On October 25, 1895, Cunningham Children’s Home first opened its doors as an orphanage, offering shelter, safety and care to children in need. Today, with more than 400 mission-driven staff serving nearly 1,000 kids and families each year, Cunningham continues—130 years later—to live out its mission with purpose, compassion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to helping youth and families thrive.
As Cunningham celebrates this milestone anniversary, the organization also looks toward the future with a renewed sense of purpose. Throughout its long history, three constants have remained at the heart of Cunningham’s work: serving children and families in need, the faithful stewardship of the United Women in Faith (previously United Methodist Women), and an ability to adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.
“Our story is rooted in love and service,” said Marlin Livingston, President and CEO of Cunningham Children’s Home. “From our beginnings as an orphanage to today’s broad range of therapeutic, educational, and community-based programs, we’ve remained steadfast in our mission—to nourish hope through effective solutions so children thrive and families flourish.”
Cunningham’s vision, “to see every child thrive,” comes to life daily through its residential services, which provide a safe and therapeutic environment for youth facing serious emotional and behavioral challenges or autism spectrum disorders, often stemming from trauma, abuse or neglect. Highly skilled and caring professionals work around the clock to provide stability, healing and hope to those who need it most.
Education has always been central to Cunningham’s approach. Through three Special Education programs, students gain the academic, emotional, and coping skills they need to achieve success in school and in life. These programs are made possible through the generosity of supporters who believe in the potential of every young person.
Cunningham’s reach now extends well beyond its residential campus through community-based programs that promote healing and stability for youth and families. The organization provides therapeutic services to the community through HopeSprings Counseling Services, case management and housing support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and shelter and resources for runaway youth. Additional therapeutic services focus on helping families with young people who are involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in the juvenile justice system.
One example of this work is the Champaign County Redeploy (CCRI) program, which helps at-risk youth ages 13–17 avoid incarceration through evidence-based interventions that support positive choices, strengthen families and build safer communities.
Cunningham’s Strategic Plan for 2030 outlines a bold vision for the future and reflects its commitment to excellence in every area of service. The plan focuses on five key themes: Workforce Excellence, Clinical Competency, Long-Term Financial Sustainability, Continuum of Care and Family Engagement and a continued Commitment to Excellence. Each area serves as a guidepost, helping the agency enhance the lives of those it serves and expand its impact across the region.
“As we honor 130 years of transforming lives, we remain grounded in our faith and values of spirituality, teamwork, integrity and respect,” said Livingston. “Our roots run deep, and our branches continue to reach toward a future where every child and family has the opportunity to heal, learn and grow.”