More than 60 years ago, a woman with a big heart opened her small home up to help children with special needs in Orange County.

If you began a tour of the Russell Home, it might seem — on the surface — like a typical nursery.

But in another room, the differences are more pronounced. The children have been at the Russell Home for years. Some children, like Paul, have been there for decades.

Paul was just 3 days old when he was dropped off. He's now 50.

"So, my grandmother opened the home for families to drop their children and adults off so they would have a loving environment and a home forever," said Betty Turner, of the Russell Home. "And that's what we're here for, and the families can go and live their regular life and if they want to come back and see the children, they are welcome. But unfortunately, that usually doesn't happen."

In the 1950s, Vantrease Russell began taking in children. The Russell Home for Atypical Children holds the very first state license for a private, nonprofit caring for brain-damaged children.

When Russell died in 2003, her daughter, Judy, took over. And now, granddaughters Betty and Vantrease are keeping the family legacy alive.

The old buildings need a major overhaul and space is scarce. Renovation plans have been drawn up. And while the home takes no state or federal dollars, it has managed funding. Steve Brock is on the board of directors.

"It's all donations," Brock said. "We do have a thrift store that raises a little bit of money. But basically, we rely on the community. And the community has really helped us get this building going and taking care of these children because it is a lot to take care of — this amount of children — because you think about food, clothing."

The planned expansion of the Russell Home will take up most of the available space in the backyard, but it's also helped so that they can expand the number of kids that they can take care of.

If the budget permits, the Russell Home might be able to add 10 more children to the current 27 already there.

Because the Russell Home is located in the middle of a neighborhood, the permitting process has taken longer than usual. But they hope the renovations can begin in January.

No matter the age, they're still children. It's a challenge the Russell family has embraced for more than 60 years.

"You can't come here as a family member and not love these children," Betty said. "We grew up with them. You care for them like they're your brother and sister."