History
Founded in resilience
Casa de los Niños, a vital thread in Southern Arizona’s community fabric, was founded in 1973 by Sister Kathleen Clark to protect children from abuse and neglect. Its history is one of dedication, shaped by countless individuals. It all began when Tucson fashion icon Cele Peterson, learning of Sister Kathleen’s vision, donated a small building in 1973 that would serve as Casa de los Niños’ first children’s shelter.
This act of kindness provided the physical foundation for the organization’s mission to become a place where children in crisis could find shelter, warmth and care. The organization has since pioneered innovative prevention and intervention programs, offering a range of services from mental health treatment to crisis mediation, ensuring children and families thrive.
Our timeline
1973
Sister Kathleen Clark opens Casa de los Niños
It is the first crisis center in the nation designed for infants in a house donated by local philanthropist, Cele Peterson.
1978
Sister Kathleen Clark receives the National Jefferson Award
The award recognizes the greatest public service benefiting local communities. Meanwhile, dedicated volunteers begin to launch a legacy of support for Casa de los Niños.
1980
Parent education programs begin
Casa de los Niños begins to implement child abuse prevention programs with the introduction of education for mothers experiencing parenting problems.
1987
Jeanne Landdeck-Sisco steps up
Sister Kathleen Clark retires and Jeanne begins serving as the second Executive Director of Casa de los Niños.
1988
Casa de los Niños Foundation is established
The Foundation is created to build and manage financial resources for the long-term stability of the organization.
1989
A gift from Angel Charity for Children
The charity gives Casa de los Niños $823,144 to fund the construction of a shelter for infants and children under the age of five.
1998
The O’Rielly Residence is renovated
The O’Rielly Family Foundation and Union Pacific Foundation provide grants for the renovation of the 20-year-old shelter for children aged 4-11, renamed the O’Rielly Residence.
2004
Foster care programs launch
The organization’s first foster care program kicks off to license and support foster care families.
2004
Susie Huhn becomes Executive Director
Jeanne Landdeck-Sisco retires and Susie steps up as the third leader in Casa de los Niños’ history.
2008
Parent education expands
Parent education programs expand to wider topics, benefiting thousands of parents across Tucson for free.
2008
Sister Kathleen Clark becomes a Hall of Famer
The founder of Casa de los Niños is inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame.
2009
Nurse-Family Partnership takes off
The program, which provides in-home nursing services to first-time mothers, is launched to transform the lives of low-income Tucson moms.
2010
Behavioral health services roll out
Casa de los Niños begins to provide behavioral and mental health services to children, young adults and their families.
2017
A new era begins
Moving away from placing children in congregate care, Casa de los Niños closes the crisis shelter and begins renovations for an early education center.
2018
The family center opens
After a record-breaking capital campaign, the Cole & Jeannie Davis Family Center opens to bring together programs and resources for Tucson children and families.
2019
The Kelly opens its doors
The Kelly Early Education Center begins to provide high-quality, affordable childcare and early education to children from low-income families.
2023
50 years of Casa de los Niños
As the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary, Nora Navarro-Hernández becomes CEO and launches a new chapter of leadership.
2024
The first GratiTour is successful
Casa de los Niños invites donors, neighbors and supporters to engage with staff, tour the campus and see first-hand how the organization’s network of programs impacts Tucson families.
2025
Pieces of progress
To commemorate over 50 years of impact in Tucson, Casa de los Niños debuts an intricate mosaic and a history room dedicated to sharing the organization’s story.