Children’s Home Society of Idaho

Children’s Home Society of Idaho. Historical Timeline. The Children’s Home Society has always been more than just an orphanage. Founder O.P. Christian stated “Our field is the State of Idaho and our work is as wide as the needs of a destitute neglected child.”, One of the original roles that the Children’s Home Society played in the community was medical clinic for children in need of vital health care. By 1912 the home had established a free hospital not only for children in the home’s care; Treasure Valley families who could not always afford costs of doctor visits or emergency medical procedures could also bring their children to the Children’s Home to receive medical care from the Home’s staff or volunteer physicians, surgeons and nurses. By 1934, a 40-bed hospital was built behind the main Children’s Home structure to accommodate little ones in need of medical care., Times of nationwide hardship like World War One, the Great Depression of the 1930’s and World War Two left many families struggling to keep their jobs or even to put food on their tables., During these times, many families were devastated as mothers and fathers were forced to part with their children as they pursued jobs or temporarily left the State for work, often with the intent of returning for their children once they could provide for them. The society strongly believed in preserving families whenever possible, and ultimately served as a temporary home for some of these poverty-stricken children while their biological parents “got back on their feet” and could resume providing for their families. , Captions , Babies and toddlers kept the staff on their toes , Children’s Home Society, 1930’s , Dr. William Venning, “Dr. Bill,” checks in on the kids , Children found hope for a new beginning