Welcome

We are one of the oldest charities in the country, founded in 1837 as the Salem Seamen’s Orphans’ Society, as a home for youth whose fathers were lost at sea. It was founded by members of the Tabernacle Church of Salem. Over the next century it became the home for youth whose families were stricken by poverty, or illness or death. The agency was committed to raising strong youth, able to care for themselves and their families. Its name changed, to the Salem Seamen's Orphans and Children's Friend Society.

In the early 20th century, the orphanage was closed. The agency, then named the Children's Friends and Family Service Society, became an adoption agency and a "friendly home visitor” agency, working to strengthen families.

Over the last 20 years, the agency has changed again in response to the needs of youth and families, developing counseling, mentoring, day care and juvenile court services, and becoming a county-wide organization, with offices in Lynn, Salem, Gloucester, Amesbury, and Lawrence. Its programs now serve over 5,000 youth and family members yearly.

But throughout its 170 year history, its mission- strengthening children and families- has remained unchanged. And throughout these years it has honored its charitable mission of serving those most in need.

We're Opening New Doors

...And we’re acknowledging Good Friends

Children’s Friend and Family Services is pleased to announce the official opening
of our new facility in Lynn

And we are inviting you to join us!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
From 5:30 to 7:30 pm
At 112 Market Street, Lynn (Eastern Bank Building)

For over 173 years, Children’s Friend and Family Services has been providing Essex County with quality programs and services to children and families in need.

We are appreciative of your past support...which directly touches the lives of children and their families.

Now, we invite you to visit our new Lynn facility, and to help us open even more doors for the children and families we serve. Your support will do a world of good.

Meet the staff, enjoy a tour, and help open doors

As we acknowledge extraordinary Friends of Children’s Friend:

Thomas L. and Marillac Demakes
and the associates at Old Neighborhood Foods

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine

Children’s Friend and Family Services will mount a wall of Visionary Door Openers to acknowledge your support and to inspire others to join you. Please give generously.

Thank you.