About Us

Our History

Beech Acres began in 1849 as the German General Protestant Orphan Home when a cholera epidemic ravaged the city, leaving many children without parents. The German Protestant churches united in the effort to provide a home for the orphans. In 1950 the name was changed to Beech Acres when the orphanage moved to its new home in Anderson Township. Orphans were housed in cottages with house parents, a change from dormitory-style living in the old home.

In the 1970's and 80's there were fewer orphans, and in 1989 residential care ended.  As the need for residential care subsided, a variety of services evolved to help children by partnering with parents.

Guided by the agency's mission of strengthening families for children, Beech Acres has become a force in the community to help parents raise their children. The agency's multi-faceted services are based on the guiding principle that all parents want the best for their children, and all parents sometimes need support and guidance in raising their kids to reach their fullest potential.