Our History

  • 1971-1978: The Franklin Institute and the Early Years
    • CCTC is founded in 1971 by Dr. Louise Sandler under the name “Center for Early Childhood Services.” It was originally a research demonstration project funded by a federal grant from the then US Bureau of Education for the Handicapped.
    • The program is housed in the basement of the Franklin Institute and supported by Hahnemann University Hospital.
  • 1978-1997: A Home Base at 1823 Callowhill Street
    • In 1978, CCTC moves to 1823 Callowhill Street and becomes a 501(c)(3).
    • The preschool project which began as the research demonstration study becomes the Therapeutic Nursery (TN).
    • CCTC begins providing psychological testing services to children ages 3 to 13.
    • In 1989, CCTC launches the first early childhood trauma program in Philadelphia..
    • In 1996, CCTC begins providing “Wrap-Around” services, also known as Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS), aimed at serving children in their communities, and improving family functioning and child’s coping and adaptive skills.
    • Also in 1996, CCTC’s Board of Director’s, Chaired by Felecia Weiss hosted the First Annual western-themed “Roundup” fundraiser.
  • 1997-2009: The Expansion Years:
    Community and School Based Programming
    • In 1998, CCTC launches the Intensive Case Management (ICM) program, which provides Care Coordination services to families of children throughout the city.
    • In 1999, CCTC opens its first Summer Therapeutic Enrichment Program (STEP) Camp program for children in the city of Philadelphia.
    • CCTC’s first School Based Behavioral Health Services program begins in the fall of 2001 at Ferguson and Bache Martin Elementary Schools. That same year the Consultation and Education (C & E) Program begins in the partner schools.
    • In 2001, CCTC opens Tamaa, a program designed to provide trauma treatment services to a large and rapidly growing West-African refugee population in Southwest Philadelphia.
    • In 2001 the First Annual Cruise for the Kids takes place at Rock Lobster co-chaired by Gabe Canuso and Corie (Cutler) Moscow. This event was also the start of CCTC’s young professional group, the Friends of CCTC.
    • In 2002, CCTC opens the CARE (Children Achieve through Re-Education) Program at Julia De Burgos Elementary School.
    • By 2003, CCTC’s BHRS Department had grown to become one of the largest of its kind in Philadelphia.
    • Parent Caregiver Services/Filial Program is formed.
    • In 2007, CCTC begins providing Family-Based Services, sending teams of clinicians to work with children and families in their homes.
    • From 2006 to 2009 CCTC begins providing specialized programming in schools through our Therapeutic Emotional Support Classrooms Program.
  • 2009-Present: Leadership, Integration and Partnership
    • In 2009, Caring Families of CCTC is formed, a parent advisory group made up of past and current parents and caregivers of children receiving our services.
    • From 2009-2011, CCTC begins increasing its focus on evidence- based practices and outcomes in all programs.
    • In 2011, CCTC begins expanding existing programming into partnering non-profits such as the People’s Emergency Center and West Philadelphia Achievement Charter School.
    • In 2012, in response to the growing needs of the Mexican community in South Philadelphia, CCTC opens Abriendo Caminos.
    • In March of 2013, CCTC consolidates 3 sites into a new headquarters at 1080 North Delaware Avenue, which now houses Administrative Services, Outpatient and Psychiatry Services, Trauma Services, Community Based Service staff and The Therapeutic Nursery.
    • In July of 2013, CCTC is awarded a contract to open an Acute Partial Hospitalization Program in Eastern North Philadelphia, due to open in Spring, 2014 as The Cornerstone Center.
    • Geographic expansion into Montgomery County will commence in Fall of 2014 beginning with Family-Based and Trauma Services in Year One and Outpatient Services in Year 2.