History & Legacy
Our History.
1882
Donald Whaley passed away from diphtheria at the age of 10. He was described as a “fine little fellow, full of life and energy”. During his life, Donald showed a spirit of generosity and care for others, even supporting a home for boys in Detroit by saving $10 in his bank account. After his death, that $10 was sent to the home in his memory, and each year following, contributions were made to honor Donald’s legacy.
1922
Robert and his wife Mary McFarlan Whaley bequeathed funds to establish the Donald M. Whaley Memorial Home after Robert Whaley’s death in 1922.
1924
The Whaley Foundation was incorporated on January 26, 1924, to care for “homeless and neglected children.” The fund was overseen by the wardens and vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Flint, along with trustees Charles Stewart Mott, president, and C.F. Barth, vice president. Following consultations with the Child Welfare League of America, it was recommended that the Whaley Fund serve all dependent and neglected children, regardless of race or creed, with a focus on addressing undiagnosed health and behavioral issues.
1926
The memorial home was built.
1927
The first child was admitted.
1955
A Recreational Building with a gym, craft room and two classrooms was built on campus.
1964
The children’s living units underwent a major renovation for the first time since the building had been built.
1969
The group home program began.
1977
Whaley was one of the first agencies to offer a Treatment Foster Care Program providing children the opportunity to live with a specially trained family. During the same year Whaley opened the Educational Center attached to the Recreational Building.
1982
A Special Needs Adoption program began.
1984
The Whaley Community Board of Directors was organized.
1989
Major capital campaign to build a new children’s residential center was initiated
1991
Program was expanded in the 1990s when, through the support and generosity of three local service clubs, Optimist, Rotary and Zonta, three group homes were established in nearby neighborhoods.
C. S. and Ruth Rawlings Mott Residential Center was opened as a state of the art residential treatment center.
1993
The Whaley Memorial Building was remodeled into a functional office building for clinical, foster care, administrative, human resource, finance and development offices.
1998
The Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church & Whaley Children’s Center Community Board together agreed to operate separately.
1999
Separation plan from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was approved by Genesee County Probate Court.
2004
The Treatment Foster Care and Adoption Programs have concluded, allowing for a focused emphasis on residential care for foster youth.
2021
Renovations were made to the Mott Cottages and the Group Homes to align with best trauma-informed practices.
2022
The first independent living home, Journey Home, was opened.
2024
The second independent living home, Hope House, was opened. Whaley Children’s Center transitioned from a general residential program to a Mental Health and Behavioral Stabilization Program.
Looking to the Future
For nearly a century, we’ve been a pillar of support for youth facing adversity. As we move forward, we are committed to adapting to the evolving needs of those we serve, ensuring each child has the resources and guidance to build a brighter future.
The legacy we’re creating today will continue to make a meaningful difference, shaping positive change and opportunities for generations to come.