Our Story

Why did we name it Caleigh's Place?

(KAY – lee)

Caleigh Hildebrandt was a graduate of Bellbrook High School and a member of Christ’s Church. She was known as “Little Miss Sunshine” - a beautiful, inspiring, loving, giving, caring young lady who loved life and loved Jesus.

Caleigh was born with spina bifida and was confined to a wheelchair all her young life. Despite this, she was a happy, generous, courageous, loving and determined young lady. Caleigh knew no limitations – she touched, inspired and encouraged everyone she met. She believed there were “NO EXCUSES” to not excel, achieve, aspire to, or try anything she set her heart to do. She loved people and wanted everyone to know Jesus – the one she loved the most!

Caleigh was diagnosed with cancer when she was 23 years old. While undergoing chemo treatments, she “ran” and completed the Wright Patterson Airforce Marathon along with her Dad and “big” brother. During her year-long battle, she continued to pray for and encourage others. Caleigh won the Kyle Maynard No Excuses Award in 2010. She also raised over $33,000 for the Special Wish Foundation; allowing many children to fulfill their dreams. Caleigh was a member of the Bellbrook Optimist Club and inspired residents to display the American flag on their properties during special holidays throughout the year - when you see those flags lining driveways in the Bellbrook/Sugarcreek community, think of Caleigh!

Caleigh loved children and had a dream to be a teacher’s assistant in a preschool. We promised her that at Caleigh’s Place, she would fulfill her wishes to teach the children in her community. We have kept our promise! It is our hope that the same conquering, loving, generous and joyful spirit would be imparted to your children. That they too will have “NO EXCUSES” to achieve their potential and touch as many lives as beautifully as Caleigh did.

Our Vision

Our vision is to reach young families through a childcare and education center that focuses on a Christ-centered worldview. As we know, it is difficult in our culture to reach younger generations with the gospel, especially when competing with modern media influences and other distractions. Our goal is to use Caleigh’s Place to minister to the lives of our community’s youth at the earliest possible ages with Christ’s life-changing message of love and hope.

We also wish to serve our community’s parents through this ministry. The reality of our culture is that a family is often required to earn two incomes to thrive. This pressure on parents reduces their ability to directly influence the education and moral direction of their children. With Caleigh’s Place, we hope to offer these parents a safe and uplifting place for their children to learn and grow.