Welcome to Rochester SPCC

SPCC's mission is to cultivate a strong, healthy and thriving community by providing exceptional services to children and families.

SPCC empowers children and families to develop a positive sense of self.  We provide quality services that respect diversity, family strength and encourage families to become all they are capable of. Our clients are our best testimonial.

 

A Long & Proud History…Since 1875…

SPCC of Rochester, NY was founded in September 1875, just five months after the first SPCC was established in New York City.


Mary Ellen when she arrived in Rochester.

The creation of both organizations was prompted by the case of a small child named Mary Ellen who lived with abusive guardians in New York City. Since there were no child welfare agencies at that time, a group of concerned neighbors brought Mary Ellen's situation to the attention of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Mary Ellen's case was eventually brought to the attention of the court, and on April 9, 1874 she was removed from her guardians' custody. The court determined that Mary Ellen's needs would be best met in the care of a family in Rochester, NY, "a setting where she could…make mud pies, go to charming birthday parties and become a normal child."

The court decision proved to be correct. Mary Ellen remained in Rochester where she married, had a family and enjoyed a happy, productive life. She was the first of many children to benefit from SPCC programs and services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our agency changed its name from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children to the Society for the Protection and Care of Children in 1994, and we are now known simply as "SPCC. "Currently, SPCC has a menu of 8 counseling programs which together serve over 7,000 individuals a year, and the Finger Lakes WIC program which serves over 5,000 clients in Eastern Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Yates and Seneca counties each month.

Mary Ellen a few months after her arrival in Rochester.