Our Roots:

The vision that sparked the birth of the Society of the United Helpers was ignited in 1898 and began in the hearts of the people of St. Lawrence County. In 1898, and the two decades preceding, a desperate need for increased facilities to house indigent children was identified. The problem has loomed and reached its pinnacle when a public debate arose over the fate of three area children that were considered by the community to be "running wild."

Setting the Standard of Care:

Answering this call for action were ten women, who pledged $100 each to fund and establish a Home for the Homeless. This home was to provide basic care for orphaned children and destitute women, but it also set a standard of care that later became the framework for the Society of the United Helpers. 

After many discussions, twelve church women formed a new group and applied for a state charter. They developed a constitution and bylaws and the Society of the United Helpers was officially formed in April of 1898.

On May 4, just one short month later, the first child was placed in the Society's Home which was located at 22 Congress Street in Ogdensburg. Alzina Milligan, the Society's first matron, rode to Potsdam, NY to pick up a boy who was in need of care. In order to insure proper nutrition under her care, Mrs. Milligan often traveled the countryside in her horse and buggy seeking donations for the home.

This demonstration of "caring for our community" has long served the United Helpers organization. Today, United Helpers still seeks to fulfill the health and social needs of the North Country. Below is a timeline of events since the time of our incorporation.

Timeline:

May 4, 1898– the first child was placed in the United Helpers’ Home on Congress Street in Ogdensburg

February 23, 1899 — the Society of the United Helpers is incorporated

1910 — the first senior women were admitted to the United Helpers’ Home

1927— a fundraising effort ensued, resulting in a $76,000, three-story wing accommodating up to 100 children

1940s— annual fund drives were established, netting needed money, clothing, food, and equipment

1955—senior male residents were admitted to the United Helpers’ Home

1970— a new United Helpers’ Home was purchased on State Street in Ogdensburg (where the Edgar E. Newell Golden Dome stands today)

1972— the United Helpers Nursing Home opens on Riverside Drive in Ogdensburg

1979— the United Helpers Adult Home opens on Riverside Drive in Ogdensburg

1981– the Society opens its first Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) for developmentally disabled adults. This number would grow to six ICF’s located in Ogdensburg, Lisbon, Heuvelton, Rensselaer Falls and Morristown

1982— the Society purchases Cedars Nursing Home in Ogdensburg and “Moongate” Nursing Home in Canton and the facility is renamed the United Helpers Canton Nursing Home

1984 - United Helpers assumes management responsibilities for Hamilton Gardens, Waddington, NY

1985 - United Helpers assumes management responsibilities for Meadowview Apartments in Heuvelton, NY

1986 - United Helpers assumes management responsibilities for Castle Ridge Manor, Lisbon and Louisville Housing, Louisville, 

1988 - United Helpers assumes management responsibilites for Columbia High Manor, Morristown, NY

1990— the Society introduces Gateway Apartments, supportive housing for people with mental illness. United Helpers assumes management responsibilities for Hill Top Manor, Colton, NY

1992 - United Helpers assumes management responsibilites for McBrier Park Manor, Hermon, NY

1994— the first Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) was opened by the Society providing care for the developmentally disabled in a smaller, more homelike setting. By the end of the decade, United Helpers Care, Inc. would operate four IRAs and Day Habilitation Services. United Helpers assumes managment responsbilities for Mill Site Manor, Hammond, NY

1998 - United Helpers assumes management responsbilities for Russell Attwater Housing, Russell, NY

1999— the Society opens Partridge Knoll, St. Lawrence County’s first independent retirement community

2000— the Society opens the Community Health Center offering primary health care and physical therapy services

2003— the Society launches additional health services at the United Helpers Adult Home. In the fall, the Society launches its first capital campaign in more than 30 years to raise funds for the United Helpers/Cedars Nursing Home construction/renovation project

2004— the Society launches home health services for residents of St. Lawrence County

2006— the Society breaks ground on a $26 million project to combine United Helpers/Cedars Nursing Homes

2008—The construction/merger of United Helpers & Cedar’s Nursing Homes is completed. Ground is broken on Maplewood Campus, home of United Helpers Canton Nursing Home and St. Lawrence County’s first Assisted Living Program

2009—Outpatient Therapy Services are offered to the public at Maplewood Campus’ new therapy suite

2010—Outpatient Therapy Services are offered to the public at RiverLedge Campus' new therapy suite

2011—The Society of the United Helpers announces restructuring to help consumers better identify products and services: United Helpers Canton Nursing Home, Inc DBA Maplewood Health Care and Rehabilitation Center; United Helpers Nursing Home, Inc DBA RiverLedge Health Care and Rehabilitation Center; United Helpers Care, Inc DBA Mosaic. United Helpers assumes management of Mill Yard Estates, Parishville, NY; Kilkarney Courts, Fowler, NY; St. Peter‘s Square, Ogdensburg, NY; Edwards Senior Courts, Edwards, NY; and Cambray Courts, Gouverneur, more than doubling the Senior/Disabled Housing program. United Helpers Care, Inc. announces the opening of Stepping Stones: Children’s therapy Services

2013 - United Helpers Care, Inc (Mosaic) sold the Cedar's Complex and moved to their new location at 100 Ford Street, Ogdensburg. United Helpers also assumes management of Milltown Meadows apartments in Evans Mills

2014 - United Helpers Care, Inc (Mosaic) purchases Basta's Flower Shop and strives to provide work-site experiences for their consumers. United Helpers Management received a New York State Department of Health Grant for Senior Supportive Housing Services, allowing for the development of the SWISH program