Message from the CEO
Dear Friends,
“Protecting Childhood. Preparing for Adulthood.” That’s what we do.
Founded in 1790 as the Charleston Orphan House, Carolina Youth Development Center has a long and distinguished history of caring for children.
Though many things have changed over the past few centuries, the need for responsible adults to make sure all children have a place to call home and are protected from harm will never change. Unfortunately, the children who live with us have already been harmed, so CYDC is a safe and nurturing home for them.
We must also provide them with the guidance they need to face life’s challenges – to believe in their own abilities to meet those challenges, and to succeed as caring, competent adults. These are but a few of the ways in which CYDC strives to help each child to grow, to learn, and to find his or her place in the world.
We have five residential programs, two outreach programs, an outstanding career center, and other support programs that make a real difference in the lives of more than 600 children each year. These programs are described in the pages on this website, and I encourage you to explore them, become involved with them, and/or support them in any way you can.
And come for a visit, to see where young lives are transformed and hope renewed!
Sincerely,
Barbara Kelley-Duncan
Chief Executive Officer