TRANSFORMING LIVES FOR OVER A CENTURY

Since our founding, McKinley has provided services to children who are survivors of abusive environments, often related to drug and/or alcohol abuse, abandonment, and physical and psychological difficulties. Many children arrive at McKinley depressed, sad, angry, and dealing with incredible traumas. At McKinley, they have the opportunity to grow and thrive in a nurturing, empowering environment.

McKinley was founded and continues to operate as a true resource to the community. With widespread ties to hundreds of individuals, families, and neighborhood groups, McKinley provides direct services for some of the community’s most vulnerable children and adults.

CAMPUS TOUR

Discover the magic of McKinley campus and join us for a tour of our facilities.
Please Email Kristen Toya to schedule your tour.

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SUCCESS STORIES

We are proud of our heritage of making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need. For some, McKinley is a safe haven for a brief period of time. For others, McKinley’s influence becomes a transformative experience that will never be forgotten.

“The main thing that I enjoyed about being a McKinley was the exposure to a variety of activities.”

Tomy Stanley, 1953

“McKinley was a safe haven for me during a very difficult period of my childhood.”

William E. Rogers, 1970-1971
“McKinley was the first time I’d ever have consistency in my life, a place to call home, a school with people that I would see day after day.”
Bill Sklut (Ingham), 1969

“I look upon my time at McKinley as what made me most of the man I am today.”

Robert Nixon, 1980-1984

A LOOK THROUGH HISTORY

1900
The Industrial Home Society was born through the vision and courage of the Reverend and Mrs. Uriah Gregory. The Home would later, in admiration for the late President William McKinley, take his name.

1923
Following World War I, the Home expanded beyond its original 33-acre ranch site in Artesia. Through the gifts and extraordinary efforts of Mr. Mericos Whittier and the Kiwanis Club of Los Angeles, a new 200-acre site in Van Nuys was acquired. The new home was completed in 1923 and the capacity rose from 100 to 250 boys.

1961
Today’s McKinley campus opened in 1961, when ninety-six boys set foot on the campus for the first time. During the next two decades, McKinley would continue to address the needs of the communities it serves by steadily increasing the level of its program intensity.

1985
McKinley earned a psychiatric rating from the State of California in 1985. This new rating set into motion the significant expansion of treatment programs and services at McKinley.

1994
Another milestone was reached in 1992 with the establishment of the agency’s own non-public school on the grounds of the main campus in San Dimas. After 20 years as a public program operated by the Los Angeles County School System, McKinley’s Canyon View School became a direct component of the agency’s service spectrum. For the first time in our history, educational services joined therapeutic, recreational, and residential services in a single, cohesive program of healing and growth for our children.

1995
The Center’s name is changed to McKinley Children’s Center to reflect an expansion of services for both boys and girls.

2001
Through a contract with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, McKinley began providing mental health services to minors who are Medi-Cal recipients and who meet medical necessity to obtain treatment.

2007
McKinley attains accreditation through the Council on Accreditation, which affirms their commitment to providing the best possible care and services to their youth and families

2010
McKinley’s Training Services becomes accredited by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training

2017
McKinley opens Desert View School to provide for the educational needs of the High Desert Area of San Bernardino.

2018
McKinley begins the Full Service Partnership program, providing mental health services to adults in Palmdale who are at risk of homelessness.

2018
McKinley starts providing mental health services to youth and families residing in Riverside County

2019
McKinley Children’s Center officially becomes McKinley, reflecting our ongoing mission to serve children, their families, and the larger community.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MCKINLEY

As our program grows and changes, we look forward to serving even more members of the community. New programs include:

Desert View School serving the High Desert area of San Bernardino County

Full Service Partnership program serving adults at risk of homelessness

Expansion of Mental Health Services into Riverside County

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Your donations allow us to bring valuable services to children and families throughout Southern California. Thank you for helping McKinley continue our mission, as we recognize and celebrate the unique contributions each individual makes to our community.

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