History 1926-1950
"Leonard Crawford lived at the Hillside Home for Children from 1933 to 1945. He wrote, ‘life was good at 'the Hill.’ ‘We had all of the things that most kids at the time did not have.’ He said they always had good clothes to wear, and to this day he doesn’t know who paid for them. ‘We only knew that the ‘Board Ladies’ took care of everything for us. As I think of it now they must have been very special ladies to take such good care of strangers. I know now that there are a lot of good people in this world.’" --Excerpt from A New Era in Child Care by Jane Yunker
1928
As infant summer fever has disappeared, the Board of Directors modifies the mission of the Infants' Summer Hospital (Crestwood Children’s Center) to providing year-round convalescent care for children. Health problems that are to be treated include orthopedic difficulties, muscular dystrophy, polio, and rheumatic heart. The Certificate of Incorporation is amended and the name is changed to Convalescent Hospital for Children.
1932
At a joint meeting of the Board of Managers and Trustees, the motion is carried to close the school on the Hill. Mr. Young wants to re-group the children more specifically by age and ability to learn and such an arrangement is not feasible on the Hill. The younger children are now to be bussed to School #35 and the older children will walk to Monroe High School.
An infirmary is established in upper floors of the Henry S. Potter Memorial Building. Staffed by two resident, graduate nurses, the infirmary renders 24-hour service. It is equipped with eight hospital beds and all necessary medicines for emergency and general sickness. Cottage fathers are added to the cottage personnel.
1934
The social service department is established locally and foster family services begin at Hillside Home for Children. Agency policy is adopted of placing small children in foster homes. Lella cottage is also closed.
1937
Hillside Home for Children celebrates Centennial Celebration with reenactments of the original treasurers and a buffet supper.
1940
Hillside Home for Children changes its name to Hillside Children’s Center.
"During the war England prepared for the worst. Many women and children sought refuge away from targeted metropolitan areas. Large corporations, such as Eastman Kodak Company, took in the children of their British employees. Hundreds of children (Kodakids) boarded ships bound for America as their anxious parents waived goodbye from the shore. In August, Kenneth Messenger (Superintendent) wrote to Kodak agreeing to aid in the temporary care and placement of British refugee children coming into Rochester. Hillside Children’s Center, along with social workers of the its choice, coordinated the placement of the children in pre-approved Kodak homes. " --Excerpt from A New Era in Child Care by Jane Yunker
1946
Dormitory fire in Eastman
1949
Adelaide Kaiser is appointed Hillside Children’s Center’s first women director. Miss Kaiser came to the agency after ten years as a general casework supervisor at the Division of Child Welfare for Monroe County’s Department of Social Welfare.
1950
A service goal is established for Hillside Children’s Center in the mid 1950's: "For every child a fair chance for the development of a healthy personality." Short-term convalescent and infirmary program established at Hillside Children’s Center.