Childhaven is a nonprofit organization that serves children and their families who have experienced adversity and trauma in King County, Washington, United States. The agency runs several programs: Early Learning, Counseling Services, Developmental Therapies, and Wraparound Support. Childhaven provides support through a Healing Centered Framework that embeds relational health, trauma-informed care,and social justice in all places in which children and families live, learn and play. The agency encompasses three branches: the Broadway Branch in First Hill, the Eli Creekmore Memorial Branch in Burien, and the Patrick L. Gogerty Branch in Auburn. In addition to other in-state organizations, agencies in South Carolina and Calgary have imitated Childhaven's model. Childhaven's Mission Childhaven partners with parents and community to strengthen families, prevent childhood trauma, and prepare children for a lifetime of well-being. Childhaven's Vision ALL children are safe and healthy; thriving physically, socially, emotionally, and educationally; well-nurtured by family and community.
History
Childhaven was founded in 1909 by the Reverend Mark A. Matthews. Its original name was Seattle Day Nursery, and at the time it was one of only 50 child-care centers in the U.S. The agency's original nursery building was constructed in 1921 in Seattle's First Hill neighborhood; today, the site is home to Childhaven's Broadway Center, which was completed in 2004 thanks to the Capital Campaign, which raised $15.5 million. In 1965 Childhaven was the first organization to bring Head Start to the west coast, providing a year round preschool program to help prepare young children for school. Seattle Day Nursery's name and purpose transformed following a shift in leadership that started in 1973. That year, Patrick Gogerty became the organization's executive director, and he soon changed its focus, establishing the Therapeutic Child Care Program in 1977 with 10 children. "Through the last 100 years, this agency has constantly adapted to meet the needs of the community." Pat Gogerty. This occurred two years before Washington state made the reporting of child abuse mandatory. Under Gogerty's guidance, the agency began to garner national acclaim; in 1984, it was the subject of a major article in Life magazine. The following year, Seattle Day Nursery was formally renamed Childhaven. That same year, Congress threatened to cut off Childhaven's funding. Gogerty enlisted the help of his friend Rep. Jim McDermott, who brought the Life article to a House session and told the story of a specific child the agency had rescued. Persuaded, Congress continued to provide funding for Childhaven's work. Before Gogerty retired in March 1998, The Seattle Times published an editorial lauding his achievements; its headline was "Fighting for Kids Unable to Fight for Themselves." In 2009 Childhaven recently celebrated its centennial, and a number of events were planned, including a large-scale luncheon and several open houses.
Programs
Childhaven offers a variety programs supporting children ages 0-13. Childhaven meets families in all places where they live, learn, and play, including: early learning centers, pediatric settings, community centers, elementary schools, and home visits. Childhaven believes in building strong relationships. Their skilled and caring staff work collaboratively with families to ensure positive outcomes that are individualized, and culturally relevant. They honor and support each family's needs and voice, learning how best to support each child and family to meet desired goals. Early Learning Childhaven's early learning programs for preschoolers provide daily care and pre-K instruction with a social-emotional focus to support children with highly individual needs succeed. Early Intervention Childhaven's early intervention program provides services and family support to help children 0-3 years with delays in their development reach their full potential. Counseling Childhaven's therapists support families and children ages 0-13, providing therapeutic-care and counseling services with focus on: development, trauma-informed care, emotional health, relational health, and whole child well-being. Flourish Childhaven's Flourish program is a comprehensive, therapeutic, wrap around program designed to young children ages 0-6 who have significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Flourish teams work closely with families providing in-home and center-based support.
