Boys and Girls Villages Foundation “History”
Founded in 1947
Original location – Chenault Air Base
Moved to its present location in 1951
Buildings donated by the Bel Estate
Three small cottages, kitchen, maintenance building, big house and staff living quarters.
- 1964 Joy Cottage was built
- 1971 Peace Cottage was built
- 1982 Swimming Pool was added
- 1986 On-Campus School Program started with the help of Barbara Bankens
BESE Board Approved - 1986 Girl Village was opened (Faith Cottage in Sulphur)
- 1991 the (CVA) Crime Victim’s Assistance Program began covering the five Parish area
- 1991 Family Pavilion was built
- 1994 The new on-campus school was built with the help of PPG Friends.
Campus Renovations:
- 1993 Optimist Drive – Lake Charles Optimist Club
- 1994 G.A. McElveen Drive – Wayne and Andy McElveen
- 1996 James T. Austin Gym – Carl and Vickie Warden (beginning seed money and education)
- 1993-1996 All cottages remodeled
- 1997 New Food Distribution Center completed
- 1998 Hope Cottage was built
- 2001 Faith Cottage Sold
- 2012 the (CVA) Program Stopped