History
Niles Home has been a safe haven for children since 1883, when Samuel Eason, an African-American bricklayer, began caring for homeless and orphaned children he found in his neighborhood near the historic 18th and Vine area. In 1896, the organization was incorporated under the name of the "Colored People’s Charity Association." After Mr. Eason’s passing in the early 1900's, Dr. Katherine B. Richardson, founder of Children's Mercy Hospital, and other civic-minded citizens launched a campaign to build a new home to serve the needs of homeless children. In 1924, local philanthropists Frank and Emma Niles donated land and constructed a mansion to house up to 100 children on the same site as the current facility on East 23rd Street.
In the 1960’s, the agency evolved from a custodial home to a residential treatment center to serve children with emotional problems. Also during that time, the agency made a decision to open its services to children of all races. Through the Residential program, Niles now serves as state-appointed foster parent to up to 33 children at a time. These children have suffered trauma caused by abuse, neglect and abandonment.
In 1987, Niles Prep Behavioral Management and Day Treatment was created to serve Niles residents and area students from surrounding school districts needing academic, emotional and behavioral intervention.