New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Did you know that Child & Family Services is one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts. They began as the New Bedford Orphans’ Home in 1843 to help children left homeless and without families during the whaling era. This year they celebrate 180 years of service to our local community and you can help them continue the mission by attending their upcoming Gala Event: https://child-familyservices.org/2023gala/ Enjoy a night of fine food, dancing and a grand prize raffle!
Let’s take a trip down memory lane for some insights on this amazing organization.
Child & Family Services Inc. began as the New Bedford Orphans’ Home in 1843 to help children left homeless and without families during the whaling era. There were children without parents, orphaned by mothers who died and by fathers lost at sea. There were children left to beg on the streets, often forced to steal to seek out their paltry existence.
Through continued fund raising, collaboration with other service agencies and the support of the community, the New Bedford Orphans’ Home weathered the last part of the 19th century and more importantly, was a good “friend” to homeless children.
“The purpose of the New Bedford Child and Family Service is to strengthen family life. Counseling service is available to any family or individual with a family difficulty or personal problem. The Agency provides also temporary foster home care and adoption placement of children.”
In the 1970s, the agency added Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater New Bedford to our services. In 1980, the agency opened a mental health clinic and family support office in Fall River. In 1995 another was added on Cape Cod in Hyannis.
By 1999, their geographic footprint extended well beyond the borders of New Bedford. To signify this fact, the board voted to officially change the agency’s name from New Bedford Child & Family Service to simply Child & Family Services.
Through counseling, prevention programs, family support and psychiatry services, we are able to keep the commitment we first made in 1843 of helping those in need. Their mission remains: “…to heal and strengthen the lives of children and families.” Events throughout the year like their annual Bowl-a-Thon bring the community together and help raise awareness of the services provided.
Whether it is children exposed to abuse or violence, families coping with mental illness, or matching children with mentors or loving adoptive families, Child & Family Services is there to support, guide and heal. The agency’s programs serve more than 17,000 people each year-including individuals and families facing some of life’s most distressing challenges. Behind each program are dedicated staff who offer light and guidance to those in need during their darkest hours, in the hope to strengthen them for better times.
How can you help? Attend their fundraiser, volunteer your time,help raise awareness for their programs or have a local business sponsor the event: https://child-familyservices.org/gala-sponsors/ Or, maybe you’d like to work for them: https://secure2.entertimeonline.com/ta/CPS1132.careers?CareersSearch
Check out the amazing grand prize raffle! It’s not to late to get your tickets: https://child-familyservices.org/2023gala/
