The Children's Village exists because every child deserves a safe, loving home and the opportunity to thrive. Founded in 1851 to address the crisis of immigrant children living on the streets of New York City, what began as the New York Juvenile Asylum has evolved into a comprehensive nonprofit organization serving over 21,000 youth and families each year across the New York metropolitan area. The organization's mission-driven approach centers on keeping families together by preventing child and family separation, providing temporary care and treatment when children cannot remain with family, supporting youth development and transition, and investing in community resources that include crisis response and affordable housing development.
For nearly 175 years, The Children's Village has adapted to meet the changing needs of vulnerable children and families while remaining steadfast in its commitment to advocacy, strengthening family bonds, and creating innovative community programs. From its residential campus in Dobbs Ferry to community-based programs throughout the Bronx, Harlem, and beyond, the organization addresses systemic challenges like teen trafficking, homelessness, juvenile justice involvement, and family separation. By operating The Eliza - a beautiful, affordable housing development in Manhattan - and offering services ranging from foster care and adoption support to immigration assistance and educational programs, The Children's Village transforms the trajectory of at-risk youth and empowers families to build stable, hopeful futures.