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Independence, MO —
Andrew Drumm (1828 -1919) was one of the original “Forty Niners.” His will originated the Andrew Drumm Institute, now known as the Drumm Farm Center for Children, which took in its first orphaned or wayward boys in 1929.
The history and services of this amazing service organization will be readily available on the soon-to-be-launched DrummForKids.org website. In the meantime, please be assured that Drumm Farm, at 3210 Lee’s Summit Road in Independence, has been doing wonderful work with children from its beginning to the present.
There are now at least 761 alumni residents. In many cases these numbers represent what could have been “throw away children” who instead are now strong, contributing citizens.
Starting out serving boys only, the center added girls in 1991. Present space is limited to about 33 residents, with primary focus on children ages 5 to 18. Brad Smith, executive director, is pleased that the large and beautiful old Swinney Hall, after being empty for many years and facing the risk of being demolished, was recently restored and remodeled for excellent additional dormitory and administrative space.
Even more exciting are ambitious expansion plans that board of directors is expected to announce in the near future.
While some of the original 370 acres have been sold or leased, more than sufficient space is available for a broad range of present and future services. The center no longer runs a commercial dairy providing milk, butter and other dairy products. However, Will Erker, the center’s farm manager, points out that, in addition to the five-acre main campus, they operate a 3.5-acre nursery along with chickens and a few sheep. These, in addition to a huge vegetable garden, offer free-range eggs and quality produce to the public every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon from June to September.
Since 1964 the Independence School District has provided grades one through 12 schooling. The center also has a very active counseling program, called Drummcares, which provides a broad range of professional services to residents and former residents.
Andrew Drumm (1828 -1919) was one of the original “Forty Niners.” His will originated the Andrew Drumm Institute, now known as the Drumm Farm Center for Children, which took in its first orphaned or wayward boys in 1929.
The history and services of this amazing service organization will be readily available on the soon-to-be-launched DrummForKids.org website. In the meantime, please be assured that Drumm Farm, at 3210 Lee’s Summit Road in Independence, has been doing wonderful work with children from its beginning to the present.
There are now at least 761 alumni residents. In many cases these numbers represent what could have been “throw away children” who instead are now strong, contributing citizens.
Starting out serving boys only, the center added girls in 1991. Present space is limited to about 33 residents, with primary focus on children ages 5 to 18. Brad Smith, executive director, is pleased that the large and beautiful old Swinney Hall, after being empty for many years and facing the risk of being demolished, was recently restored and remodeled for excellent additional dormitory and administrative space.
Even more exciting are ambitious expansion plans that board of directors is expected to announce in the near future.
While some of the original 370 acres have been sold or leased, more than sufficient space is available for a broad range of present and future services. The center no longer runs a commercial dairy providing milk, butter and other dairy products. However, Will Erker, the center’s farm manager, points out that, in addition to the five-acre main campus, they operate a 3.5-acre nursery along with chickens and a few sheep. These, in addition to a huge vegetable garden, offer free-range eggs and quality produce to the public every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon from June to September.
Since 1964 the Independence School District has provided grades one through 12 schooling. The center also has a very active counseling program, called Drummcares, which provides a broad range of professional services to residents and former residents.
