FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      CONTACT: Gerianne Puskas, 585.683.1999, gpuskas@spcc-roch.org

World’s Second-oldest Agency Dedicated to Protecting Children Marks Historic 150th Anniversary with Press Conference

SPCC Celebrates Century and a Half of Caring for Rochester’s Children and Families

ROCHESTER, NY – September 10, 2025 – The Rochester Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC) will hold a press conference today at 12:15 p.m. to commemorate its 150th anniversary, marking a historic milestone as the second-oldest incorporated organization of its kind in the world.

Founded on September 6, 1875, as the Rochester Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, SPCC has directly served more than one million children and families throughout its distinguished history. The organization has played a pivotal role in strengthening modern child trauma care practices, including helping to create the Monroe County Family Court System in 1935 and hosting Dr. Carl Rogers as Director of the Child Study Department in 1929, before he revolutionized psychology through Client-Centered Psychotherapy.

“Reaching 150 years is extraordinary, but what excites me most is what comes next,” said Laurie Valentine, SPCC’s CEO. “We’ve served over one million children and families so far. Today, we’re not just celebrating our past; we’re looking forward to new ways we can partner with families and our community to create programs and systems that address the complex needs facing families today.  Every child deserves to feel safe, cared for, and loved, every family deserves support, respect, and understanding, and every community deserves agencies that are committed to strengthening families like SPCC.

“For 150 years, SPCC has stood as a beacon of hope for Rochester’s most vulnerable children and families,” said Jessica Brumbaugh, VP of Programs & Evaluation at SPCC. “From our founding during the height of the Industrial Revolution to today’s complex social challenges, we have continuously evolved our approach to meet the emerging needs of families while maintaining our core mission: to heal the past and nurture the future. This milestone represents not just our heritage, but our unwavering commitment to the next 150 years of service to our community.”

The press conference, taking place at 12:15 p.m. at SPCC’s main office located at 148 S. Fitzhugh Street in Rochester, will feature remarks from Valentine and distinguished guests, including Senator Jeremy Cooney, representatives from Assemblyman Demond Meeks’ office, Monroe County Commissioner of Human Services Thalia Wright and Rochester Deputy Mayor Michael Burns. Officials will present proclamations recognizing SPCC’s significant contributions to the community.  Media interviews with organizational leadership will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with photo opportunities and historical displays throughout the event.

Today, SPCC provides comprehensive and caring services including home-based individual and family support, counseling, groups and peer support, crisis intervention, supervised visitation, WIC nutrition services across five counties, and specialized training for community professionals supporting young children. Through trauma-informed, family-centered approaches, the organization continues its mission of strengthening families and protecting children with the same respectful and compassionate care that has defined its work for 150 years.

The organization’s legacy extends far beyond Rochester, having played a crucial role in establishing family court systems nationwide and contributing to the development of modern psychological practices that benefit children and families around the world. The celebration will continue with a 150^th Anniversary Gala on November 7^th at Arbor at the Port. Information can be found at https://www.spcc-roch.org/spcc-events/.

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SPCC’s mission is to provide the best opportunities for a bright future by respectfully partnering with children and their families, advocating for their health, well-being and safety, and working to heal and strengthen relationships.

Healing the past, nurturing the future.