Githens at 75—A Milestone Worth Noting
As of 2026, Githens Center has been serving individuals and families for approximately 75 years, making it one of the longest-standing disability-service organizations in the region. What began as a small grassroots effort has grown into a comprehensive nonprofit serving adults and families throughout Burlington County and surrounding communities.
Githens Center has a remarkable history rooted in one family’s determination to change the way children and adults with disabilities were treated in Burlington County, New Jersey. It began as the Burlington County Cerebral Palsy Association and has grown into a comprehensive community organization serving individuals with multiple disabilities and their families.
The Beginning: a Mother, a Teacher, and a Vision
The story begins with Helen Githens, a teacher and parent who saw firsthand the lack of opportunities available to children with disabilities in the 1950s. Along with Dr. E. Vernon Davis, she helped establish the Burlington County Cerebral Palsy Association in 1951 with the goal of improving the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy.
At that time, many children with cerebral palsy had little access to education, therapy, or community support. The organization’s first Diagnostic Clinic was held in May 1951, screening six individuals, and physical therapy services began later that year.
The Human Story Behind the Name
The most compelling part of Githens Center’s history is that it was born from advocacy. Helen Githens did not simply identify a need—she acted on it. Her work reflects a larger movement in the mid-20th century when parents, educators, physicians, and community leaders began challenging the exclusion of people with disabilities from schools and public life.
The history of Githens Center is also tied to the broader story of changing attitudes: moving from isolation and institutional care toward inclusion, dignity, and community belonging.
Why Githens Center Matters Historically
One of the most significant aspects of Githens Center’s history is that it emerged during a period when many children with disabilities were excluded from traditional educational opportunities. The organization became part of a broader movement in New Jersey that helped pave the way for more inclusive education, therapy, family support services, and community-based programs. The work of Helen Githens and other early advocates helped change expectations about what people with disabilities could achieve when given appropriate support.
Growth from a Small Effort into a Lifelong Support System
What started as a small community response eventually became a full-service organization offering programs designed to promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life. Today, Githens Center provides services for adults and families, including:
• Adult day programs
• In-home respite services
• Family support programs
• Social development opportunities
• Personal assistance services
• Educational and community supports
The organization’s philosophy has evolved from simply providing care to helping people with disabilities participate fully in their communities and pursue greater independence.