1970 - For Those Who Need Love & Care

A capital campaign allowed the Home to expand its very successful cottage program. A larger house served girls, and one was also opened for boys, since they could now stay at the Home through high school. In addition, a gymnasium/recreation center was built on campus for sports, arts and crafts, and remedial reading. Discussions were held on topics such as drugs, consumer economics, and the world of work. Children also went into the community for swimming, bowling, Scouts, ballet, and music lessons. Families were encouraged to visit, along with community volunteers like Big Brothers Big Sisters. During the summer, children held jobs, vacationed in rented cottages at the beach and the mountains, and attended concerts.

On October 1, 1974, Dr. Paul Bainbridge joined the staff. Affectionately known as “Doc”, this would begin a 31-year career caring for children at the Home.

In February of 1975, Mrs. Race retired after 38 years as director. She had nurtured 1,049 of the 5,000 plus children who had been at the Home since its founding. Indicative of her place in their hearts, 38 former residents chose to hold their weddings or receptions at the Children’s Home during her tenure. Following her death in 1978, a plaque was placed in the entrance hall of the main building to honor children who would win the annual Margaret Race Memorial Achievement Award.

Margaret Gold ably headed the staff from 1975 to 1977. She was followed by Frank Dwyer, an extraordinarily capable Executive Director.

Children’s activities in the “70’s focused on the development of self-esteem through group experiences designed to foster goal-setting and cooperative skills. The children’s Greener Grounds Co. did landscaping, built a log cabin entirely with hand tools, and erected a greenhouse. A wilderness program took groups up Mt. Washington and on canoeing/camping trips.

Changes in the law freed more children for adoption, and the Home responded by initiating a program to recruit and prepare families for adoption or long-term foster case. Family therapy, parenting education, and aftercare were provided for children with their own potentially viable families. The Home added a full-time psychiatrist as Director of Clinical Services, and a psychologist as well.