When York County learned to take care of its own

The situation

When the Children’s Home of York opened its doors on April 1, 1867, it joined two neighbors occupying a sprawling campus of large York County buildings in those post-Civil War days.

Indeed, a newspaper story about the tall building’s opening told of its commanding view of county buildings to the north that included the York County Prison and the county Almshouse/Hospital complex. Perhaps even the steeple of York County’s courthouse could be seen near the town’s Centre Square to the west. Not only did those buildings stand in the Children’s Home’s “fine view” from near the top of a hill, but so did fine farmland sloping down on each side of the Codorus Creek. In those days, these buildings were on the edge of town and mostly green space lay beyond. Their purpose of housing orphans, criminals and poor did not demand or perhaps, in some minds, deserve desirable real estate in York’s 19th-century downtown. Or it could have been that these large buildings – orphanage, prison and almshouse – demanded such space – and proximity to farms needed to sustain them.

It didn’t take long for the newly painted halls of the three-story building, plus basement and attic, to resound with the voices of children. The initial roll call of children at the home’s opening counted 19 girls and 17 boys, a total that included 25 children from Civil War families.

The Children’s Home building represented another step in the York County community in taking care of its own. Houses of worship played a big role in the 1800s, caring and feeding congregants and the community. The 1800s also saw government and private citizens step up in such support. Here’s a sampling of the public sites with a 190th-century origin that served their community: York County Almshouse and Hospital (the greatly repurposed Pleasant Acres Rehabilitation and Nursing Center today) constructed in 1805, Prospect Hill Cemetery, York County Prison on York’s Chestnut Street built in the 1850s, Ladies Aid Society (first, or at least early, community-wide women’s service organization) formed in the Civil War, York Benevolent Association (caring for families in the Civil War), Children’s Home of York. After the war, York Collegiate Institute (forerunner of York College), York Hospital (the poorhouse hospital treated physical and mental illnesses,) the historically Black Lebanon Cemetery and York City Cemetery or potter’s field.

The Children’s Home and its counterparts represented an expansion of government or at least community institutions to provide a type of community spine and muscle to help others. The initial building, the famed York County Court House, stood in Centre Square in the mid-1750s. The sheriff and courts meeting there filled the greatest government need. And then a jail. And in the 1790s, the State House annex went up beside it. In 1839, a second courthouse in the first block of East Market Street replaced the Centre Square Courthouse. And to jump ahead to today, county offices sprawl around town, operating from the York County Administrative Center (Courthouse No. 3) and York County Judicial Center (Courthouse No. 4), the old Bon-Ton building at north Duke and West Market streets, and various buildings in East York.

The county must have liked bunching its buildings because it purchased 140 acres of land five miles east of York City in 1929 and built a new home and hospital, later named Pleasant Acres in 1930 and 1931. The York County Prison moved to Concord Road near Pleasant Acres in 1979. And the Children’s Home opened a new east end campus on Shoe House Road that same year.

The Children’s Home, so instrumental in caring and feeding children from disrupted families for decades, evolved to group homes in the 1960s. That 1867 building was demolished in 1973, the big box strategy for caring for children no longer believe effective. In fact, the non-profit organization’s purpose and structure have greatly changed, and the most vulnerable children in York County still pass through its doors, as president and CEO Ron Bunce outlines below.

The Witness

Q. What is the mission of the Children’s Home? What services does it offer that many York Countians will recognize or perhaps have used?

A. As the oldest existing child and family-centered social service agency in York County, CHOY’s mission is “to empower children to thrive, strengthen families, and enrich communities,” and its vision is for York County to be “a community where children and families have access to safety, stability, mental health care, and the resources they need to thrive.” CHOY has grown from an orphanage dedicated to caring for children left without families following the Civil War, to a comprehensive human service agency providing many valuable programs that benefit all ages. Programs include foster care, adoption, independent living group homes, psychiatric residential treatment, a partial hospitalization program, and prevention programs. 

Many York Countians may be unfamiliar with the Children’s Home of York, as our services are designed to meet the needs of children and families facing some of life’s most difficult challenges, such as abuse, neglect, and significant mental health struggles. For the majority of our community, these are situations they will never personally encounter—and that’s a good thing. However, what I would want our community to know is that it takes a village to care for those in need. These children are our future, and their well-being impacts all of us. Even though most Yorkers will never need our services, their support ensures that the most vulnerable among us have the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive, creating a stronger, healthier York County for everyone. For anyone who has experienced mental health challenges or has a child or loved one who has, they will understand how critical it is to have caring, expert support during difficult times. That’s exactly what we provide to those who need us most, offering hope and healing when it matters most.

Q. The Children’s Home of York was created as an orphanage to serve children and disrupted families in the Civil War. How has the mission of Children Home changed from an orphanage to the services offered today. When did that change start to take place? And why?

A. During the 1960s, traditional orphanages were largely replaced by foster care and small group homes due to a significant shift in child welfare philosophies and practices. Research in child development, such as John Bowlby’s work on attachment theory, underscored the importance of stable, nurturing relationships in a family-like setting for healthy emotional and social development. This, combined with the broader deinstitutionalization movement, led to the recognition that large institutional settings often failed to meet children’s individual needs and could cause emotional neglect and developmental delays. Foster care emerged as a preferred alternative, offering personalized care in family environments that provided more stability and opportunities for healthy attachment. Small group homes were also developed for children requiring therapeutic or specialized care, combining structure with a family-like atmosphere.

Q. The Children’s Home initially served children from the traditional German, Scots-Irish and English families in York County. How has the ethnic and racial makeup of those served changed?

A. The ethnic and racial makeup of those served by the Children’s Home of York has evolved significantly since its founding. As York County experienced immigration waves and demographic shifts, the organization expanded its reach to serve children from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Today, the Children’s Home serves a multicultural community, reflecting the increasing diversity of the region. This includes African American, Latino, and other immigrant populations, many of whom face systemic challenges such as economic hardship, language barriers, and access to resources. The organization’s commitment to inclusion and equity ensures that it continues to meet the evolving needs of children and families, fostering support and opportunity for all members of the community.

Q. How is the Children’s Home of York planning to celebrate its 160^th anniversary?

A. The Children’s Home of York is thrilled to celebrate our 160th birthday at the new York County History Center on February 20th from 4-6 PM, and we warmly invite our community to join us for this momentous occasion. The event will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres, a celebratory birthday cake, and an opportunity to reflect on our rich history. We are excited to showcase historical artifacts that highlight our journey of serving York County’s children and families since 1865. This milestone is a testament to the support and collaboration of our stakeholders, team (both past and present), and community members. We look forward to welcoming those who have played a part in our story—whether as a supporter, partner, or beneficiary of our programs—and celebrating together the impact we’ve made over the past 160 years.

Q. What else would you like the public to know about the Children’s Home of York and its services?

A. What I would like the public to know about the Children’s Home of York is that we are deeply committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community. Since 1865, we have been a trusted resource, providing essential services to some of the most vulnerable among us—children who have faced abuse, neglect, or significant mental health challenges. Our work is grounded in compassion, innovation, and a belief in the potential of every child to heal, grow, thrive, and be a productive member of our community with appropriate support and resources. While many in the community may not need our services, we are here as a safety net for those who do, offering hope and support during life’s most difficult times. Above all, I want people to know that we are not just an organization; we are Home for those who need us, and our success relies on the collective care and investment of neighbors, partners, and advocates who believe in creating a brighter future for all children. We are deeply grateful to the York community for their generosity and support over the past 160 years, for without it, we would not be here today. Nor would we be positioned for the next 160 years without the foresight of those who came before us and the commitment of those who will carry forward the legacy of this amazing place called Home.

The Question

Traditional orphanages no longer exist in this country. Instead, we look to foster homes and places like CHOY. Organizations like CHOY care for our children when no one else will. And if you watch the video below, you’ll see dozens of loving adults creating “home” for these children. What does “home” mean to you?

Related links and sources: Children’s Home of York PA founded to serve orphans after Civil War; From poorhouse to Pleasant Acres: The long history of the county home; York County Almshouse, 1878-Part Three – Universal York; York County, Pa.’s, old Chestnut Street jail: ‘York has a treasure in it’; Photos: Children’s Home of York with exception of the mural, courtesy of the York County History Center.