Elmcrest is a community of caring professionals providing services to children with a variety of emotional, behavioral, and developmental limitations in order to help them overcome barriers to success in their homes, in their schools, and in their communities.

The Elmcrest experience focuses on developing meaningful relationships in a teaching and learning environment that will enable children, regardless of age, gender, or circumstance to reach their optimum potential, point toward a productive future, and contribute to the success of their community.

In the early 1800s, when Syracuse was still a village of fewer than 5,000 people, the education of children was a luxury afforded only to those who could pay the tuition for a private school. A group of churchwomen became interested in educating children who were less fortunate. In 1835, a group of churchwomen interested in educating children who were less fortunate established the Syracuse Free School in a rented room behind the village store.

In 1841, the same group of women turned their attention to children who were parentless or abandoned and being cared for in the County Poor House.

Our staff focuses on developing meaningful relationships in a teaching and learning environment that will enable children, regardless of age, gender, or circumstance, to reach their optimum potential, point toward a productive future, and contribute to the success of their communities.

Each day, Elmcrest Children’s Center’s 500 highly dedicated full and part-time staff members, along with volunteers and interns from local universities, help to bring compassionate assistance and services to children and families living in Central New York. Our staff consists of skilled professionals with a variety of academic and employment backgrounds who work tirelessly to respond to the needs of those seeking our help.

Thank you to our Fostering Leadership partners for their significant investments toward a brighter future for the 2,500 children and family members we serve each year.