November 16, 2009, interview with Janet Nixon, director of the Russell Home for Atypical Children and daughter of the home’s founder Vantrease Russell conducted by Orange County Library System staff member Nick Martinolich.
The Russell Home was the first non-profit institution in the country for brain-damaged children. Today you will find quietly hanging in the home a dusty occupational license dated Nov. 13, 1951, when Mrs. Russell opened her home to the first child to “see if it would work out.” Since then, the home has opened its doors to hundreds of youngsters, sometimes after hearing pleas from desperate parents, and in more than one instance, finding them just left on the doorstep.
The physical home consists of a nursery, dormitory wing, playrooms, living room areas, kitchen and large laundry room. The nursery, done up in bright colors with many posters and stuffed animals, is cheerful for the children. However, if your are ever fortunate enough to visit, bring plenty of tissue as before the end of your visit you will not have dry eyes. The love that is in this home, expressed through the eyes, sounds, and smiles from the children will make you count your blessings for the simple things in life. Take a video tour of the facility.
LISTEN (21:42)
Visit their website and watch a video about their precious children through the years.
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Russell Home Bedroom 1
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Russell Home Bedroom 2
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Russell Home Bedroom 3
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Russell Home Small Dining Room
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Russell Home Pantry
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Russell Home Kitchen 1
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Russell Home Kitchen 2
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Russell Home Dining Room
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Russell Home Rec Room 1
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Russell Home Rec Room 2
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Russell Home Backyard 1
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Russell Home Backyard 2
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Russell Home Backyard 3
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Russell Home Disney Mural
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Russell Home Bedroom 4
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Russell Home Hall
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Russell Home Bedroom 5
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Russell Home Bedroom 6
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Russell Home Bird Cage 1
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Russell Home Bird Cage 2
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Russell Home Rec Room 3
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Russell Home Rec Room 4
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Russell Home Rec Room 5
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Russell Home Tea Room 1
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Russell Home Tea Room 2
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Janet Nixon and Friends
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Janet Nixon
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Russell Home for Atypical Children - Brochure
Brochure for The Russell Home for Atypical Children on Holden Avenue in Orlando.
Russell Home for Atypical Children - Brochure
Brochure for The Russell Home for Atypical Children on Holden Avenue in Orlando.
Russell Home for Atypical Children - Brochure
Brochure for The Corner Rose Tea Room at The Russell Home for Atypical Children on Holden Avenue in Orlando.
Russell Home for Atypical Children - Corner Rose Tea Room
Brochure for The Corner Rose Tea Room at The Russell Home for Atypical Children on Holden Avenue in Orlando.
11-16-09 interview with Janet Nixon, director of the Russell Home and daughter of the home's founder Vantrease Russell.
The Russell Home was the first non-profit institution in the country for brain-damaged children. Today you would find quietly hanging in the home a dusty occupational license dated Nov. 13, 1951, when Mrs. Russell opened her home to the first child to "see if it would work out." Since then, the home has opened its doors to hundreds of youngsters, sometimes after hearing pleas from desperate parents, and in more than one instance, finding them just left on the doorstep.
The physical home consists of a nursery, dormitory wing, playrooms, living room areas, kitchen and large laundry room. The nursery, done up in bright colors with many posters and stuffed animals, is cheerful for the children. However, if your are ever fortunate enough to visit, bring plenty of tissue as you will find before the end of your visit you will not have a dry eye. The love that is in this home, expressed through the eyes, sounds, and smiles from the children will make you count your blessings for the simple things in life.
