Elmcrest Children's Center

09/02/2025

Our residential youth recently tapped into their artistic and poetic sides during a Painting & Poetry Workshop!

They created stunning silhouette paintings, each reflecting their unique perspectives and emotions. Then, they channeled their creativity into words by writing acrostic poems, using each letter to express thoughts, feelings, and stories that matter to them.

08/28/2025

Our Park Hill campus wrapped up the summer with an unforgettable End-of-Summer Water Day! From water games and sprinklers to endless laughter and smiles, it was the perfect way for our kids, staff, and families to celebrate the season together.

A huge thank you to our amazing staff and volunteers who made this day so special — and to our kids for bringing the energy and joy that made the event unforgettable.

08/26/2025

**Disclaimer** Elmcrest Children’s Center is not closing, nor are we laying off staff. While we face challenges due to proposed budget cuts, our programs remain active, and our dedicated team continues to provide essential care and support to children and families across Central New York.

Central New York has a legacy of compassion—none more enduring than the 180 years of service by Elmcrest Children’s Center to support our most vulnerable kids. Today, however, that legacy faces an urgent threat. Looming budget cuts at the state and federal levels are already putting critical programs at risk

These programs—ranging from therapeutic residential care and early education to community-based support—are lifelines for children navigating abuse, behavioral health challenges, and family instability

If these services are reduced or discontinued, the loss will ripple through families and the community. That’s why your voice now matters more than ever.

Here’s how you can help:

* Contact your local representatives to respectfully urge them to protect and prioritize funding for Elmcrest.
* Share this post to raise awareness—every person you reach could be another ally in safeguarding these vital programs.
* Consider supporting Elmcrest directly by exploring donation options on our site—every bit can help sustain care and hope.

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2025/08/26/elmcrest-childrens-center-budget-cuts-risks?fbclid=IwY2xjawMa2QtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJUGxIdmNyRllWOURiRXc2AR5pLXJVvF__dxsAt9sJndktfRcKjDOKegIUzihZ81G7EmpFf3AvrpN7dJJA1w_aem_pEZSqq3jYY25lET0YV-CtA

The Elmcrest Children’s Center has served Central New York’s most vulnerable kids for nearly 180 years.

08/25/2025

Because of your support, children at Elmcrest have access to care, opportunities, and the promise of a brighter future.

This August, during National Make-A-Will Month, we’ve partnered with FreeWill
to provide our community with a secure, no-cost tool to create or update a will in just 20 minutes.

As you make your plan, you’ll have the option to include a future gift to Elmcrest — a meaningful way to help us continue changing young lives for years to come.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope for children and families. Together, we can build brighter futures. https://www.freewill.com/elmcrest?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=eblast&utm_campaign=202508_elmcrest_mawm_soft_impact_board

08/19/2025

Elmcrest was honored to participate in the Life Worth Living 5K Run, Walk & Family Fun Day at Abbott Farms this past weekend. Zach Helfrich Memorial Fund, Inc.

This powerful event brought our community together to raise awareness for su***de prevention and to support mental health. At Elmcrest, we are committed to providing resources and services that help children, families, and individuals build resilience and find hope.

Every step taken reminds us that mental health matters, and every life is worth living.

08/18/2025

Our staff came together for Elmcrest’s annual picnic and had an amazing time! From delicious food and fun games to exciting prizes and some blast-from-the-past outfits, it was a day full of laughter and celebration.

We’re so grateful for our incredible team who bring energy, creativity, and heart to Elmcrest every day.

08/04/2025

The Garden Club in our Residential Program has been hard at work and having a blast! They recently cured and harvested garlic that’s now ready for cooking, crafted DIY tomato cages out of sticks and twine, and even made a new friend — a cicada!

They also harvested and froze fresh basil, picked wild berries, and turned them into delicious berry juice. Stay tuned for more garden adventures from this amazing crew!

07/30/2025

Football season is right around the corner, and we’re getting into the spirit in a big way.

Three of our residential youth had the incredible opportunity to attend the Buffalo Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher University. From watching the pros up close to soaking in the excitement of the game, it was an unforgettable experience!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this special day happen. Let’s go Bills!

07/25/2025

Thank you to Mayor Ben Walsh (Ben Walsh for Syracuse) for visiting Elmcrest’s main campus.

During his time with us, the Mayor toured our facilities and learned more about our programs and long-term vision for growth. We appreciate his interest in the work we do and his support of our efforts to strengthen services for children and families in Syracuse.

We look forward to continuing this important work together.

07/22/2025

Summer Bookfest at Elmcrest! 📚 Our youth had an awesome time picking out books to keep, enjoying sweet treats, and getting into some creative fun. They worked together on a group writing piece, played a high-energy anime game, and learned how to take on the Summer Reading Challenge.

07/21/2025

Elmcrest is proud to support the Life Worth Living 5K and Walk on Saturday, August 16 at Abbott Farms.

We’ll be fielding a team and hosting a tent at the event, stop by, say hello, and learn more about Elmcrest and the work we do to support children and families in our community.

Interested in joining the race or walk? Sign up here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Baldwinsville/LifeWorthLiving4K

07/16/2025

Join us for the Elmcrest Blood Drive on Thursday, August 7!

We’re teaming up with the Red Cross to host a community blood drive at Elmcrest Children’s Center from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM in Building 6.

All donors will receive a free T-shirt as a thank-you!

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Invite your friends, family, and coworkers—everyone is welcome!

Sign up here:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=ELMCRESTCC