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Download our "History of Ramey-Estep" slide-show
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The Ramey-Estep Homes originated as two separate organizations with the same goal, helping children in need. Many years later, both Homes continue the tradition of making a brighter future for children.

..... The Gertrude Ramey Children's Home was founded in 1944 by Gertrude Ramey with the help of Robert McCullough, Sr. and Baptist Minister W.C. Pierce. Gertrude Ramey's mission in life was to provide a loving and caring home for children of all ages. Her success was great and over 4,000 children were cared for in her home through 1989. Over the years, there was an increasing need for the placement of adolescent boys. Foster homes were more likely to accept babies and girls. Boys, especially those who have a history of emotional and behavior problems, were much harder to place in foster homes or adoptive agencies. In 1989, the Ramey Children's Home changed directions and became a treatment program for boys, ages 14 - 18.

..... The Hack Estep Home for Boys began in 1950, as an emergency shelter for boys of Eastern Kentucky. Mr. Hack Estep, the Boyd County Jailer at the time, was working late one night when Bill, a cold and hungry little boy, came into the jail and asked to be locked up for the night. Bill told his story of abuse and neglect. Hack Estep vowed to begin a home to care for other boys such as Bill. With community support, the home began in rural Boyd County.

..... In 1992, the Ramey Children's Home and the Hack Estep Home for Boys merged to become one organization in order to provide a common service to adolescent boys in need. In July 2000, we began caring for young women on our Estep Campus. Today, we serve over 250 youth per day through a variety of programs.

..... In 1998 the Community Based Programs began with Treatment Foster Care. Our Court Diversion, and Community Service Programs began in 1999.

..... In 2000, REH collaborates with the Boyd County School System to manage their alternative education program, Boyd County Central.

..... In 2003, REH moved out of the Ramey Home and it reverted back to the Boyd County Fiscal Court. This move allowed us to consolidate all of our Residential Services onto one campus.

..... In 2003, REH opened an Intake & Evaluation Center in the upstairs of the Administration Building.