Over the next several months, the Natchez Children’s Home may grow a little quieter, particularly in the evenings.

But don’t let that fool you, they are not closing and will continue to be working on behalf of some of the smallest, most frail members of our community.

The long-standing institution that has for nearly 200 years cared for children in need will soon no longer offer long-term housing for those children.

Recent changes in child welfare trends means the state of Mississippi is working to reduce the emphasis on putting children into group homes, instead opting for more foster home placements.

For those of us on the outside the changes at the Natchez Children’s Home seem fundamental, even sad. Many of us have viewed the facility as simply a place in which children in unusual circumstances go to live and be surrounded by the facility’s loving staff.

But that iconic view only catches a glimpse of all that the Natchez Children’s Home accomplishes.

Those intimately involved with the children’s home understand a key truth about the facility — physically housing children is only one of a myriad of services the children’s home has provided and will continue to provide.

Putting children under their roof has never been the lone goal of the Natchez Children’s Home. Its primary goal has been taking care of children and all of the many things that encompasses.

The facility has met that mission since 1816.

As the Children’s Home morphs into its new role, we hope and pray that the good people of this community who have generously donated money, time and goods to the Children’s Home will continue to do so for many years to come.

Despite the slight change in application, its mission remains strong, its purpose noble.