History

Celebrating 136 years as San Diego's oldest children's nonprofit

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1887

    Philanthropic women join forces to establish a home for destitute and helpless women

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1888

    A nursery is added to help homeless and orphaned children

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1889

    Kate Sessions' inaugural Flower Festival raises $1,500 for the Home and a merger is on the horizon

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1890

    San Diego County and private donations fund a new building in Balboa Park

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1898

    Name officially changed to the Women and Children's Home of San Diego

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1904

    Name changed once more to the San Diego Children's Home Association

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1909

    1909A gift from Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Sefton helps build children's infirmary; the annual Charity Ball begins, naming the Association as the beneficiary for many years

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1936

    Receives tax status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1959

    A move from Balboa Park to Linda Vista

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1969

    Music Therapy modalities are introduced to youth

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1970's

    First Residential Treatment Program in California to have public school classrooms on-site

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1975

    Name changed to the San Diego Center for Children

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1979

    Iris Auxiliary founded

  • Jul 7, 2021

    1997

    SDCC Academy (formerly Children's Learning Academy) opens as a nonpublic school in which 5 special education elementary/middle school classrooms were established and closely integrated with our Residential Treatment Program

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2003

    Clark Adolescent Residential Treatment cottage is unveiled to further support teens in the Center's 24/7 care, joining the Fergusson, Jacobs and Serenity cottages that provide nurturing environments for young children

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2006

    SDCC Academy (formerly Creative Learning Academy) opens special education high school classrooms to serve students in grades 9-12

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2008

    All special education programs are integrated as to what we know today as SDCC Academy

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2009

    SDCC Academy receives accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2011

    Foster Family Agency Stabilization and Treatment Program (FFAST) is awarded 5-year contract with San Diego County as the sole provider to provide therapeutic services to foster youth living in Foster Family Agency homes

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2012

    Center adopts a trauma-informed approach with its services and program delivery with families

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2012

    Contracted with San Diego County Office of Education to provide school-based therapeutic services at North County Academy for students, grades 6-12

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2013

    WrapWorks, the Center's wraparound program, is contracted by the County of San Diego to serve children and teens in the foster and probation systems through 2019

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2013

    Center awarded accreditation by The Joint Commission

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2014

    Successful Transitions© is established to help transition age youth

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2015

    Family Wellness Center in La Mesa expands to provide autism services and comprehensive family-centered services

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2015

    Center is approved to provide therapeutic services as a qualified special education service provider by the California Charter Schools Association

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2015

    North County Academy expands to provide school-based therapeutic services to students, grades 1-12

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2016

    Center awarded re-accreditation by The Joint Commission

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2016

    Foster Family Agency Stabilization and Treatment program is re-awarded 5-year contract with San Diego County as sole provider to provide therapeutic services to foster youth living in Foster Family Agency homes

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2016

    Main campus in Linda Vista goes solar through a generous gift from Sullivan Solar Power

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2017

    Due to an increased student base, SDCC Academy capital expansion begins, adding classrooms and therapeutic spaces

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2017

    SDCC Academy student athletes achieve the "Triple Crown" winning CAPSES softball, football, and basketball championships for 4 consecutive years

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2018

    Dedication and naming of the C. Kasperick Nursing Station

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2018

    The expansion of the Academy was completed to include a sensory room and additional classrooms

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2019

    Arial Map

    The Center purchased 3 additional acres adjacent to the current property

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2020

    2020 Ferguson

    Completed the revitalization of the Fergusson Residential unit

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2020

    In response to the increasing need for youth mental health services, the Center launched three new services in partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital - San Diego: Intensive Outpatient Program, Intensive Family Services, and Collaborative Care in partnership with Children’s Primary Care Medical Group

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2021

    2021 Therapeutic Foster Care

    Therapeutic Foster Care program developed in partnership with the county and the Center’s  FFAST program

  • Jul 7, 2021

    2022

    SDCC 135 years Logo
    Celebrating 135 years in the San Diego Community.

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