Northwood Children's Services
Celebrating 125 years of caring for children.
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125 Years of Caring for Children
In 1904 the organization became known as the "Children’s Home Society" of Duluth and constructed a new home at the cost of $35,000. This home was located at 1515 East Fifth Street (left). The home was so modern, reads one account, that it had both gas and electric lights. While previous homes had also served to shelter women, this structure was designed for children only. For 50 years the home served its purpose and after careful evaluation a decision was made by the Society to serve children with problems of an emotional origin. A new home, Northwood, was constructed and ready for occupancy in 1956. Over the years the organization has changed its name, but has always maintained its mission - providing help to children and their families. Mission Statement We are dedicated to achieving excellence, and will use our knowledge and resources to advocate, enrich, and empower the lives of children and families. Our vision is to become a complete children and family service agency providing an array of programs that are family focused and serve to strengthen, preserve, and reunite families. What is Northwood Children's Services? Northwood Children's Services is a private, not for profit, tax exempt agency that provides professional care, education, and treatment for boys and girls with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. What kinds of services does Northwood offer? Northwood offers residential and day treatment, diagnostic and assessment services, family mental health services, and therapeutic foster care. Children in treatment at Northwood attend school at the Merritt Creek Academy (located on our West Campus) and Chester Creek Academy (located on our Main Campus). Special Education teachers from our local school district complement our staff. How is Northwood funded? Northwood's programs receive financial support from purchase of service contracts with the county of residence of children served. Northwood receives some support from Medicaid and private insurance payments. In addition, Northwood receives support from individual donors, clubs, and organizations. All capital expansion is funded through grants and private donations. Is Northwood licensed or accredited? Yes, all Northwood's program sites and services are fully licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and are in full compliance with all the regulations of the Health and Fire Department. In addition, Northwood's programs have been nationally accredited for the past 20 years by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Children and Families.
Northwood Children's
Services - Privacy Policy Statement |
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Life
in Duluth in the 1880's was rugged. From 1881 to 1886, the population swelled
from 3,400 to 26,000. As thousands flocked to the region, many found themselves
in need with no where to turn. Concerned for these families, Mrs. Sarah Stearns
(left) formed the "Ladies Relief Society" in the back of Mrs. I.W. Fogelson's
Fancy Goods Shop on East Superior Street. She was concerned about young women
left alone in this pioneer community, many with babies, no means of livelihood,
and no families to care for them. The Society also trained and found employment
for the young mothers and and while they were at work their children were
educated. In 1885, the shelter was moved to a new location at 1530 West Superior
Street at Rice’s Point and became formally known as the "Home for Women and
Children".
In
1887, the “Duluth Home Society” was incorporated and the home was moved again to
still larger and better quarters. Judge Stearns and Judge Ensigns had donated a
lot where the new home was erected. The location was on East Superior Street
between what is now 17th and 18th Avenues East.