"Many of the immigrants arriving from Sweden during the period of 1868-1878 remained in the eastern states because of a lack of funds to continue their journey to the midwest. Among them some were sick upon arrival in New York City, and it did happen that both parents died and left children alone in the new world. These pitiful orphans would be removed to Ward Island, a Roman Catholic Children's home or given to strangers who would bring them up in a different faith than what they would have received by their pious Lutheran parents. It became more apparent each year that a Lutheran Children's Home should be established. At the conference meeting in Philadelphia, Pa. in September of 1881, a committee was established with the responsibility of thoroughly studying this possibility and ways by which such a beautiful goal could be attained...

In 1882 Rev. C. J. Petri was called to solicit funds within the conference and he reported a total of $3,553.54 subscribed. It was decided at the NY Conference meeting held in Pontiac, R.I. in August 1881 that a Children's Home should be established in Jamestown, N.Y., provided that the sum of $6,000.00 could be raised there. Pastor C.T. Sandsrom was called to conduct the gathering, which was successful. In 1884 he was asked to conduct a second appeal, this time for the contemplated building. In 2 months he raised $4,110.43...

On September 2,1883 the first Board of Directors was legally incorporated. On September 30th the Board purchased 86.7 acres of land within the city limits of Jamestown from J.H. Tiffany for the sum of $11,704.50. Actual work on the new home began 8 days earlier.

The cornerstone was laid June 14, 1884...Former Governor R.E. Fenton attended the ceremony.

On July 9, 1885, Pastor and Mrs. T.O. Linell were called to manage the home and accepted the call.

There is no doubt that January 27th, 1886 became a memorable day in the large New York conference. The long hoped for and sought goal was finally reached and the doors were opened for needy children; children who had been bereft to the warmth of a loving mother's heart and the strong arm of a father.

On this festive occasion Pastor C.E. Lindberg spoke... The managing couple Rev. and Mrs. Linell were present and 12 children were present. The children who were first granted admission to the home were Fritz Gustaf Harold Johnson... and his sister Rosa Carolina.

At the time of the dedication the Home building had cost $13,706.00. The total property value was estimated at $23,210.00."

The opening day services were carefully chronicled in the Jamestown Evening Journal and the various Swedish newspapers that were published locally in 1886.

"At 3:00 P.M. the dedication exercises took place; both these exercises and the ones in the evening were conducted in the Swedish language."

Hymns were sung by the Lutheran Church Choir followed by speeches of introduction, dedication, and welcome. Pastor T.O. Linell and his wife were installed and greeted the crowd that filled all the rooms and the corridors of the home.

"Rev. T.O. Linell thanked the people assembled for their many kindnesses already manifested. About 20 bushels of potatoes have been contributed besides many bushels of apples, turnips, carrots, and other supplies. Much flour, sugar, tea, coffee, ham, pork, and other necessities were sent in Wednesday and the Directors of the orphanage thanked the people of Jamestown for liberality."

A full day of opening ceremonies was concluded and the Gustavus Adolphus Orphans Home of the New York Conference of the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod was officially in operation.

The original address of Lutheran Social Services was 1381 East Second Street as Falconer Street was not yet constructed. Passengers of the Erie Lackawana railroad could see the building as they passed and would inquire about the beautiful tall building on the green hill. They would be told it was a Swedish Children's Home.

The original by-laws stated that "orphaned and destitute children of Swedish parentage who are in want of care and protection shall be received into the Home." Consideration could be given to children of non-Swedish parentage whose parents belong to the N.Y. conference and to children of any parentage in Chautauqua County if room and circumstances permitted.

The surrounding Lutheran community provided much support for the new institution. While money was often lacking, services and gifts were plentiful. Local physicians, dentists, and barbers donated their skills. Women of the First Lutheran Church often provided the bread for the home. Produce was a frequent gift from local farmers.

Rev. and Mrs. M.J. Englund became Superintendent and Matron of the home in 1889, followed by Rev. and Mrs. A.J. Rodell in 1895.

Mr and Mrs. John S. Swensson assumed the positions of the Rodell's in 1897 and served in that capacity for 30 years.

In 1927, Mr. and Mrs. J. Oscar Peterson became the Superintendent and Matron of the Home. Both had been former residents of the home. Mr. Peterson was admitted at the age of 14 months and Mrs. Peterson came at the age of 11. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson served the agency for the next 20 years. During their tenure at the home, the aims of the agency began to follow new directions. The need for an "orphanage" diminished as there were fewer "orphans" to be housed. Instead the agency developed toward the institution it is today, servicing emotionally disturbed youth.