Jane Lathrop Stanford, a philanthropist and social reformer, donated the Stanford Mansion and stock to establish the Stanford Lathrop Memorial Home for Friendless Children. Deeply committed to child welfare, she recognized the urgent need for safe and nurturing environments for vulnerable children, especially those without stable family support. In an era of rapid industrialization and urbanization, Jane’s vision was to provide not only shelter but also education and life skills, ensuring that these children had the foundation to thrive.

Her philanthropic efforts extended beyond co-founding Stanford University and were rooted in her belief that investing in young people was essential to building a better society. The Home for Friendless Children embodied this vision—offering a safe haven where children could receive guidance and develop the skills necessary for self-sufficiency.

For over a century, Jane Lathrop Stanford’s legacy has lived on through organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth and families. Today, that legacy is carried forward by Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYAF). Since our founding in 1900, SSYAF has remained steadfast in its mission to help youth and families overcome challenges. What began as an orphanage has transformed into a dynamic community-based organization, continually adapting to the changing needs of those we serve.

As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we honor the profound impact Jane Stanford’s commitment to child welfare has had on our work. In 2019, the merger of Stanford Youth Solutions and Sierra Forever Families strengthened our ability to provide holistic support at every stage of a family’s journey. Our services today include family stabilization, behavioral and mental health support, substance use prevention and treatment, juvenile justice intervention, and foster care and adoption services.

While our services have evolved, our purpose remains unchanged: to empower youth and families to overcome adversity, strengthen families, and break the cycle of child welfare involvement. Through our programs, we help youth develop life skills and grow into self-sufficient adults, supporting the entire family with professional treatment and compassionate care.

As we celebrate our 125-year milestone, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has contributed to our story. Looking forward, we remain committed to deepening our impact and building a future of hope, healing, and empowerment for generations to come, just as Jane Lathrop Stanford envisioned.