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Elmcrest
In the early 1800s, a group of churchwomen became
interested in educating children who were less fortunate and,
in 1835, rented a room behind the village store and established
the Syracuse Free School. By 1847, the house had expanded
to serve children throughout the county.
In an effort to accommodate the growing needs of more
children, the location of the home was moved several times
over the years. In 1922, it made its last move to what was
then the outskirts of the city, a 146-acre farm on Salt Springs
Road, and its present location. On the occasion of its 100th
anniversary in 1945, the name was officially changed to
Elmcrest Children’s Center.
Today, more than 170 years later, Elmcrest Children’s Center
is still in the business of providing for children and families.
Elmcrest provides a multi-service residential treatment and
education center for children with emotional, behavioral, and
psychiatric disturbances; a respite program for children with
developmental disabilities and serious medical conditions;
and an early education center and Universal Pre-K (UPK)
program.
Together with their families, over 2,500 individuals are served
yearly in more than 20 different programs. At any given
time, Elmcrest is home to 130 youngsters, with another 150
preschoolers being served in its early education facility. In
addition, another 80 families at risk of having their children
removed from the home receive supportive services,
counseling, education and training.