Valley Youth House began in 1971 as a small but determined movement, when community leaders convened the first Valley Youth House Committee, selected officers, and adopted a unifying statement of purpose. Under the leadership of the first president, Peter Pritchett, we quickly set our sights on creating a safe space for young people in crisis. In 1972, the purchase of our Lehigh Valley Shelter marked a turning point, and by 1973, after extensive renovations, it officially opened its doors under the guidance of our first Executive Director, Gary Stone. 

Throughout the mid-1970s, Valley Youth House built strong ties within the region, becoming a member agency of the Lehigh County and Greater Bethlehem Area United Ways and a charter member of the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services. As youth needs expanded, so did our response! In 1977, a new contract with Lehigh County deepened services to include short-term emergency foster care. By 1978, with David Gilgoff stepping in as Executive Director, Valley Youth House launched innovative programs including a Peer Outreach initiative (now Adolescents and Families Together) and through a partnership with the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley, one of Pennsylvania’s first independent living programs for older adolescents.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a period of growth that broadened Valley Youth House’s reach and long-term vision. In 1983, the Lehigh Valley Shelter increased its capacity from eight to twelve youth, and the following year a 3,000-square-foot addition was completed thanks to a major capital campaign chaired by Edward Doney. As our capabilities expanded, so did our mission. In 1989, Valley Youth House introduced the Family Preservation Program, marking our first major step into services for children under age twelve. This commitment deepened in 1991 with the launch of the Family Intervention Program through a grant from the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. By 1994, we had become a Licensed Mental Health Provider, solidifying our role in supporting youth and families across multiple areas of care. 

Our Street Outreach program, The Synergy Project, began serving vulnerable youth experiencing homelessness in 1999. New geographic locations followed, with the opening of the Bucks County Shelter in 2002 and the launch of outpatient services in the region in 2003. In 2004, Valley Youth House expanded its experiential learning and camping programs by purchasing Camp Horseshoe, setting the stage for even more outdoor and recreational initiatives.

Valley Youth House entered the new millennium with steps toward regional expansion. In 2005, the Supportive Housing Program opened in Philadelphia, providing stability for young adults transitioning to independence. A year later, Linny and Bealle Fowler generously renamed Camp Horseshoe to Camp Fowler, which would become an iconic summer destination for youth in the region. By 2009, the camp hosted the grand opening of the Fleming Pool and patio. That same year marked the acquisition of the contract for Philadelphia’s Achieving Independence Center (AIC), which strengthened our footprint in the City of Brotherly Love.

Growth continued, with a new office opening up north in Luzerne County. Offices opened in Chester and Delaware Counties in 2012, followed by York and Lancaster Counties in 2013, the same year Executive Director David Gilgoff retired after several decades of impact. By 2015, Valley Youth House had extended our services into Dauphin County and launched the #CouchesDontCount campaign, raising awareness of hidden youth homelessness and reaffirming our commitment to the region’s most vulnerable young people.

Thomas R. Harrington was appointed as President and Executive Director in 2016, and Valley Youth House deepened our commitment to inclusivity and trauma-informed care. The opening of Project Silk Lehigh Valley that same year created a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth in Allentown. 

In 2017, five Lehigh Valley offices consolidated into a new home on High Point Blvd. in Bethlehem, while Camp Fowler expanded its programming through EITC-approved STEM and arts camps. Awards and statewide recognition followed in 2018 as we were honored with the Excellence in Business Award from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. That year also saw the expansion of Rapid Rehousing into Lackawanna County, the extension of the Adolescents Achieving Independence (AAI) program to Perry County, and the opening of Patti’s House, made possible by Patricia Walsh. 

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Valley Youth House kept all residential programs and emergency shelters open, maintaining our commitment to a continuity of care. PBS later highlighted our organization by televising a virtual summer camp, “It’s Live! From Camp Fowler.” 

In 2021, Patricia Walsh again provided support by purchasing the Sasso House for young female survivors of trafficking, and the Camp Fowler Cabin Construction Campaign came to a successful conclusion. The following year saw the launch of the Leadership Valley Youth House development program, major expansions of school-based counseling services, and the introduction of year-long adventure-based learning through Catalyst Adventure Learning. 

In 2023, Valley Youth House proudly celebrated our 50th Anniversary, and by 2024 opened the Carter Family Center, a state-of-the-art education and recreation center at Camp Fowler.

Looking ahead, Valley Youth House enters our next chapter with an eye toward sustainability, innovation, and long-term impact. With the launch of the Open Doors Endowment Campaign in 2025, we are laying the financial foundation needed to ensure that our life-changing programs remain strong for generations to come. As the needs of youth and families evolve, Valley Youth House stands poised to meet them, continuing our legacy of compassion, leadership, and commitment to those who need it most.