In March 1969 Rex Smith, one of the original founders of Hearts & Homes for Youth, prepared a report called “The House That People Built: Anatomy of a Group Home in Suburbia.” The subject of the report was the Boys’ Home of Montgomery County, which is now known as Hearts & Homes for Youth.

In the report, a younger Rex describes Hearts & Homes for Youth’s (formerly named the Boys’ Home of Montgomery County) history, founding concept, and the anatomy of the program. It is heartwarming to read. Many of his words still ring true, such as his note in the Acknowledgements: “We appreciate very much the interest and enthusiasm of the local community without whose support as individuals, groups, and corporate citizens, there would be no home and no report.”

We have begun publishing excerpts from the report on our website and social media pages – we highly recommend that you take a look when you have time. Reading the reflections and observations of one of our original founders is a special way to get to know our programs and guiding values.

The House That People Built – Seeing a Need
The Concept of the Boys’ Home
The Program at the Boys’ Home