistakable. Walls are rising, rooms are taking shape, and the vision is becoming reality.
This progress reflects the dedication of those who advocated, invested, volunteered, and believed in the mission. As Tara shared during her remarks, the heart of this work remains centered on the young people who will one day call these houses home:
“You are not forgotten and you are not alone. You are powerful, capable, and worthy of every good thing this world has to offer.”
To see more of the celebration, view the gallery below.
Groundbreaking Gallery by Claire Plyler