Let us start at the beginning. In 1985, Reno businessman Michael Dermody convened child service leaders in Washoe County, including May Shelton, social services director, Charles McGee, family court judge, Robert Sohrt, juvenile probation director, Marvin Moss, school district superintendent and others with the intention of creating a high-level “Cabinet” of public officials and business leaders to address the needs of children in the community.
As a result of the commitment of these leaders, The Children’s Cabinet, Inc., was established in December 1985, as a private non-profit organization. This unique foundation of public-private partnerships is one of the many strengths of The Children’s Cabinet. Due to the cooperative relationships we have with agencies, organizations, and businesses throughout our state, The Children’s Cabinet is able to respond quickly to the changing needs of our community. Today, The Cabinet serves more than 15,000 Nevada families each year from locations throughout the state in Reno, Carson City, Las Vegas, and Elko.
The Children’s Cabinet approaches issues in our state with a collaborative lens and is dedicated to bringing diverse groups “to the table” to look at the issues facing children and families. Together, we develop innovative responses to meet those needs. The Children’s Cabinet has developed several programs over the years that we continue to implement today; these include, Parenting Education and Family Counseling. The Cabinet has also started and spun off several successful programs, including The Nevada Public Health Foundation and Join Together Northern Nevada. These programs are now either run by public agencies or are their own private, non-profit organizations.
With a wide range of community programs, The Children’s Cabinet meets many needs. Our programs include parenting classes, child care subsidy assistance, child care resource and referral, an onsite food pantry, an onsite high school, free family counseling, wraparound case management, workforce development, and crisis intervention.
In relation to our support of crisis intervention, we are proud to offer Safe Place, a service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for youth experiencing violence, abuse, exploitation, or a dangerous situation. Programs also include runaway and homeless youth services and support services for former foster care youth.
As a non-profit agency, The Children’s Cabinet relies on community support to offer programs and services at no charge to children and their families. We cannot do this alone, and the support of our generous community is what allows us to continue the work we do. Thank you.
