After 109 years, Kemmerer Village continues to grow! The childcare organization has deepened its roots and planted an orchard. A groundbreaking ceremony for Dr. Doyle and Linda Slifer Orchard took place on the 60-acre campus near Assumption, Illinois April 21, 2023. With the help of The Green Works, Kemmerer Village is planting up to 100 fruit trees! The first phase is 32 fruit trees, 11 Fuji apples, 11 Honey Crisp, and 10 Peach trees. These trees have been sponsored in honor of loved ones and churches. 

The Slifer family donated generously to Kemmerer Village over the years and is excited for their legacy to continue to help children and families in our communities. Dr. Doyle Slifer served the Taylorville Community specializing in Pathology for decades and served as the Christian County Coroner. Linda Slifer was a medical terminologist as well as a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, and friend before her passing in 2013. The Slifer’s gift to Kemmerer Village is going to grow opportunities for learning, nutrition, and leisure for generations to come. 

In 2022, Kemmerer Village served 1,400 children in its various programs, and an orchard is going to be an incredible addition. The orchard will assist the Village’s nature-based therapy programs for residential treatment and foster care programs. Kemmerer Village currently has an active gardening program with a greenhouse and an impressive equine therapy program. 

There are still a few places left to leave a legacy at Kemmerer Village in this first phase. For more information, please visit www.kemmerervillage.org/tree