A Haven of Comfort: Compassionate Care at Life’s Final Journey
For over 110 years, Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has stood as a lifeline for children and families in need. Founded in 1913 as an organized home that aimed to rescue neglected, dependent and orphaned children, CAS has evolved to meet the immediate emotional and physical needs of vulnerable children regardless of their economic or social circumstances.
Guided by their mission of “empowering children and their families to build stronger healthier lives,” CAS provides a range of essential services including creative art, play and psychotherapy; a crisis nursery; family advocacy; parent education and support groups; a children’s clothing and toy bank; and a 24-hour parenting and caregiver hotline. The organization also operates Cornerstone Youth Home, which offers stable housing for grade-school children experiencing homelessness.
At the heart of their work is the crisis nursery – an invaluable 24/7 resource that offers short-term respite care for infants and young children. For parents facing food insecurity, housing instability, medical emergencies or the absence of a reliable support system, the crisis nursery serves as a safe haven for their children in need.
Louis Appell, Jr., strongly believed in empowering families and investing in the wellbeing of children. The Powder Mill Foundation has been an important supporter of Children’s Aid Society, ensuring that more families in York County have access to critical resources.
Although I did not know Mr. Appell personally, this project is an investment in the children and families within York City and York County, ensuring that affordable, high-quality childcare and support services can continue to build stronger, healthier lives in York. Mr. Appell championed this vision in his lifetime and now the Powder Mill Foundation is keeping his legacy alive for future generations.
Eric M. Chase, Children’s Aid Society President and CEO
With the help of the Powder Mill Foundation, CAS is opening the Werner Early Learning Childcare Center (WELCC) in 2025. This new building will allow the organization to expand its crisis nursery and continue to provide other critical services. Over the past two years, 56 daycare centers have closed in York County, leaving 85-89% of infants and toddlers without care. The WELCC will help address this urgent gap, guaranteeing children have a strong foundation for the future.
At its core, CAS believes all children need to be safe and feel loved, and the Powder Mill Foundation wholeheartedly supports bringing CAS’s vision to life. Through essential services, stable housing and compassionate care, CAS is a source of hope for children and families. This work was always a top priority for Mr. and Mrs. Appell.
We are humbled and honored to consider the Powder Mill Foundation a major partner in making this vision a reality. We began this journey six years ago and have adapted to meet the changing needs of our community and families. Having the Powder Mill Foundation by our side ensures we can continue our work for generations to come.
Eric M. Chase
