History Overview

The Philadelphia Society for Services to Children was merged from two groups, both with the same central aim/purpose: to help children in need.

The Home Missionary Society (1835) evolved from the religious outreach of a Philadelphia church.  This evangelical approach is reflected in the society's original mission statement:

"To promote the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom, by means of preaching, prayer, and exhortation, and by the establishment of Sabbath Schools, distribution of Bibles, Testaments, tracts and other books of a religious nature."

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (1877) was founded at a time when society was had few legal protections for children.  The society's first mission statement read:

"The purposes of the Society were to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty and neglect to children throughout the State of Pennsylvania, to provide for their proper care, and for the enforcement of all laws heretofore or hereafter enacted for the protection of children, and to purchase, print, publish, and circulate such tracts, books, and such other literature as in its judgment will promote the objects of this Society."

In 1980, these two societies merged, forming the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children, or "PSSC."  This was a defining point for the well being of Philadelphia 's children; rising child abuse rates and societal awareness of the problem necessitated bold initiatives. The society built upon more than one hundred years of service, concentrating on abuse and neglect prevention services.

The services of the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children are founded upon the conviction that children are our most precious and vulnerable resource, and must be afforded the maximum opportunity to achieve their potential.  To meet this charge, develops and provides responsive services and networks which are directed towards strengthening families with children. 

Today, Philadelphia Society for Services to Children remains steadfastly committed to its historic mission and has embarked on a course of action dedicated to promote the wholesome development of Philadelphia 's young children and to strengthen their family life experiences so that they can remain a family.