We’re proud to be one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in Charlottesville.
1921
We open our doors as the Children’s Home, a residence for children orphaned by the 1918 flu pandemic, that can accommodate 30 children. The original building is where today’s police station now stands. Other than schools and faith communities, this founding date sets ReadyKids as one of Charlottesville’s oldest nonprofit organizations.
1946
By the 1940s, we have served about 350 kids. With support from the Community Chest (now the United Way), we broaden our mission to include care for adolescents and support for children whose families are in crisis.
1956
In collaboration with Christ Church, we form a new organization called Child and Family Services of Charlottesville and Albemarle.
1970-1973
Services expand to include resources for Charlottesville area families, and the organization changes its name to Family Services.
1970s
Quality child care becomes a local concern, and a new organization forms to recruit, train and supervise child care providers, and support parents. The organization quickly expands, adopting the name Office for Children and Youth and focuses on foster parent training and recruitment, emergency shelter for runaways, and counseling for youth.
1993
Family Service, Inc and the Office for Children and Youth join forces becoming Children, Youth and Family Services (CYFS). Programs focus on: improving the quality of child care; providing parent education and support; and providing clinical services to at risk kids and families, including shelter for runaway and homeless youth.
2009
CYFS moves into a new, professional facility at 1000 East High Street to increase accessibility to participants.
2013
CYFS begins to investigate changing our name. Research engages program participants, donors, board, past board, local partners, staff and a random sample of area residents. The number of program participants reached in a year surpasses 5,000.
2014
In March, the board unanimously votes to change the organization’s name. In October, CYFS officially becomes ReadyKids.
2019
ReadyKids breaks ground on a 5,000 square foot expansion to the building at 1000 East High Street. The expansion allows us to add more offices and reach more kids.
2021
ReadyKids will celebrate 100 years of impactful programming to benefit children, families and child care providers in our community!
