Now united with the Family Alliance
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Since 1903, Presbyterian Homes & Family Services (PHFS) has strengthened families and communities in many different capacities, changing our services to reflect the needs of society. The Presbyterian Children’s Orphanage opened in response to the needs expressed by leaders in the Presbyterian Church. Much of the existing campus was built by 1912 and by the 1950s, as many as 125 children called our campus home. Orchards, gardens and a dairy provided healthy chores and nutritional sustenance.
As new practices were developed to care for children in need, the orphanage adapted, creating group homes with professional staff providing nurture and emcouragement to children and youth.
In the 1960's, PHFS dedicated resources to address the growing needs of young adults with intellectual disabilities. A training center was built in Zuni, Virginia to teach life and employment skills. After completing training the young adults returned to their home communities with meaningful employment opportunities. Over time, Zuni adapted to changing needs and created group homes where more than 40 adults live in community. Through collaborations with referral sources and churches, group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities were developed in Fredericksburg (1991), Waynesboro (1994), Lynchburg (1996), South Hill (1999) and Lexington (2009).
Our Waynesboro and South Hill services were adapted to Sponsored Homes offering adults with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to receive care while living in community with a "host family".
From 1989 to 2010, Genesis House, a 24-hour emergency shelter, served hundreds of children in urgent need of a safe and therapeutic home.
Little Wings Preschool, an inclusion classroom model with typical and atypical learners, opened its doors in the fall of 2008. By 2010, Little Wings held the highest quality rating (4 Star) attained by any Early Education Center in the Commonwealth.
In April 2009, we created community-based programs intensive in-home program and mental health supports to meet the needs of more children and families in our communities. Four years later, these programs continue to grow rapidly serving children and families in their homes and in the community.
In 2010, PHFS merged with the Family Alliance diversifying our services and expanding our shared reach in Central Virginia.
Our programs now have five areas of focus:
Our century of effective and faithful service is marked by our commitment to adapt in response to changing needs. Through these programs, we are developing the potential of individuals and transforming lives for generations.