The Norville Center shelter is located on five acres of land, leased from the County of Kaufman for 99 years for the lease price of $1. The original structure was approximately 5,000 sqft under one roof. After an expansion in 2003-2004, the floor space increased to 6,450 sqft.
The addition provided much needed space for storage and the preparation of food and increased living space for the average population of 16 children for which the shelter provides residential services. The renovation also allowed the shelter to expand its client capacity to 20 beds and created space for two nursery areas that are used for concentrated care for small infants or severely injured children.
The grounds are landscaped to provide the maximum enjoyment for the youth and visitors. With funds provided by the A. Fern Norville Shelter Foundation and a grant from the Kaufman County United Way, we were able to install commercial grade playground equipment, which provides enhancement of physical, emotional and social abilities, but also provides the opportunity for each child to just be a kid and play without fear in their lives.
The Shelter Board of Directors, the A. Fern Norville Shelter Foundation Board of Directors, the staff and management of the shelter strive daily to ensure that the physical facility itself projects a healthy, calm and nurturing atmosphere for the abused or neglected children who reside here.