Many things have changed in 116 years. One has not: Children of all ages and backgrounds deserve permanent homes where they’ll be loved and nurtured. Children’s Home Society of Virginia (CHS) began serving children who needed homes when the Virginia General Assembly chartered the organization on January 30, 1900.
The founders were distressed over the fact that children were being abandoned and were appalled at the conditions and care offered in orphanages. From the alleys of Richmond to country roads in Suffolk and trails in Appalachia, they discovered thousands of children in need of clothing, food, safe shelter, and certainly more secure futures. Dr. William J. Maybee, the first Executive Director of CHS believed that “civilization would quite correctly be measured by their treatment of childhood”.
Today’s mission is to build strong, permanent families and lifelong relationships for Virginia’s at-risk children. CHS is proud to reflect on 116 years of experience and is inspired to serve the children and families of today.