Children's Aid Society

 

April 11, 2023 – Eric Chase, Executive Director Children’s Aid Society of York, spoke at our weekly meeting.  Children’s Aid Society was organized in 1913 at the home of Sudie Mae Wingert of Waynesboro as an outreach of the Southern Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren that promoted rescuing neglected, dependent and orphaned children. Soon thereafter, they began offering foster care services and opened a children’s home in Carlisle, PA. As times and society’s perception of orphanages changed, Children’s Aid Society adapted its focus to concentrate on meeting the emotional needs of children as well as their immediate physical needs. Through the dedication and contributions of many loyal supporters, especially devoted people of faith, Children’s Aid Society has been able to open and operate four centers that address child welfare and child-parent relationships.

The Lehman Center offers emergency respite care for children newborn through six years of age in a 24-hour crisis nursery, child-centered creative art therapy, family advocate services, and parent educational and support groups.  Frances Leiter Center offers child-centered therapy and individual counseling for children and adolescents ages 2-18, referral services, support groups, and community education. The Nicarry Center offers art and child-centered therapy, God’s Closet clothing bank, the Healing Garden Greenhouse, and the Children’s Garden and houses the administrative offices for Children’s Aid Society. Cornerstone Youth Home is a community-driven solution serving students, ages 6 through 18, who are experiencing homelessness and transience. They provide long-term, stable housing to the children while working with their families to resolve issues surrounding education, employment, health, and housing.

Children’s Aid Society’s vision is to keep all children safe and feel loved by empowering children and their families to build stronger healthier lives through compassionate and professional programs.