Brief History of The Children's Home

Caring for children in need since 1900

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The Children’s Home was founded in 1900 by the Swedish Evangelical Covenant Church. Dedicated and opened at 50 West Street, Cromwell, CT, as The Swedish Christian Orphanage, its purpose was to “provide a Home for homeless and neglected children...and provide not only for the physical needs of a child, but that the Word of God be taught...so that each child may discover the joy and security of a Christian faith.”

Our current location was a gift from several farmers and a new three and a half story “home“ was built here in the 1920’s. Just like most other children in Cromwell at the time, all were taught to do many of the farm chores.

A Christian summer camp for children and families was begun on the property in the 1920s and continued on grounds for more than 30 years. Adult and youth conferences were also held there regularly. Many courtships and marriages were inspired during these camping and conference times. The Dining Pavilion of the Camp still graces the hilltop on campus.

For one hundred years, The Children's Home was an affiliate of the East Coast Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church.  In 2000, the agency became affiliated with the denomination’s Covenant Ministries of Benevolence (CMB).  Now, the eastern side of our hill is the location of the Covenant Retirement Communities of Cromwell, a ministry of the elderly also affiliated with CMB.

By the 1960s, orphanages had all but vanished, but Connecticut had a need to place children in its protective care. The Home moved forward with an expanded mission and developed a treatment based approach to caring for children.

In 1972, a new, multi-functional facility was constructed to provide a more home-like atmosphere for residents as well as to allow for “on campus” educational classes. Until that time, the students had attended local public schools. Known now as The Unity Center, girls and boys reside in five separate wings called houses. There are also specified areas for clinical, medical, dining and recreational activities. We have just opened a new house for girls.

A separate school building, The Learning Center, was built in 1980, and provides special education to Children’s Home residents as well as day students. Fully accredited by the State of Connecticut for grades K – 12, the program emphasizes the development of reading skills, introduction to movement and media arts, vocational preparation and community service. 

To expand its mission beyond residential treatment, an affiliate of the Children’s Home was organized in 2002. The Children's Home of Cromwell Community Services, Inc. provides a growing range of community based services that assist children of all ages and their families to maximize their potential.

After more than 100 years of caring for children and their families, The Children's Home continues to adapt to meet the changing needs of the community while remaining dedicated to the principles of its original mission.