About Us
Nashua Children’s Home has a
century-long tradition and a history of responsiveness to community needs.
Our Mission
Nashua Children’s Home is committed to the care, welfare and educational achievement of children and youth within its Residential and Educational Programs, and the successful transition to adult living of young men and women in its Transitional Living Program. Nashua Children’s Home provides care and stability to boys and girls unable to remain with their families, special education services for students who have not been successful in public school settings, and supportive housing for youth that have “aged-out” of care.
Board of Directors
The Nashua Children's Home Volunteer Board of Directors includes members of the community.
- Bob Black, President
- Oscar Villacis, Vice President
- Diane Bourque, Treasurer
- Kathy Martin
- David Cheney
- Lorri Rich
- Eleni Eliades
- Katy Shay
Our History
1899 - 1903
In 1899, Josiah Fletcher donated property on the corner of Burrett and Brook Streets in Nashua to the First Baptist Church “for the purpose of maintaining a home for orphans and destitute children of Nashua and vicinity.” The agency commenced operation in 1903 as the “Nashua Protestant Orphanage Association,” administered by a Board of Directors representing all of the Protestant Churches of Nashua.
Mid 1900's
The orphanage was moved to 125 Amherst Street in 1922. By the mid-1900’s, orphanages across the nation were struggling to meet the needs of children and families who were products of an increasingly troubled society.
1970 - 1979
As recommended in 1970 by the Child Welfare League of America, the Association was reorganized with a more professional staff. The orphanage became officially non-denominational, and the name, “Nashua Children’s Association,” was adopted. In 1979, an on-grounds special education school was added to provide instruction for children of surrounding school districts whose very special needs could not be met in the public schools.
1982 - 1989
In 1982 a Girls Residential Program was constructed in response to the severe shortage within the State of New Hampshire of residential services for girls. A continued shortage of resources within New Hampshire, compounded by increasing need, prompted an expansion of the Residential Program in 1989.
1993 - 2004
A new home for adolescent girls opened at a new location at 86 Concord Street.
In order to more accurately reflect its mission to children and families, the name of the organization was changed to Nashua Children’s Home in 1998.
In 2004 the Transitional Living Program opened, providing housing and ongoing staff support and guidance to young people exiting the Child Protective or Juvenile Justice system and confronting adult living absent any financial support from their families of origin.
2005 - Current
In 2021 Nashua Children’s Home achieved Accreditation through CARF International as a Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) in accordance with the Families First and Prevention Act
Current services at Nashua Children’s Home are provided by a host of professional direct-service staff, including bachelors-level residential counselors and supervisors, certified special education teachers and classroom aides.
Individual, family and group counseling in both the Residential and Educational programs are provided by masters level therapists. In addition to administrative staff, a number of child-centered support staff complement ongoing efforts on behalf of children, youth and their families.
Nashua Children’s Home is proud of its successful history and will continue to respond to the contemporary needs of the community.
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