About Us » History

Our History

Our name originates from the Shield of David, which symbolizes God's loving care and protection. We began in 1921 as a home for orphaned Jewish girls. Today we are a nonsectarian human-service and education agency, affiliated with the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services (JBFCS). We have many partners, friends, and allies with a shared vision of a better life for people with developmental challenges.

Our work has evolved and now our focus is enabling citizens to lead self-determined lives and less to do with "shielding" vulnerable people.

Our history of service includes the following:

pioneering early intervention
empowering young workers to gain real work experience early on
creating community centers for adults whom others were sometimes reluctant to serve
leading efforts to bring artists with developmental challenges into the mainstream
creating opportunities for those on the autism spectrum to define their own culture

Original Shield Home in South Bronx

Girls Observe Jewish Sabbath at The Shield, ca. 1950

Ground Breaking Ceremony of Bronx Facility in 1958