MBCH Opens Day Haven for Adults With Disabilities

Missouri Baptist Children’s Home is expanding its services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opening of Day Haven, a new daytime program at the organization’s Byrne Campus in Peculiar.

The program is designed to serve as many as 49 adults, ages 18 and older, with activities focused on independent living, creative expression, physical wellness, sensory needs and involvement in the community. MBCH describes the program as a safe, Christ-centered setting where participants can develop skills and build relationships.

A ribbon-cutting celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the campus, 20509 S. State Route J. Guided tours will begin at 3:15 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 4 p.m. and refreshments.

MBCH converted a former residential home for boys into the Day Haven facility. The remodeled building includes designated areas for life-skills instruction, art and other creative activities, physical exercise and sensory regulation.

“Our goal is to create a space that doesn’t just provide care, but truly honors the dignity of each individual we serve,” Dawn Hensley, MBCH Children and Family Ministries program director in Peculiar, said when the project was announced. “By transforming this building into a vibrant hub of activity and learning, we are opening new doors for adults with disabilities in our community.”

The new program expands MBCH’s longstanding ministry to adults with disabilities. Its Country Haven Cottage, also located in Peculiar, opened in 2002 and became part of MBCH Children and Family Ministries in 2008. The eight-bedroom residence provides a family-style home for four men and four women who participate in employment, church, recreation and community activities.

Day Haven extends that work beyond Country Haven’s residential population by providing daytime programming for adults from the surrounding community.

Such programs can become particularly important after young adults leave public education. Missouri day habilitation providers help participants continue learning social, communication and daily-living skills, according to reporting by the Jefferson City News Tribune. Families often depend on Medicaid waivers to afford those services.

The Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities currently reports no waiting list for its Home and Community-Based Services waivers. Access to an available provider, however, is a separate part of obtaining services.

Providers nationally also continue to face workforce problems. In a 2025 survey by the American Network of Community Options and Resources, 88 percent of responding organizations reported moderate or severe staffing shortages, and 62 percent said inadequate staffing had forced them to turn away referrals.

As Metro Voice has previously reported, MBCH is seeking churches, Sunday school classes, organizations and individuals to help furnish and equip Day Haven’s themed rooms. Donations also may be directed toward specialized equipment, program supplies and continuing operations.

Those interested in volunteering, donating services or sponsoring a room may contact Charles Phillips at charles.phillips@mbch.org or 816-289-0005. Event RSVPs may be directed to Ben King at ben.king@mbch.org or 816-472-9072.

#MBCH #DevelopmentalDisabilities #DisabilityServices #PeculiarMO #MissouriNews #ChristianMinistry

–Dwight Widaman