Nurturing God’s Children

The children who come to Thornwell arrive at our doorstep hungry—not just for food, but for love. Some come with only the clothes on their backs—having been exposed to unspeakable conditions, stripped of all dignity and respect. Many of the children are homeless—they may have lived in a house, but the rejection they have suffered has convinced them that they are neither wanted nor welcomed.


For more information, contact Bill Tiller at 864-938-2715 or email b.tiller@thornwell.org.


Click here for a download PDF file of our Case for Support.


Securing the Future… Expanding the Vision


Thornwell’s founder, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs, was inspired with a passionate faith in God and a courageous vision for the care of God’s children. Following his example and remaining true to his remarkable dream, we are committed to extending the reach of this ministry to the increasing numbers of children God is calling us to serve now and in the years to come.


By restructuring Thornwell’s endowment portfolio and launching a first-ever capital campaign, the Board of Trustees are taking significant steps to both expanding Thornwell’s vision and secure its future.

Our Goal

We need you and your support to help us continue to expand our ministry and reach these goals:
As Thornwell enters into the next century of its ministry to children, the Board of Trustees, dependent upon the grace of God, has determined to pursue a vision that includes three priorities:
1) Increase the permanent endowment to secure the future of Thornwell’s ministry to children and families;
2) Establish community-based services through partnerships with local
churches and other organizations to nurture children and families in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida;
3) Renovate and repair aging facilities to prepare them to meet childcare needs safely and securely for the present and future, and construct on-campus housing for family teachers.


Giving and Recognition Opportunities


Thornwell’s Nurturing God’s Children Campaign will offer recognition opportunities for major gifts to endow programs, family teacher positions, and for major building and renovation donations. The following is a partial list of Recognition Opportunities.


Thornwell Campus Ministry Endowment
• Residential cottages (13)
• Family teachers, 4 per cottage
• Christian Nurture Program
• Children and Family Ministries
• Therapeutic counseling services
• Medical and dental services
• Education liaisons (2)


Community-based Services Endowment
• Establish an endowment to seed locally based services in
partnership with churches and other organizations in the
three-state region


Capital Improvements
• Renovate 13 cottages to improve safety and living conditions
• Build new off-duty housing for family teachers (naming opportunity)


Just imagine, with your contribution and support Thornwell will continue to be a place of hope and healing—where tragic stories of hurt and brokenness are re-written, where futures are restored, and most of all where childhood is reclaimed.


Matching Gifts


You may be able to double or even triple your gift to Thornwell if you or your spouse works for a matching gift company. Retired employees often qualify for matching gift programs, as well. Contact your employer today to find out if your company offers a matching gift program.