Established in 1973, when child abuse was a crime so unspeakable Americans did not speak of it at all, Casa de los Niños was among the first crisis nurseries in the United States. Founded by Sister Kathleen Clark, the first nursery was small. The vision was so big, however, that Casa de los Niños soon began to expand to meet became the growing need of families in Tucson.

From the very beginning, community members stepped forward as volunteers to help care for the kids in the nursery. They brought diapers and blankets and toys. They offered their help, with donations of time and money. Today we still rely on the community for support.