The Friendship Foundation

Lincoln Child Center 

Lincoln Child Center was started 125 years ago by a group of volunteers. With a mission to “enable vulnerable and emotionally troubled children and their families to lead independent and fulfilling lives” Lincoln offers programs and services aimed at helping each individual cope with their unique challenges.

Lincoln’s integrated school and day treatment provide special education and intensive mental health services to students in grades K-8. These children may live off campus or may be enrolled in the Residential Program which provides 24 hour support and guidance for 26 children. Through these programs a range of services are provided including: individual, group and family counseling, rehabilitative therapies, crisis intervention, medical and psychiatric treatment.

Our dogs visit mid day on a Tuesday alternating each month between the middle school (grades 6-8) and the elementary school (K-5). Some children share stories about pets they have known or hope to have when they “grow up”. Often what they enjoy the most is the chance to be “the one in charge” having responsibility for walking a dog. Kids and dogs are a natural pairing and many of these children have had too few opportunities to pet and cuddle and share kisses with a safe and friendly pup.

If you and your dog want to spend an hour with a group of active, excited children this may be just the visit for you.