NEWS

Very early in its existence, the founders of the Mothers’ Aid Society recognized that childcare alone was insufficient for the well-being of children and their families. So the organization incorporated into its mission the support of working families. In 1883, the Society opened a laundry service to provide jobs for unemployed mothers. It is interesting to note that in 1885, the laundry brought in $10.12; however, the same financial report shows that the nursery made an adv

In 1900 the school advertised a 5cent/day charge – in today’s terms that would be about $7.25/week – and it was clear that many families could not pay the full amount. Fundraising was a necessity. To give you an idea of its importance, in 1885 it accounted for between 84% and 92% of income (depending upon the interpretation of some of the items in the 1885 Treasurer’s Report). Leila Day’s 2012-2013 approved budget projected that fundraising would account for 20% of income.

New Haven in 1878 seemed to be bursting at the seams. Every day, newcomers from Europe streamed into the city, bringing the population from 20,000 in 1850 to 100,000 in 1900. Many immigrants found jobs in New Haven’s homes, shops and factories, especially in garment factories like Strouse-Adler. Leila Day was founded in 1878 as the Mothers’ Aid Society of New Haven by a local group of wealthy women who recognized that women who worked all day were often forced to leave their