The History That Got Us Here Today
Cumberland first opened its doors in 1904, as a mission and outreach for the widows and orphans of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1932, the denomination moved the Children’s Home to the 17-acre campus in Denton, Texas where we still provide services today.
Like many organizations that have navigated over a century of change, we have long embraced the notion that meeting the needs of children, youth and families requires creativity and innovation. We are rooted in the belief that positive transformation is possible when a person is surrounded by support and love. We have been, and will always be, a compassionate community for those who need a safe place to call home.
For generations, we were known as Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home. The heart of our mission remains unchanged. However, in 2021 our Board of Trustees agreed to change our name to Cumberland Youth and Family Services, effective in 2022. Our new name embodies our legacy and our ongoing commitment to serving children, young adults, and families in need. It also reflects the breadth and depth of our current programs and allows for flexibility as we expand our capabilities to broaden our impact.
Our Legacy
1904
Miss Victoria Jackson bequeathed her home in Bowling Green, Kentucky to be a home for widows and orphans. This home became the first site of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.
1932
The decision was made to move the Children’s Home to Denton, Texas. Six children arrived from Kentucky to take up residence.
1939
Cumberland moved into a building on its current campus grounds, at the corner of Bernard and Greenlee Streets.
1999
The Board of Trustees voted to expand our mission to begin working with families as well as children. The Single Parent Family ministry begins.
2003
The Building Together Capital Campaign raised just over $6 million to expand programming and increase the campus' capacity to fulfill the mission.
2004
The Parr Family Resource Building is completed, and the agency begins construction on four duplexes (8 units) for the Family Residential Program.
2007
Cumberland opens the Family Services program to serve vulnerable single-parent families who have experienced life’s hardships.
2010
The remodel of the Gilbert Parr Activities Building, construction of a fourth duplex and minor campus enhancements were completed.
2011
The Capital Campaign construction was completed.
2012
Cumberland opens Shelter Services, Denton County’s only 24/7 emergency CPS placement.
2019
Cumberland expanded residential care to include Treatment Services for girls ages 11-17.
2021
Cumberland launches a Supervised Independent Living Program for those that have aged out of foster care, ages 18-22.
2022
Cumberland changes its name to “Cumberland Youth and Family Services.”
Honoring Our Past Leaders
Rev. James Lewis Elliott
1932 — 1936
Mr. L. J. Springer
1936 — 1943
Rev. Daniel Edgar Williams
1943 — 1948
Rev. John Webster Burgett
1948 — 1951
Rev. Hershal Hiram Hunter
1951 — 1953
Rev. Robert ”Neill” Hudson
1954 — 1956
Mr. A. Don Roberts
1956 — 1958
Miss Marjorie Yingling
1958 — 1959
Rev. J. C. Forester
1959 — 1963
Rev. Dr. James C. Gilbert
1964 — 1990
Rev. Don M. Tabor
1990 — 1991
Rev. Dr. Marvin E. Leslie
1991 — 1995
Rev. Stan E. Rush
1995 — 2000
Dr. Judith Burroughs Keith
2000 — 2006
Mr. Randy Spencer
2006 — 2007
Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Henson
2008 — 2013
Mr. Richard Brown
2013 — 2018
Ms. Courtney Banatoski
2018 to present
