About - Help. Hope. Humanity. - Huntington Family Centers

Who We Serve

Huntington Family Centers provides diverse, year-round programming designed to strengthen individuals and families in a safe, caring environment. Huntington helps each individual to develop and grow to their fullest potential through three areas of programming: Youth, Older Adults, and Families.

Our Mission

Huntington Family Centers, Inc., deeply rooted in the “settlement house” tradition is dedicated to the dignity and self worth of all individuals and committed to enhancing the lives of families and children for the future of our community. We accomplish this through diverse, year round programming designed to strengthen individuals and families in a safe, caring environment.

Our Racial Equity Statement

Huntington Family Centers, rooted in the settlement house tradition, prides itself on recognizing and meeting the needs of its neighbors. We recognize that racial and social injustices exist in our community. As an agency, we must use our collective voices and power to promote anti-racist/equitable company practices, advocate for the deconstruction of oppressive establishments and policies, and provide inclusive spaces for our neighbors to share their experiences.

Our History

Huntington Family Centers, Inc. is a neighborhood-based, multi-service agency, serving youth, families, and older adults throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga, Oswego, Delaware, and Cayuga Counties.

History

1919

Founded in May of 1919, the agency was known as “Huntington Club” and its mission was to assist a growing number of young women who moved to the city during World War I for factory work while their husbands and family members served in the war. Huntington Club provided shelter and support services to these women, located in the Snow House at 476 South Warren Street.

1922

In 1922, the agency moved to 254 East Onondaga and opened the Sunflower Restaurant as a means of making Huntington Club self-supporting.

1939

In 1939, the restaurant closed and the space was used for club activities.

1940

Early 1940s

In the early 1940s, with the support of the Community Chest (now the United Way), Huntington turned its attention to creating a supportive climate for the community and its families. The agency moved to the east side of Syracuse and offered group work and leisure time activities to family members.

1957

In 1957, the agency adopted the name Huntington Family Centers and began operating Settlement House programs.

1964

February 1964

In February 1964, Huntington moved to its present location at 405 Gifford Street with a staff of eight and a budget of $115,000.

1983

HOPE (formally known as HUGS) supervised visitation program for families with children in foster care and relative placement was started.

1984

HASOTP which provides help and support to youth and their families in resolving issues of sexual victimization was started.

1985

Family Support Network (FSN) began as a pilot project with funding from NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

Present Day

Still rooted in the Settlement House tradition, Huntington recognizes that many neighborhood problems are most appropriately addressed through indigenous programs and services that identify the strengths of each person, while supporting them in achieving their highest degree of independence. Our programs work with newborn babies to older adults with the singular focus of assisting people in solving problems related to poverty, inadequate education, unemployment, sub-standard housing, mental health concerns, child abuse and maltreatment. The agency is an entry point for some of the most vulnerable members of the community, seeking to foster and grow vibrant communities.