175th Anniversary
As we celebrate the achievements of the past 175 years, we are also charting a course for the years to come. As the saying goes, “the only constant in life is change.” We are committed to remaining nimble and delivering services in alignment with our transformative mission.
Evolution Through the Eras
In 2025, Waypoint is excited to mark 175 years empowering New Hampshire citizens. We started out in 1850 as the City Missionary Society but quickly pivoted from an emphasis on spiritual growth to a focus on meeting the basic needs of children and families in Manchester. This early course change was just the first instance of constant evolution throughout our organizational lifetime to respond to the changing needs of the community. By anticipating shifting needs and responding with quality services to support New Hampshire’s people, Waypoint continues to play a vital role in our communities since we were established.
When we look back at our long history, we see many turning points. One of the biggest came in 2018 when we rebranded from Child and Family Services and updated our mission statement to “Empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy.” By including advocacy in our mission statement, we were underscoring our commitment to not only serve New Hampshire’s citizens, but to take an active role in creating change on their behalf.
Here is a look at the major milestones along our journey.
1850
Waypoint, originally known as the City Missionary Society, is founded to support families working at the textile mills in Manchester, NH.
1882
Waypoint opens a day care and nursery for unattended children of families working at the mills.
1897
1918
Waypoint becomes the first agency to place children in foster homes and launches its adoption program, helping to keep children and infants out of institutions.
1930
At the request of attorneys and the courts, Waypoint becomes NH’s first child protection agency, assuming responsibility for determining custody of children.
1959
Waypoint establishes the Homemaker Services program, the first of its kind in the state, with the goal of stabilizing and strengthening family life.
1971
1972
In response to the increase in youth experiencing homelessness, most with no access to services, Waypoint establishes the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program in Manchester.
1989
1995
Recognizing the critical importance of early childhood development on future success, Waypoint begins our Infant and Toddler Early Intervention Services in Rockingham County.
1997
2003
2017
As a result of Waypoint’s advocacy work, the Child Advocate office is approved by the Senate, increasing protection for children.
2018
Rebranded from Child and Family Services to Waypoint. This included a new mission that focuses on advocacy and the organization’s work in the state.
2020
Waypoint receives its first Family Resource Center of Quality at Nashua Center, as a demonstration of quality and our commitment to families.
2021
2022
Waypoint expands services for youth homelessness including the opening of the first low-barrier emergency shelter for this age group in NH, launching services in new regions, and opening a Drop-In Center in Rochester.
Here's How You Can Help
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