Child & Family Services marks 175 years

Child & Family Services, a non-profit human service agency that provides specialized programs to individuals and families in Massachusetts, is celebrating its 175th anniversary of "strengthening the lives of children and families," according to a news release.

The agency, founded in 1843 as the New Bedford Orphans Home, has grown steadily throughout its history from a single orphanage in New Bedford to the statewide human services agency it is today. At its 11 locations, Child & Family Services provides a variety of programs, including: adoption, post-adoption services, school-based programs, mental health care, emergency services and therapeutic mentoring.

"During the past 175 years, with the support of our community, we have grown into one of the largest social services organizations in Massachusetts, and we are very thankful for the support of our elected officials, donors, volunteers and employees," said executive director Anne Sampaio. "We are looking forward to many more great years helping our community members live happy and healthy lives."

Child & Family Services has evolved in response to the community's needs, including offering free care to the children of soldiers during World War I and creating the Milk and Food Fund for undernourished children during the Great Depression and World War II. The agency has also made great strides to remove the stigma attached to mental health disorders and has seen progress in the evolution of mental health care throughout the years.

Today, Child & Family Services employs more than 480 people throughout the Commonwealth, and serves nearly 20,000 individuals and families each year.

More information is available at child-familyservices.org.