Our History
A ministry of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, UMCF, formerly The United Methodist Children’s Home, began as an orphanage in 1911. Throughout the years, the way we have served children has changed to meet the needs of a changing world, but the mission has remained the same “to strengthen our community by providing care, nurture and treatment for hurting children and families”.
We have evolved from being The United Methodist Children’s Home to building homes for children in many ways -providing homes through Treatment Foster Care, finding homes through Adoption, and strengthening homes through Outpatient Mental Health Services.
UMCH
1911
The vision of the Children’s Home came to life through the Methodist Children’s Home Association of Ohio.
The United Methodist Children’s Home opens doors accepting 3 children.
1913
UMCH
UMCH
1962
Launched adoption services for pregnant and unwed women.
CHOICES is founded by Anita Patten & Gina Frazier with 5 foster homes.
1986
CHOICES
CHOICES
1988
Became the 2nd agency in Ohio to offer independent living programming to teens aging out of foster care.
Launched the treatment foster care program.
1993
UMCH
UMCH
2010
Residential services ended. Worthington property was sold. UMCH Family Services continued services of adoption, treatment foster care and outpatient mental health.
Begins offering home-based mental health services.
2010
CHOICES
UMCF
2023
The Board of Trustees merge for UMCH Family Services & CHOICES.
Officially changed name to UMCF – United Methodist Children and Families
2025
UMCF