Discovering historical perspective

History inspires us to create a better future. At Washburn, our history informs today’s work.

Child-centered for 140 years

Washburn Center for Children was founded as the Washburn Memorial Orphan Asylum in 1883. Cadwallader C. Washburn, co-founder of a milling company (now General Mills), established what was then-called an orphanage after a mill explosion left several children without caregivers.

The orphanage closed in 1924 and then evolved to the Washburn Foster Home Placement Agency delivering services for children going into foster care.

In 1951, responding to changing community needs, the agency morphed into the Washburn Memorial Clinic providing diagnostic services and treatment of children with learning and behavioral challenges. As time progressed, the agency continued to adapt and in 2007, changed its name from Washburn Child Guidance Center to Washburn Center for Children.

A legacy of innovation is attuned to the communities’ needs. It’s how Washburn and children’s mental health has evolved in our world.

In 2014, Washburn Center completed a $24.5 million capital campaign and opened an expanded, nature-infused facility in North Minneapolis. The expansion of services, partnerships and offerings is a hallmark of our history and the hope for a stronger future.

Explore a brief history below, or dive into a detailed history.

Evolving and meeting community needs

While the names and services have changed over time, Washburn Center for Children has remained focused on Cadwallader Washburn’s compassionate, inclusive vision to provide hope to children, “without question or distinction to age, sex, race, color or religion.”

Our story of hope has had a tremendous impact on thousands of children, their families and the entire community. Explore a brief history below, or dive into a detailed history.

Washburn Center’s History: Evolving to Meet the Community’s Needs

1883

Cadwallader C. Washburn, co-founder of the milling company that has since become General Mills, founded the Washburn Memorial Orphan Asylum after a mill explosion left several children orphaned.

1924

After the orphanage closed in 1924, the nonprofit began providing services for children in foster care.

1951

Washburn Memorial Clinic opened as a mental health clinic, laying the foundation for Washburn Center to become the leading children’s mental health center in the state.

2007

The agency changed its name to Washburn Center for Children and, in the following year, received the Nonprofit Excellence Award from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.

2014

Having doubled the number of children served, Washburn Center opened a new facility in North Minneapolis that offered even more Twin Cities children a place to grow and heal.