Canopy Children's Solutions history

The Children’s Home Society is officially launched in a small office in Meridian, Mississippi, on January 2, 1912, with four children in need and 25¢ in cash.

The early years of The Society are marked by devastating circumstances such as the Mississippi River Flood of 1927 and the Great Depression.

As the 1950’s begin, The Society faces formidable challenges.

In 1962, a new Crestview Maternity Home is built.

A new administration/services center facility is built in 1975 on the site of the former Kate McWillie Powers Receiving Home.

The 1980’s and 90’s are a time of great change and exponential growth.

In 1981, a Mother/Child Center is established to aid high-risk new mothers choosing to keep their children.

In 1982, Sandra Austin received a call from a dear friend about an office manager position at Mississippi Children’s Home Society, now Canopy.

In 1991, Audrey Thompson, LMSW, began working with the organization when she was a sophomore at Murrah High School.

Especially noteworthy is the creation of Mississippi’s first private, nonprofit, residential center for children with emotional and behavioral issues, CARES Center, in 1992.

In 1998, Jill Pierce joined Canopy as Clinical Director.

In 2001, Karen Simmons interviewed with John Damon, Canopy Chief Executive Officer.

Mississippi Children’s Home Society is officially renamed Mississippi Children’s Home Services (MCHS) in 2003 to more accurately communicate its role in the community.

The following year, MCHS receives a large agency “Award for Excellence” in nonprofit management and a “Salute to Business and Industry” in 2005.

The community-based service system expanded in 2007.

A grand opening and dedication is held in 2009 for new facilities on the North Campus in Jackson.

MCHS creates the Mississippi Center for Behavioral Sciences in 2010 through the Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Gulfport CARES Schools.