Charitable Affiliations
and Related Interests
Children's Harbor is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that provides free and confidential counseling and support services to children with long-term serious illnesses as well as to their families. Children's Harbor is located on Lake Martin in central Alabama and at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Ben and Luanne Russell began dreaming of building a place for children and families on Lake Martin in 1987. The dream became a reality in 1990 with the dedication ceremonies of Children's Harbor. http://www.childrensharbor.com (.org not available)
Non-denominational services are offered each Sunday from 9:00 AM until 9:30 AM from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend at Church in the Pines and are moved to Children's Chapel after the summer months. Inspirational guest pastors and soloists are invited to lead in the worship services where all area residents and guests are welcome. Both facilities are located on the banks of Lake Martin at Kowaliga Bridge. For Church in the Pines history click here.
Children's Harbor has a tremendous presence on Lake Martin. Three thousand children and adults visit our camping facility each year. Our outreach program for children with chronic illnesses and their families is becoming quite successful.
Children's Harbor Family Center at Children's Hospital in Birmingham is one of the two major services of Children's Harbor.
This is a one of a kind effort, initiated and founded in 2001 by Children's Harbor for Children's Hospital. This program has expanded rapidly. It is now a joint effort by the two organizations.
In 1998 Ben and Luanne committed to fund a new building to house this operation. This has grown into a multi-discipline effort and the Children's Harbor Family Center building is now a huge five-story annex housing the Bradley Lecture Center, UAB Pediatric Research and Children's Harbor Family Center.
Our success does not come from any one effort, person, or group - instead it is due to the kindness of our supporters.
CARE Alabama was founded in 1987 by Ben and Luanne Russell. It is the only statewide campaign that raises and matches funds, one for one, thus sending two hundred percent of all funds generated to CARE, the international relief organization. The Russell's also pay one hundred percent of the expenses of CARE Alabama. http://www.carealabama.org
Time Capsule Park, at Children's Harbor, is the home of two great time capsules. The first time capsule interned in 1989 is a 50-year capsule. The second capsule is a 100-year capsule, interned in February, 2000. Other capsules and historical markers are planned as future projects. http://www.childrensharbor.com