Our Story

Two children, a boy and a girl, are engrossed in a storybook. the boy, pointing at the page, shares something exciting with the girl as they read together in a warmly lit room.

In May of 2024, we embarked on an exciting transition into our new identity as Together for Youth, we not only changed our name; we evolved our mission and vision to better reflect our commitment to the youth and families in the communities we serve.

Over the years, under our previous name as Berkshire Farm Center, we established ourselves as a cornerstone of support, providing vital programs and services to uplift and empower those in need. Now, as Together for Youth, we’re taking that legacy forward with renewed energy and purpose, embracing a fresh perspective that underscores the unity and collaboration at the heart of our work.

With our new name and identity, we’re signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and unified approach to serving our communities. Together for Youth embodies the spirit of partnership and collective action, highlighting our belief in the power of collaboration to drive positive change.

As we continue to support youth and families in navigating life’s challenges, our new identity serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity, uniting us all under a common mission to foster resilience, growth, and opportunity for every individual we serve. This success is made possible by the collective effort of community partners, foster parents, donors, volunteers, board members, and committed staff.

We Keep Evolving

As we evolved, so did our name, reflecting our commitment to serving all youth. From our origins as Burnham Industrial Farm and then Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth, we now recommit to our mission as Together for Youth.

It all began in 1886…

Embark on a journey through time with us, tracing our roots back to the visionary founders, Frederick and Catharine Burnham, who planted the seeds of hope in 1886. Their dream of a sanctuary for troubled youth took shape as Burnham Industrial Farm, nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Canaan, New York.

For more than a century, their legacy flourished, evolving into Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth in the 1970s. Guided by unwavering dedication, we extended our reach and services to meet the evolving needs of youth and families across New York State.

As the years unfolded, our organization grew, touching the lives of nearly 2,000 youth and families daily by 2024. Yet, amidst this remarkable journey, we recognized the need for a transformation – a fresh identity that resonates with our unwavering commitment and ambitious vision for the future.

And so, in May 2024, we turned the page to a new chapter, embracing our new name, Together for Youth. With this bold step, we reaffirm our pledge to stand united in our mission, empowering youth and families to live safely, independently, and productively in their communities.

Join us as we embark on this exhilarating new chapter, where every step forward is a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and resilience that defines us. Together, we’ll continue to write the story of hope, empowerment, and transformation for generations to come.

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Burnham
Industrial
Farm 1886-1894

Berkshire
Industrial
Farm 1894-1959

Berkshire
Farm for
Boys 1959-1974

Berkshire Farm Center
& Services
for Youth 1974-2024

Together
for Youth 2024 – BEYOND