Most of us are quite familiar with Natchez’s ongoing celebration of 300 years of existence as an American city.

But did you know a very special organization in Natchez has existed for 200 of those 300 years. Each year it’s done what we refer to as “God’s work,” caring for children in our area.

For many decades the Natchez Children’s Home operated as just that — a physical location at which local, often-orphaned children could find a loving environment.

Sadly, national lawsuits forced big changes to group homes such as the Natchez Children’s Home, but its leaders wisely simply changed their tact a bit, along with their name.

Make no mistake. the rebranded Natchez Children’s Services organization is still very much active and very much focused on the welfare of local children.

Young people still come to the facility on North Union Street; they’re still loved on and cared for by the staff, the children just don’t stay overnight anymore.

NCS performs a number of key programs in the community that help with child victims of crimes along with support and counseling for family members as well.

At 3 p.m. Saturday, Natchez Children’s Services will have a public celebration of its 200th birthday at the First Presbyterian Church on Pearl Street.

We offer our congratulations and our thanks for two centuries of working for those who often cannot speak up for themselves.

Literally generations of Natchez residents have been impacted positively by the organization’s work.