From our roots as a school, an orphanage, and a guidance clinic, through our evolution to the large behavioral health and social service organization we are today, our services for children and families have spanned over 175 years. In the early days, we schooled and cared for about 25 children. Today we serve nearly 6,000 children and their families each year.
We are a private, 501c3 non-profit agency, created in 1997 through the
merger of two child-serving agencies: Children’s Services (started in
1876) and The Guidance Centers (started in 1924). Children’s Aid
Society, established in 1832 as Cleveland’s first charity and first
public school, merged with Applewood Centers in 2004.
About Us 
