KidsPeace celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2022, and the organization kicked off a year-long commemoration during a Facebook Live presentation Jan. 31.

The kickoff presentation came on the 30th anniversary of the organization’s adoption of the name “KidsPeace.”

President and CEO Michael Slack noted his predecessor at the time said the name would be a reminder of the organization’s basic purpose: “To give kids peace.”

During the video presentation, Slack detailed ways the organization planned to celebrate the milestone during 2022, including:

?·An expanded “History” section on the www.kidspeace.org website, taking visitors through six distinct “eras” of the organization’s evolution from an orphanage for children of smallpox victims to a leading provider of mental and behavioral healthcare with operations in eight states.

?·The restoration and re-installation of a 90-year-old memorial plaque honoring community supporters of the organization in its formative years, preserved following the 1975 demolition of the original “Wiley House” on Broadway in Fountain Hill, (Wiley House was the previous name of the organization before KidsPeace.)

·?Additional presentations throughout the year on specific parts of the KidsPeace Continuum of Care - from inpatient crisis intervention to residential-based treatment to outpatient clinic and community services to therapeutic foster care - highlighting the work of KidsPeace associates and the programs’ impact on individuals and their communities, as well as career opportunities with the organization’s programs.

·?And a continuing focus on addressing the challenges ahead in the mental and behavioral healthcare field, stemming from the impact of COVID-19 on society.

The presentation also included congratulatory messages from business and political leaders in communities in which KidsPeace facilities are located.

The video presentation from Facebook Live can be viewed on the main page of the new “History” section of KidsPeace’s web site, www.kidspeace.org/history.

For 140 years, KidsPeace has been building on its expertise to give hope, help and healing to children, adults and those who love them.

Since its doors opened, nearly 300,000 children have participated in one of the multitude of programs KidsPeace offers.

For additional resources or more information on how to get involved, become a foster parent or make a donation, visit www.kidspeace.org.

Follow them at www.facebook.com/kidspeace.org or on Twitter @KidsPeace.