Executive Director Candace Marriner cuts a cake during a gathering the organization hosted on its campus in Waterville to celebrate its 125th anniversary, as Diana Rafuse, the director of operations at MCH, looks on. Submitted photo
WATERVILLE — The second week of April marks the 125th anniversary of Maine Children’s Home, the Waterville-based organization that provides child and family-focused services of parent support, mental health counseling, adoption support, and holiday and winter assistance.
The organization hosted a gathering on April 10 for staff, volunteers, board members, and business partners to kick off a year of celebrating this milestone and the community support of MCH’s mission to build and strengthen families.
“We have grown and evolved so much in 125 years to address the most pressing needs of families,” says Executive Director Candace Marriner, according to a news release from the home. “This important work is made possible by the incredible support of our community. We wouldn’t be able to provide our four core programs without the generosity of our donors, partners, volunteers, The Friends of Maine Children’s Home, and our wonderful board of directors.”
Founded in 1899 as the Kennebec Valley Home for Children, the organization first opened its doors as a temporary refuge or “home” for children whose families faced difficult times. In 1915, it closed its orphanage, but continued to assist children waiting for adoption, and has since evolved and expanded to address changing needs of Maine children and families.
Today, MCH is a multifaceted organization that provides compassionate and personalized community and office-based support to hundreds of individuals statewide. MCH’s diverse services include young parent support, holiday assistance and winter essentials for families in need, mental health counseling, and family adoption support.
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