100 years of helping kids

The Northwest Children's Home is 100 years old.

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Story Published: Mar 29, 2009 at 6:21 PM PDT

Story Updated: Mar 29, 2009 at 6:21 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON – It’s been 100 years since two poor boys found their way to the doorstep of a 10th Avenue home in Lewiston.

That was in 1908, when, in his own home, Reverend Samuel Chase began what is now the Northwest Children's Home in Lewiston. The Home is celebrating the completion of its 100th year, and its growth from a simple orphanage to what it is now.

"Our Lewiston school provides alternative education for community kids. So in addition to the kids we have here, we have about 50 kids from the Lewiston and Clarkston Valley that live at home, but attend our school during the day," said Executive Director Rod Wilson.

Officials at the Children's Home were able to raise $30,000 at their recent "100th Birthday Bash", and say that's going to allow them to prepare for 100 more years.

"The buildings were built back in the early 70s, and we've outgrown them," said Wilson. "We have more children now based in the houses, and we need more room, because they're getting kind of elbow to elbow in some places."

Wilson said the Home is continually evolving, and they're seeing children with more and, in many cases, more severe mental health problems. Wilson said he hopes they can continue to thrive, even as they push through in an evolving society and economy.

"We rely on the community to help us, especially in times like this. The economic environment is having its impact on us, we're stretching every dollar and we appreciate all the help we can get from our donors," said Wilson.

More information on the Children's home, and events like their fall golf tournament, can be found at their website: www.northwestchildrenshome.org

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