2019 is an exciting year for Children’s Aid and Family Services. We will be celebrating our 120th anniversary this year! During that time, we’ve found adoptive families for 11,000 children, helped thousands of children heal from the wounds of trauma and worked to strengthen countless families in the community. There have been so many people over the years who have contributed to these accomplishments; our devoted staff, our long-standing donors, passionate volunteers, countless foster families and so many more! I am proud of all the effort that each of us make every day, and I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the fact that our work changes lives.
Children’s Aid and Family Services has evolved over the years to meet ever-changing community needs since its founding in 1899; an agency that was established by concerned volunteers to help orphaned children has developed into a leader in human services programs. To better reflect who we are today, our Board of Trustees recently approved an updated Mission Statement that reflects how the needs of the community have changed, and our response to those needs. The following is our new Mission:
“Children’s Aid and Family Services strengthens families and empowers individuals – children and adults alike – to reach their fullest potential. Motivated by compassion and in partnership with the community, we make positive lasting differences in the lives of those we serve. We provide high-quality, innovative services to children, adults, and their families that advance social, educational and emotional development and well-being.”
Thank you for all that you do day in and day out for the children and families we serve! We could not do this life-changing work without your help.