Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children's Home to close in May

[JimGP20]

Some of you here may know that I am a graduate of ISSCH in Knightstown, Indiana. We alumni have recently been informed that the Home will close at the end of the school year, and we are devastated by that news. This Home has truly been home to thousands of displaced kids since 1865, and now budget cuts and the bad economy are taking the ultimate toll on this treasured institution. Oliver P. Morton Memorial High School (the Home's school which actually has grades K - 12) will close as well. This has made my new year a sad one already. If any of you folks would like to know more about the Home, here are a few websites. It is a historical treasure that I am hoping can somehow be preserved.

http://www.issch.state.in.us/ (http://www.issch.state.in.us/)

http://www.in.gov/isdh/23517.htm (http://www.in.gov/isdh/23517.htm)

Here is a story on the closure.

http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=33307 (http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=33307)

[JimGP20]

Here is a photo of the Administration Building. The original one burned down early last century and this one was built in it's place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/stuckinliberalhell/mainbuilding.jpg

[JimGP20]

Morton Memorial High School.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/stuckinliberalhell/morton.jpg

[JimGP20]

The chapel.... Lincoln Hall.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/stuckinliberalhell/chapel.jpg

[JimGP20]

In the chapel, there are two huge stained glass windows. One depicts a soldier, the other a sailor. Here is the soldier...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/stuckinliberalhell/soldierswindow.jpg

[JimGP20]

... and here is the sailor.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/stuckinliberalhell/sailorwindow.jpg

[JimGP20]

If anyone here on the site has any pull with anyone in the Indiana State Legislature, I would sure appreciate any assistance that you could lend. I received an email this morning with a link to a site where a petition has been drafted to keep the Home open for these at risk children, so I signed it, but I don't know what good the petition will do. Time is short to keep this school that has helped thousands of children find the right path in life for nearly 150 years, open.

[JimGP20]

This story may give folks an idea about just how much the Home means to alot of people.

http://www.centredaily.com/news/state/story/1047352.html

[Mithrastan]

Why is it closing? Lack of funding?
I thought our coffers were flush. I don't want to get political or anything.
Never heard about this place, but it seems like a really good thing, with a long and distinguished history.

[JimGP20]

Why is it closing? Lack of funding?
I thought our coffers were flush. I don't want to get political or anything.
Never heard about this place, but it seems like a really good thing, with a long and distinguished history.


Well.... here's a quote from the Indiana Health Commisioner:


"We really need to put our money into services, not bricks and mortar," Monroe said in an interview Wednesday after announcing the closure to the staff at the home about 25 miles east of Indianapolis. "Institutionalizing children is just not where society is at today."


As a former resident there, I never looked at it as being institutionalized. The people who worked there made me feel like family... something I never felt before I went there.

[Mithrastan]

Well.... here's a quote from the Indiana Health Commisioner:



As a former resident there, I never looked at it as being institutionalized. The people who worked there made me feel like family... something I never felt before I went there.

Yeah, it looks like they're just trying to save some money.

The parts about "institutionalization" and "services vs. brick and mortar" are pretty weak.

It's a shame, is all I can say. Our state's bureaucracy has proven to be very stubborn when trying to make things seem inevitable.

[JimGP20]

If anyone would like to become involved in trying to save this valuable institution, here is a website where a petition is underway to send to the Governor of Indiana.

http://www.petitiononline.com/ISSCH/petition-sign.html?

[FidelisAdMortem]

It should be funded by private funds. If not, then it should be closed.

[Vaard]

It should be funded by private funds. If not, then it should be closed.

what he said.......

[JimGP20]

It should be funded by private funds. If not, then it should be closed.

It's a state institution. It always has been. I don't think you will find many state institutions 100% funded by private money, but I get your point.... screw those kids... right?

[FidelisAdMortem]

It's a state institution. It always has been. I don't think you will find many state institutions 100% funded by private money, but I get your point.... screw those kids... right?

No, however it should not be a financial burden on the state, if the state no longer agrees with the mission of the institution. If you want free reign on an institution, than have it privately funded if not entirely, partially.

[JimGP20]

No, however it should not be a financial burden on the state, if the state no longer agrees with the mission of the institution. If you want free reign on an institution, than have it privately funded if not entirely, partially.

It is partially funded by the American Legion.

[FidelisAdMortem]

It is partially funded by the American Legion.

Obviously not enough. If it wants to act like a private institution/school, then its time to be privately funded. The days of otherwise are behind us.

[JimGP20]

Obviously not enough. If it wants to act like a private institution/school, then its time to be privately funded. The days of otherwise are behind us.

Act like a private institution? Where did I say they wanted to do that?

[FidelisAdMortem]

Act like a private institution? Where did I say they wanted to do that?

Its very nature and structure is privatization. It should be private funds that keep this institution alive. The state has other resources that can easily replace this institution at a fraction of the price. Simply looking at the pictures shows its a overpriced, costly establishment on its face. Therefore close it down. Keep it alive by all means, through private funds, which is done daily with other institutions.

[Cav Scout]

I got a letter from the VFW on this. We have started a National Funding drive, I do not know how much that will help. What would help is the VFW buying it outright.

[JimGP20]

I got a letter from the VFW on this. We have started a National Funding drive, I do not know how much that will help. What would help is the VFW buying it outright.


Thanks for that news. I think the American Legion is doing a drive as well. The ISSCH has always benefitted veterans children, and it's great to see veterans organizations care so much about the Home.

[jimjames418]

A budget of $10.2 million for 185 students is way out of line with other schools and institutions.

My local public school district, with 1,500 students has a budget of only $9.5 million.

And all the private schools in this area operate with much less funding.

I agree with FAM, make it a private school and keep the tax money for other purposes.

[Cav Scout]

A budget of $10.2 million for 185 students is way out of line with other schools and institutions.

My local public school district, with 1,500 students has a budget of only $9.5 million.

And all the private schools in this area operate with much less funding.

I agree with FAM, make it a private school and keep the tax money for other purposes.

Most "other schools" are not homes with complete care to include churches and medical welfare.

[FidelisAdMortem]

A budget of $10.2 million for 185 students is way out of line with other schools and institutions.

My local public school district, with 1,500 students has a budget of only $9.5 million.

And all the private schools in this area operate with much less funding.

I agree with FAM, make it a private school and keep the tax money for other purposes.

Those statistics are staggering. Thanks for posting the facts.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Most "other schools" are not homes with complete care to include churches and medical welfare.

And that pretty much sums it up as to why it should be privatized funding and not public.

[Cav Scout]

And that pretty much sums it up as to why it should be privatized funding and not public.

I may or may not disagree with you and this is why. Until you show how much the state spends on other 'wards of the state' and do the math, it may be they do spend that much or close to it on those that they 'craddle to grave' raise.
This much I will offer, as I do not live in Indiana I cannot really have a say about it. It is a state issue. I would not have an issue with the VSO's taking it over. However, if it were in Wyoming I would fight the closing. Knowing the money that most states waste on other things not near as altruistic as this, it seems a bit hawkish for this to be on the chopping block, but as I said I do not know Indianna's stats and have no say anyhow.

[JimGP20]

A budget of $10.2 million for 185 students is way out of line with other schools and institutions.

My local public school district, with 1,500 students has a budget of only $9.5 million.

And all the private schools in this area operate with much less funding.

I agree with FAM, make it a private school and keep the tax money for other purposes.

Yes, I agree that the money is out of line with the current enrollment. When I was there from 1970 - 1975, the enrollment was triple of what it is now. The school does have one of the best ROTC programs in the state, which wasn't in existence in the 70's when I was there. Whether it's by public or private money, I hope a way is found to keep the school open as it has been since 1865.

[jimjames418]

Most "other schools" are not homes with complete care to include churches and medical welfare.
Here in Michigan the state runs a School for the Blind, with an enrollment of 850, in which the students live and learn. It provides all medical and other services to the students. The budget for this school for this year is less than $5 million. Granted most health related services are paid for by MediCade, but I believe that would be true in any institutionalized setting.

[Cav Scout]

Here in Michigan the state runs a School for the Blind, with an enrollment of 850, in which the students live and learn. It provides all medical and other services to the students. The budget for this school for this year is less than $5 million. Granted most health related services are paid for by MediCade, but I believe that would be true in any institutionalized setting.


I could very well be that there are things about this particular institution that need fixed. One would have to examine the the budget and see what those are.
As I told FAM, I do not oppose the VFW or other VSO's from working to save or aquire this place.

[JimGP20]

I could very well be that there are things about this particular institution that need fixed. One would have to examine the the budget and see what those are.
As I told FAM, I do not oppose the VFW or other VSO's from working to save or aquire this place.

Just for those who don't know, which is pretty much everyone here, the Home consists of over 50 buildings over several acres of land. Morton Memorial High School is located on the grounds, as well as a hospital, non denominational church, several dormatories, a dining hall, several trade buildings, the administration building, a power facility, and a water tower. It is a small town in and of itself.

[Xena]

Some of you here may know that I am a graduate of ISSCH in Knightstown, Indiana. We alumni have recently been informed that the Home will close at the end of the school year, and we are devastated by that news. This Home has truly been home to thousands of displaced kids since 1865, and now budget cuts and the bad economy are taking the ultimate toll on this treasured institution. Oliver P. Morton Memorial High School (the Home's school which actually has grades K - 12) will close as well. This has made my new year a sad one already. If any of you folks would like to know more about the Home, here are a few websites. It is a historical treasure that I am hoping can somehow be preserved.

http://www.issch.state.in.us/ (http://www.issch.state.in.us/)

http://www.in.gov/isdh/23517.htm (http://www.in.gov/isdh/23517.htm)

Here is a story on the closure.

http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=33307 (http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=33307)

Jim,

A philanthropist that you know of, has a home in Columbus. I believe that his mother (Pam Boas) takes cares of his charities through the Tony Stewart Foundation.

Another thought is:

Phone:704-652-4227
Email: CCline@HaasCNC.com

In a few weeks, try: http://www.stewarthaasracing.com/

[JimGP20]

Jim,

A philanthropist that you know of, has a home in Columbus. I believe that his mother (Pam Boas) takes cares of his charities through the Tony Stewart Foundation.

Another thought is:

Phone:704-652-4227
Email: CCline@HaasCNC.com

In a few weeks, try: http://www.stewarthaasracing.com/

Thanks Xena.... great idea. I'll send an email.... you never know where help can come from.

[Xena]

Thanks Xena.... great idea. I'll send an email.... you never know where help can come from.

Good! Contact Pam too because Smoke is a bit busy. ;)

Don't know what this is about, but . . . :lol:

http://msn.foxsports.com/id/9059290_18_1.jpg

The article is pretty cool:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/9058046/For-the-love-of-the-game

[FidelisAdMortem]

As I told FAM, I do not oppose the VFW or other VSO's from working to save or aquire this place.

Which has been my opinion throughout the entire thread, although one poster tried to spin it and claim I dont care about the kids, lol. What a liberal tactic.

[Cav Scout]

Just for those who don't know, which is pretty much everyone here, the Home consists of over 50 buildings over several acres of land. Morton Memorial High School is located on the grounds, as well as a hospital, non denominational church, several dormatories, a dining hall, several trade buildings, the administration building, a power facility, and a water tower. It is a small town in and of itself.

I did not know this either. Having its own water and power supply is likely a large portion of that budget.

[JimGP20]

Which has been my opinion throughout the entire thread, although one poster tried to spin it and claim I dont care about the kids, lol. What a liberal tactic.

One poster? Have the cajones to say who you're talking about. Grow a pair dude.

http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=46395961&postcount=47

:lol:

[FidelisAdMortem]

One poster? Have the cajones to say who you're talking about. Grow a pair dude.

http://forums.hannity.com/showpost.php?p=46395961&postcount=47

:lol:

Yea that poster being you, posting on emotion, as usual.

Wah "what about the children".

You sound like the preachers wife from the simpsons.

[JimGP20]

Update:

Through grass roots efforts from the Alumni of the ISSCH and the Indiana Chapter of the American Legion, bills have been passed in both houses of the Indiana Legislature to keep the Home open for at least a year, during which time a comprehensive study will be done to determine how to improve it's current use. Just today, Governor Mitch Daniels has agreed to look into alternatives for closing the Home which was scheduled to be shut down at the end of the current school year. :clap:

[Mithrastan]

That's wonderful news.

[FidelisAdMortem]

It should still be shut down unless private funds are acquired.

[JimGP20]

It should still be shut down unless private funds are acquired.

Send your complaint to the Governor. He and the State Legislature disagrees with you.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Of course they do, they're politicians who love spending the publics money.

And when it suits YOU, you agree with the spending of taxpayer funds.

[JimGP20]

Of course they do, they're politicians who love spending the publics money.

And when it suits YOU, you agree with the spending of taxpayer funds.

If figured this news would upset you. Sorry. I guess having these kids running the streets would be better. Then they would eventually be the problem of police officers like yourself.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Yes job security.

[OldBuzzard]

JimGP20 just ignore those that are ignorant of which they speak.

I grew up in the O.S.&S.O. Home in Xenia, OH, which was much the same as your home. I know that your feelings are, as our home was shut down and the property sold by the State of Ohio a few years ago.

Fortunately, the current owners are renting one building to us for our O.S.S.O. Ex-Pupils Museum, and allow us to hold our Annual Reuinion on the campus grounds.

It's a shame the the current liberal thinking can't see the value of Homes like ours. Our homes have both produced outstanding citizens over the years, and our 'brothers & sisters' more than paid back to society what cost it took to house, feed, and educate us.

It's just a shame that some small minded people will critisize institutions, like ours while being ignorant of just what we were.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Yes, dissent = ignorance.

Liberal tactic.

[OldBuzzard]

Yes, dissent = ignorance.

Liberal tactic.

liberal my ass !!!!!!!!

IGNORANCE = you don't know what the **** your are talking about when talikng about institutions like the ISSO, and OSSO.

I know because I lived there (OSSO) from 1954-1964. You might want to educate yourself as to what those instutions are/were before you open your mouth about something you know absolutely nothing about, and appear to be a fool to those of us that do.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Yes b/c you say I dont know what Im talking about obviously means I dont.

I hope you never comment on anything on this forum unless you have firsthand life experience from this point on.

[JimGP20]

JimGP20 just ignore those that are ignorant of which they speak.

I grew up in the O.S.&S.O. Home in Xenia, OH, which was much the same as your home. I know that your feelings are, as our home was shut down and the property sold by the State of Ohio a few years ago.

Fortunately, the current owners are renting one building to us for our O.S.S.O. Ex-Pupils Museum, and allow us to hold our Annual Reuinion on the campus grounds.

It's a shame the the current liberal thinking can't see the value of Homes like ours. Our homes have both produced outstanding citizens over the years, and our 'brothers & sisters' more than paid back to society what cost it took to house, feed, and educate us.

It's just a shame that some small minded people will critisize institutions, like ours while being ignorant of just what we were.

Thank you Buzz..... I remember our annual trip to Xenia to play your school in basketball each year. Your Home was a beautiful place as well. Don't be too hard on FAM, it's hard to know the benefit of something when you only dislike it because the OP once said something bad about the New York Giants.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Well this thread and those who claim to have used this insitution is proof enough for me it doesnt work and should be shut down.

[JimGP20]

Well this thread and those who claim to have used this insitution is proof enough for me it doesnt work and should be shut down.

It's been working for 130 years. Now the State of Indiana will find a way to make it work again. Just because the Health Dept. underutilized the Home is no reason to close it. The goal is to have an increased enrollment by the end of 2009 of up to 500 children. It's interesting that you think you know more than the veteran's groups like the American Legion and the VFW that have sponsored the Home for decades.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Why must the taxpayer be burden?

Why cant it not be utilized through private donations like countless other establishments are ran?

Answer me that.

[JimGP20]

Why must the taxpayer be burden?

Why cant it not be utilized through private donations like countless other establishments are ran?

Answer me that.


It's run by the State. Show me any institution that is run by the government but paid for by private funds.

[FidelisAdMortem]

There in lies the problem. The state should shut it down and allow privatization to occur.

The cost alone is alarm enough to warrant an opening of the books.

Are you the type of liberal that believes throwing MORE money is the solution, no matter how its spent?