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History and Philosophy
Our History PDF Print

History -- Mother and ChildProviding needed and effective services for child victims of abuse and neglect has been a major motivation and criteria for the vision, plans, implementation and expansion of The Nurturing Center, a private, non-profit under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. In 1987-1988, a needs assessment conducted by Child Protective Services of the American Humane Association, validated the treatment and program needs identified by a local advisory committee. A nationwide program survey and site visits were conducted to study effective programs and determine a model of services. In the summer of 1988, The Nurturing Center began a pilot program with the Carolina Children's Home to test this model.

In light of the success of this pilot program, The Nurturing Center opened for full-scale operations in the agency's donated historical building at 1332 Pickens Street on November 14, 1989. Its dedicated Board of Directors includes professionals with a wealth of experience in community issues. They have wisely guided the program formation of The Nurturing Center to provide an effective response to a community need. 

 
Our Philosophy PDF Print

Our Philosophy - familyThe foundation for the center is found within its unique treatment philosophy – that treatment must be focused on all members of the family; early intervention is important; and treatment must be delivered in a non-punitive, non-judgmental environment. The Nurturing Center’s believes that treatment focusing on each member of the family is essential for changing the family system, as well as the individuals within that family. The Nurturing Center provides a setting that allows staff to work one-on-one with parents to coach them on how to parent and interact with their children. Staff also helps parents understand children’s normal developmental  stages and to cope with problems such as unemployment, lack of education, depression or other stress inducing circumstances.

Another key component of the program is early intervention. Services are provided to parents who have at least one child five years of age or younger. This is based on the knowledge that the earlier positive parent-child interactions and family functioning are promoted, the more successful they are. The center’s children’s curriculum is uses a developmental approach to therapy. The main goal is to facilitate the learning of core developmental capacities in children and to work with various contributing factors specific to each child to prevent and treat developmental differences and constrictions.

When a family is referred to the center, they are welcomed by an environment that is neither punitive nor judgmental. Through strict adherence to the principal that every individual is a person of value and worth and that positive changes occur when a person's strengths are identified and emphasized, the Nurturing Center is able to develop a relationship with our families that promotes the therapeutic and healing process.