About PHFS

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Brief History

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, as PHFS was first called, 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 '50s, as many as 125 children were fed, housed and schooled. Gardens and a dairy provided a large portion of the children’s diet. As new practices were developed to care for children in need, the orphanage has evolved into a group home facility, where professionals nurture and empower children and youth.

In 1964, Presbyterian leaders articulated a new need in the community – education for adolescents with mental retardation. In 1967, a training center in Zuni, Virginia was built where young men learned skills for employment. After a temporary stay at Zuni, the young adults returned to their home communities and found jobs. However, as society changed and new needs were identified, the Zuni Training Center became Zuni Presbyterian Homes, where 44 men and women live together in community.

As professionals developed and advocated for the Group Home concept - a home-like, supervised living situation - Presbyterian Homes & Family Services expanded its residential services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Group homes were established in Fredericksburg (1991), Waynesboro (1994), Lynchburg (1996), South Hill (1999), and Lexington (2009).

Innovations have continued for children’s services as well. Genesis House, a 24-hour emergency shelter for children, opened in 1989. Little Wings Preschool, a school that educates typical and atypical learners in the same classroom, opened its doors in the fall of 2008. And in April of 2009, we created a new community-based programs such as the intensive in-home program, mental health support and the diagnostic and assessment service to meet the needs of more children and families in our community. 

Presbyterian Homes & Family Services has become a strong, independent community based non-profit serving children, youth and families in Lynchburg as well as adults with Intellectual Disabilities throughout Virginia.  The willingness of Presbyterian Homes & Family Services to grow and change in response to new needs have enabled it to continually serve communities for over a century.

 

 

 

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