POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — To mark an important milestone for the agency, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 16 that celebrated a renewed commitment to the Sanctuary® Model, a trauma-informed framework that guides the agency’s culture and approach to care.
The ribbon cutting brought together over 250 local leaders, community partners, supporters, staff and youth to celebrate the rededication of the Sanctuary Garden, an idyllic space originally created in 2014 to provide children, families and staff a calming, peaceful environment.
The Sanctuary Model emphasizes safety, emotional intelligence, and shared responsibility as cornerstones for building an environment focused on safety and healing. It informs how the agency provides services to individuals and families, as well as how the agency supports its staff.
“We are proud to share this joyful occasion with staff, children and supporters as we embrace our mission to empower children and families to grow and heal safely,” said Walter J. Joseph, Executive Director and CEO of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. “The Sanctuary Garden has deep meaning for us as a place for children and staff when needed.”
Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the Sanctuary Model, connect with staff leading its implementation, and share in celebrating the transformative progress already underway throughout the agency.
“We are grateful to everyone who joined us today,” said Erin Cafarelli, Chief Development and Public Relations Officer. “We have always been an innovative agency, adapting to the evolving needs of our community and advocating for the health of those we serve. This is another step forward in building a healing-centered future together.”
About the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie
On January 21, 1847, a group of Poughkeepsie women called the Female Guardian Society met to form the Poughkeepsie Orphan House and Home of the Friendless to care for the poor, abandoned, and neglected in their communities, most especially the children. They believed that all children deserve a nurturing and caring environment. More than 178 years later, their work continues.
Today, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie provides a full range of Community Based Services and Residential Services giving hope and healing to at-risk children throughout New York State. The Home is licensed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, the New York State Office of Mental Health, and the New York State Department of Health. The Children’s Home is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for its exemplary adherence to human welfare agency guidelines. In fiscal year 2024, the Home served approximately 1,791 children and their families.
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