DePelchin Children's Center

Kezia Payne DePelchin, a 64-year old widow and respected teacher, nurse and social worker, called upon a close friend, Mrs. T.W. House, to open a room in her home to care for three orphaned babies. At the time, Mrs. DePelchin served as matron and teacher at Bayland Home, an orphanage for children ages 6 through 12. But she could not turn away children who did not meet Bayland's age requirement. So, on May 2, 1892, she christened "Faith Home," at 2500 Washington Avenue, a small, but safe haven for unwanted and abandoned children. 

DePelchin Children's Center has served as a ray of hope for children and families for more than 120 years. Though our programs have changed over the years, our commitment to making a difference has remained the same. See how we're turning lives around today.