About
Mission
This statement of purpose expresses the agency's reason for being. It identifies our contribution to the communities we serve.
The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie is a community-based, non-profit agency dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children and their families in the Hudson River Region.
Philosophy
This guides The Children's Home as we seek to fulfill our mission and operate the agency on a day-to-day basis.
The philosophy of The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie begins with the belief that all children have the right to a protective, nurturing environment, and that society has an obligation to assure that right. Knowing that childhood is a critical time in which to develop the skills necessary to become competent, self-reliant and productive citizens, we strive to provide an optimum setting for this development. We do this for each child by creating a corrective living experience supervised by caring adults.
We are committed to the fact that children who have experienced neglect, abuse or disruption of parental relationships will benefit from therapeutic services including temporary residential care.
Consistent with our goal of returning a child to the community, extensive use of community activities and organizations, including public education, is emphasized. We are also aware that these children and their families benefit from parenting education and counseling. Family services are an integral factor in accomplishing our goal.
It is essential that our professional and financial resources are directed toward reuniting a child with his family, community family or independent living. It is also essential that we help each child develop a sense of self-reliance, order and fulfillment.
Values
These are the core principles we live by and use to focus our decision making.
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Integrity
We will act ethically and honorably in all that we do. -
Stewardship
We will responsibly manage all the resources of The Children's Home. -
Respect
We will value and care for each other. -
Opportunity
We will create opportunities for each individual to reach his or her potential.
Historical Highlights
2010
With four Group Boarding Homes in the area, a YMP cottage, the Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP)apartments to help young adults transitioning into the community, the Campus Residential Program and the expanded Group Emergency Foster Care Program (from 16 to 23 beds), the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie continues to serve the Hudson Valley’s at-risk children and families
2009
Recruitment of Therapeutic Foster Homes begins
2008
The Home completes purchase of property to convert into a home for pregnant foster girls to help them prepare for motherhood and life (Young Mothers Program-YMP)
2006
A second cottage for GEFC Program is opened with 12 beds accepting babies through teens needing emergency removal from their homes
2003
A new Group Emergency Foster Care (GEFC) program opens to provide safe, 24/7 available care for 6 children
Frank Dwyer retires as Executive Director after 22 years of service, and Walter Joseph is chosen to lead the agency
2000
Two cottages for boys are completed on campus thanks to a bequest from a former resident, Alvin F. Rauscher
1991
The Children’s Home receives national accreditation, affirming its high standards in children’s services
1990
Judy Harford, child-care worker, retires after 47 years of dedication to the Children’s Home’s residents
1987
Overlook, a third Group Home, is purchased to house girls preparing for full independence
1984
Continuing the direction of providing more home-like settings for the children, a cottage for 12 girls is opened on the campus, thanks to the Hackett family
1975
Mrs. Race retires after 38 years as Director, having served more than 1,079 children
1970
Hillman, a Group Home for older boys, is established
1968
Clyde Court, a Group Home (AOBH) for older girls, is purchased to meet the growing need for residential housing for the high school aged children the Home recognizes the need to explore adding Agency Operated Boarding Homes (AOBH) to accommodate the older children who are being prepared for eventual full independence
1965
Mrs. Race (formerly Miss Garrison) is named Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women’s Club
1947
The Board of Managers hosts a major centennial celebration with period costumes for the matron and children
1937
Margaret Garrison is hired to lead the Home, and the beginnings of many changes are undertaken
1922
With $150,000 raised, the cornerstone for a new Home is laid on a 20+acre site in the Town of Poughkeepsie
1918
The name is changed to the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie and a search is begun for space for a new building “in the country”
1893
A four-story addition to the original building was added to deal with the increasing demand
1857
The Dedication of the Home’s first site, at the corner of South Hamilton and Franklin Streets in the City of Poughkeepsie
1852
A Charter is obtained and the group renamed Poughkeepsie Guardian Society for the Poughkeepsie Orphan Home and Home for the Friendless
1847
The Female Guardian Society is formed by a group of women from Poughkeepsie Churches to address the needs of orphans and the poor