In 1886, Mrs. L.M. Mann and her friends came together with a shared belief that children deserve care, safety, and love. From that meeting, the Des Moines Home for Friendless Children was born – a refuge for orphans and abandoned children who had nowhere else to turn. What began as a small act of compassion would grow into one of Iowa’s oldest nonprofits, now known today as Orchard Place.
For 140 years, our mission has evolved with the changing needs of our community, but our purpose has remained the same: to help Iowa’s children and families heal, find hope, be empowered, and build resilience to overcome mental health adversity. From our beginning as the city’s first orphanage to now offering more than 30 programs across Orchard Place’s three branches – Child Guidance Center, PACE Center, and Residential Campus, Orchard Place continues to stand as a beacon for children facing mental health, behavioral, and emotional adversities.
Today, the need for children’s mental health care has never been greater. One in five children experiences a mental health challenge, yet too many go without the care they need. Every day, our dedicated employees rise to meet this challenge, creating trauma-informed environments, offering therapy and support, and walking alongside families as they navigate some of life’s hardest moments. And of course, the amazing individuals in our community who support mental health resources help us do that. With their compassion, and the staff’s expertise, they are the heartbeat of Orchard Place.
As we look at the next 140 years, Orchard Place remains committed to the children and families of Iowa. Guided by our Sanctuary Model and a legacy built on empathy and action, we are shaping a future where every child deserves to thrive.
140 years ago, three women took the first step toward building that future. Today, we carry their vision forward, ensuring that Iowa’s children are never without hope, care, or a place to Develop Strong Futures.
