A mission that has provided hundreds of youth an education and a home in which they can thrive continues to see success 70 years after its inception.

The East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy (ETCHA) was established in 1946 by preacher Fred Smith of First Christian Church in Elizabethton. He witnessed a local judge placing children in jail because they had no families to provide for them.

This need would continue over the decades, but his idea and establishment has continually risen to meet that need, according to Director of Development Ron Marvel.

He and his wife, Director of Services Melissa Marvel manage the home and provide housing and education while promoting life skills and spiritual development.

“We are a residential education facility for at-risk teen girls, and we’re the only one in the area. These are girls with behavioral issues or who have been abandoned or neglected or cannot be at home. We give hope and purpose to those girls.”

Residents are asked to make a one year commitment to residency, but Marvel said some stay for five or six years.

“We have an academy, and they serve at their local church, they help at Habitat for Humanity and have volunteered at soup kitchens and camps,” said Marvel. “These activities help develop leadership skills and reinforce the importance of service.”

They also do daily devotions and Bible studies as well as being regularly involved in local youth groups and service opportunities, Marvel said.

If ETCHA did not exist for these girls, Marvel said they might be in state custody.

After girls graduate from the program, Marvel said they can take advantage of another program they offer called Bloom that provides skills for both the girls and their parents.

“Some may not have a foundation in place to be successful once they leave here, but if we can continue to work with them, then we can help provide that foundation,” said Marvel.

ETCHA is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with a benefit dinner and silent auction on April 22. The dinner will feature bluegrass and gospel band Sunnyside as well as a silent auction with baskets valued at $200-$300.

The band has been together for 23 years, and members include Judi Castleberry (guitar and vocals), Konnie Lewis (bass and vocals), Steve Lewis (lead guitar and banjo) and Vicki Shell (mandolin and fiddle). Members are from Johnson City and Jonesborough, and Marvel said although they are accomplished in other areas of music, they are passionate about delivering the gospel in song.

The dinner will take place at Boones Creek Christian Church in Johnson City at 6 p.m.

The dinner is free, and a love offering will be taken at the end of the night. RSVP is required by April 20th, and Marvel said former residents are encouraged to attend.

The dinner is part of a 70 for 70 campaign in which they are encouraging people to make donations of $70 either on a scheduled basis or one time to ETCHA to help continue providing the home, education and spiritual guidance they offer.

Marvel said all of ETCHA’s provisions and activities are funded by the contributions of churches, businesses and individuals.

“We completely rely on contributions, and do not take a dollar of state funds,” Marvel said.

Funding comes from all over the country, he said, because people know what an impact ETCHA makes on residents’ lives and futures.

“We often have girls come back to volunteer with our organization, either in the classroom or other activities, and that speaks to the value it has for these girls,” Marvel said.

To reserve a seat at the dinner, call 423-542-4423 or send an email to etchanews@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.etcha.org.