At The Open Arms Home for Children, we believe that healing and learning take place when a child’s deepest needs are met, both physically and mentally. We are dedicated to helping young girls, who have experienced abuse and neglect, by recognizing their emotional, behavioral and familial problems and providing quality short-term residential care, including access to life enrichment and character building programs.
- The Open Arms Home for Children is a Base Level facility for young girls age 12 to 17.
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Director
- Executive Director, Mike Rutan: Mike has a master’s degree in business, along with extensive experience providing oversight for group homes. Mike also brings years of experience in case management, having worked closely with child protective services.
Education
University of South Carolina, BA Business Administration and Minor in Engineering, 2001
Baker Center for Graduate Studies, MS Business Administration, 2007
Concentration in Non-Profit Finances, Risk Management, and Human Resources
Professional Activities – Highlights
2016 – Certified CPR/FA Instructor
2012 – Certified North Carolina Interventions Instructor
2016-2018 Child Protective Services
2010-2016 Program Manager of Group Homes
2008- 2010 Brenham State Supported Living Center Investigator
New Human Services Professional!!
- Sarah Tuner – • Open Arms Home for Children is excited to announce that Sarah Turner has become our new Human Services Professional this October 2020. Kyleen has a BA in Psychology and has a long history of mentoring and working with young ladies in need. Sarah has a lot of experience working in foster care both as a caseworker and as a supervisor with DFCS. Her experience will be a tremendous asset to us!! As the Human Services Professional she is responsible for making sure the needs of the young girls are met. Sarah is passionate that the girls not only are provided with a safe and nurturing environment, but also strives to provide a strong role model as well as a non-judgmental voice of reason. The young ladies in the home have stated how comfortable they are with speaking with Sarah about situations that they find themselves and appreciate her honesty and insight.
Education
- Bachelor’s in Religious Studies and Psychology – Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC
Executive Board
- Peter Knutzen - President Peter brings 20 years of executive level sales and marketing to the Open Arms Board. Peter is also Managing Partner and developer of Old Toccoa Farm. Peter’s board member experience includes – Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, Project Healing Waters, Blue Ridge, Executive Committee Member – Georgia Children’s Health Alliance, 2007 Georgia Academy for Economic Development Leadership Program, 2007 & 2008 University of Georgia Fanning Institute Leadership Program.
- William Mone – Vice President
- Sherry Triebert – Secretary
- Ranna Sayre – Treasurer
Board Members
- Elizabeth Lynch
- Jack Meunier
- Christie Decoufle
- Paul Dodsworth
- Pearl Dilbeck
Enrichment Partners
- Escape to Blue Ridge
- Old Toccoa Farm
- Folger Gas
- Ansley Mountain & Lake