Lifelong Journey

As the forefront leader for over 95 years in child welfare and adoption, The Cradle focuses on building and strengthening families with lifelong support services and programs. The Cradle’s mission-focused support of families through the delivery of innovative, high-quality educational programs and compassionate, inclusive family-building services are at the core of this longstanding and beloved nonprofit organization. The Cradle has helped to place nearly 16,000 children with their forever families since Founder, Florence Walrath, opened its doors in 1923. A foundational component of The Cradle’s history is its on-site Nursery that is staffed and operated by licensed nurses to care for newborns trusted to the agency’s care. This special place is the only one of its kind in the nation. Throughout the years, it has been the first home for many Cradle alumni, including the four babies that were adopted by Delores & Bob Hope and a few other well-known Cradle parents that have included George Burns & Gracie Allen, Pearl Buck, Donna Reed, Ardythe & Gale Sayers, as well as local parents Candace & Phil Rogers. Alumni reach out well into their adult years to revisit their first home in the Cradle Nursery or in an effort to find more information about their birthparents or relatives. No matter what age or stage of life someone might be facing, The Cradle is here to support them in their journey. From the very beginning, expectant parents and adoptive parents are met by caring counselors who prepare and walk alongside