George Junior Republic facts for kids
The William George Agency for Children's Services is a special non-profit center in Freeville, New York. It provides a home and support for young people, both boys and girls, who need extra help. It used to be known as the George Junior Republic.
Contents
A Look Back: The Story of the Agency
William Reuben George started this important idea. He wanted to create a "junior republic" where young people could learn about life, money, and being good citizens. It was especially for kids who needed extra help or guidance.
George was born in 1866, close to Freeville. As a businessman in New York City, he saw many street kids and their groups. He wanted to help them become more helpful members of society. He also wanted to give these young people the fresh air and fun he remembered from his own childhood on a farm.
How the Idea Began
In the summer of 1890, George brought 22 children to Freeville. This was possible with money from a charity called The Fresh Air Fund. Each summer until 1895, more and more children came. During these years, he slowly developed his main idea: "nothing without labor." This meant that young people should work for what they get. He also created a "Junior Republic" where young "citizens" made their own laws and managed their own money system.
In 1895, George and five helpers stayed in Freeville through the winter. This is how the permanent community began.
Growing Across the Country
Many groups called "Woman's Aid societies" helped promote the Junior Republic's work. These groups were in cities like New York City, Ithaca, and Boston. Other similar "republics" for young people were started. These included places in Litchfield, Connecticut, Annapolis Junction, Maryland, and Easton, Pennsylvania. Between 1908 and 1910, new locations opened in Chino, California, Grove City, Pennsylvania, and Flemington Junction, New Jersey.
In 1908, the National Association of Junior Republics was formed. Mr. George was its founder and director. Their goal was to start a republic in every state and even in other countries. These places would help young people and teach them about government.
Important Visitors and Successful Citizens
Many famous people visited the Junior Republic while William George was in charge. They wanted to learn from his special experiment. These visitors included Lord Baden Powell, Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Many young people who lived at the Junior Republic went on to have important careers. Some became a supreme court justice, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and an Academy Award winner. Others became a state lawmaker, a war hero, or a missionary. Many also bravely served their country in World War I and World War II.
Today: Helping Young People Grow
In 2005, the George Junior Republic changed its name. It became The William George Agency for Children’s Services, Inc.
Modern Programs and Support
Today, the agency's programs still follow the original ideas. They help young people become fit, develop social skills, and become well-rounded. They teach that responsibility is a chance to grow, not a burden. The agency also provides more focused care and a strong education.
Over the years, the agency has changed its programs to meet the changing needs of children. But one thing has always stayed the same: caring adults working to improve the lives of young people who are facing challenges. Since the early 1990s, the agency has focused on helping young people who need a lot of support.
New Homes and Specialized Care
The agency has built nine new, modern homes for young people. They have also started many new and helpful programs.
In 2005, a special program opened for young people who have both intellectual disabilities and serious emotional needs. Before this, these young people were sometimes mixed with others who had different needs. The new program offers special services to help them learn daily living skills and become more independent. Currently, 27 beds are available for this program.
In December 2011, a program for girls opened at Lodge Cottage. The agency had not served teenage girls for almost 20 years. Because many people asked for it, the agency decided to help girls who had experienced trauma or abuse. This program has been very popular and is still in high demand.
Between 1994 and 2014, the agency grew a lot. It went from about 45 beds to 189 beds. This shows their ongoing commitment to helping young people in New York State.
