BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – The Canton Town Board proclaimed Wednesday, May 10, as United Helpers Recognition Day in light of the Society’s 125th anniversary.

On hand were four members of the United Helpers leadership team, including Chief Executive Officer Todd Amo.

“We would like to thank the Town of Canton for this honor. While we haven’t been in Canton for 125 years, Canton serves as a home for many of our services today, including our nursing home, independent senior living, assisted living, physical and occupational therapy and behavioral health clinics,” stated United Helpers Vice President of Human Resources Michelle Matthews.

Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley read the proclamation.

“The vision that sparked the birth of the Society of the United Helpers began in the hearts of the people of St. Lawrence County,” read Ashley.

“In 1898 and the two decades preceding, a desperate need to house indigent children was identified. Answering the call for action were ten women who pledged $100 each to fund and establish a Home for the Homeless. This home was to provide care for orphaned children and destitute women. Ultimately setting the standard of care that later defined the Society of the United Helpers,” the proclamation continued.

Soon after, Ashley noted, twelve church women joined together to apply for a charter. They developed a constitution and bylaws, and the Society of the United Helpers was officially formed in April 1898. On May 4, less than one month later, the first child was placed in the Society’s home located at 22 Congress Street in Ogdensburg.

The proclamation continued to recount the Society’s history.

“Alzina Milligan, the Society’s first matron, rode to Potsdam, NY to pick up a boy who needed care. Mrs. Milligan often traveled the countryside in her horse and buggy seeking donations for the home. The Home experienced unimaginable growth and it wasn’t long before the little house on Congress Street was filled,” read Ashley.

The Society of the United Helpers incorporated in 1899 and in 1900, purchased 2.5 acres of land at 1220 State Street in Ogdensburg (where the Edgar E. Newell Dome stands today.

United Helpers has grown substantially since then. In 1970, a new 120 bed home for the elderly was built on State Highway 68. In 1978 a new dormitory was built; in 1979 United Helpers took receivership of Cedars Nursing Home in Ogdensburg and Moongate in Canton.

In 1982 Intermediate Care Facilities were opened for people with developmental disabilities; in the 1990’s mental health services, additional residential services and Partridge Knoll, the first independent retirement community was opened.

In the years 2004-2019, several more projects and programs were acquired, created and opened, continuing the heartwarming legacy of United Helpers, Ashley concluded.