About The Home

The Home for Little Wanderers is a nationally renowned, private, non-profit child and family service agency. It has been part of the Massachusetts landscape for over 200 years, making it the oldest agency of its kind in the nation and one of the largest in New England. Originally founded as a orphanage in 1799 (see history for more details), The Home today plays a leadership role in delivering services to thousands of children and families each year through a system of residential, community-based and prevention programs, direct care services, and advocacy.

Our mission is to ensure the healthy behavioral, emotional, social and educational development of children and families living in at-risk circumstances. The Home's work is guided by a belief in the right of all children to be safe, nurtured and developed to reach their full potential. Although seemingly insurmountable obstacles are sometimes placed in their way, children’s resilience combined with the support of caring adults can make anything possible.