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By 1995 the children coming to Cunningham had a variety
of psychological, social, educational, and legal problems.
The therapeutic milieu used at this time was an incentive
program based on behavior modification and relationship
building. As a child learned to make better decisions,
he/she earned more responsibilities. Cunningham's primary
objective for all activities and programs was to foster
self-esteem and self-reliance. With the support of friends,
staff, and a structured program the youth at Cunningham
were learning to become independent and lead meaningful,
productive lives. 
Over 100 years Cunningham had evolved into a highly
respected, professional residential treatment center
providing professional services and a continuum of care
for approximately 150 abused and neglected children
ranging in age from 6 to 21. On the main campus (the
original Cunningham property) Cunningham offered a Long-Term
Residential Program (ages 6-16), a Children's Diagnostic
Program (ages 6-12), a Therapeutic Recreation Program,
and a full K-12 school designed to meet the special
education needs of Cunningham residents. Cunningham's
off-campus, residential programs for 16-21 year olds
included a Girls Group Home, a Boys Group Home, Supervised
Independent Living Program, Boys Transitional Living
Program, and the Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program.
Cunningham also offered the non-residential Preparing
for Adult Living Program.
From its beginnings in 1895 Cunningham Children's Home
had cared for a family of more than 3100 children and
youth. Many share this former resident's thoughts: "
I will never forget Cunningham. I had the best years
of my young years there. I owe Cunningham so much."
Next: Preserving the Legacy >>
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