1959-1969

The first African-American resident at Uhlich — a 13-year-old boy from Evanston — arrives in summer 1964.

1960

Uhlich’s early financial success is achieved in part from donations from Chicagoans of German descent. Case in point: hot dog icon Oscar G. Mayer was a consistent donor through stocks and cash gifts.

Arriving from the Hershey School for Boys in Pennsylvania, E. Glenn Rogers is named the new superintendent of Uhlich.

The Uhlich Board of Trustees votes to sell the property at 2359 S. Wentworth Avenue, the site of a Uhlich bequest, for $100,000 to the Chiam Restaurant. The Chinatown branch of the Chicago Public Library now sits on the site.

1961

Amendments to the Social Security Act establish the Flemming Rule that declares that states could not simply ignore the needs of children living in households deemed unsuitable. It requires states to either provide appropriate services to make the home suitable or move the child to a suitable placement while continuing to provide financial support on behalf of the child.

1962

A study committee reviewing community and institutional needs concludes “there is no doubt that the Uhlich Children’s Home should adopt non-discriminatory intake policies as soon as possible.”

1964

The first African-American resident at Uhlich — a 13-year-old boy from Evanston — arrives in summer 1964.

1965

In 1965, the state of Illinois establishes the Department of Children and Family Services. Uhlich Home residents thus become “wards of the state” as the cost of care had increased beyond the reach of most involved families.

1967

An amendment is made to the Social Security Act making AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children)-Foster Care mandatory in all states.