Cunningham Celebrates 120 Years

The Cunningham Children’s home will celebrate its 120th anniversary this weekend.

Sharla Jolly is the Director for Advancement at Cunningham. She says the home has served children in Champaign and Vermillion counties – first as an orphanage and later a Children’s home. 

“Most of the youth who come to us have been through circumstances that you shouldn’t have to experience. Most of them have been through situations of abuse or neglect or maybe they are dealing with mental health issues. We are helping them learn different skills to be successful.”

Jolly says the property was donated in 1895 by Judge Joseph Cunningham and his wife Mary.

Cunningham plans a public celebration on Sunday afternoon. Jolly says it's one of the few times the facility is open to the public.