160 years ago, a refuge for young women seeking factory and domestic work in Chicago was created.

It began as the Erring Women’s Refuge for Reform and later became the Chicago Home for Girls in 1914. That same year, Judge Mary Bartelme — the first woman to be elected judge in the state of Illinois and a trailblazer for juvenile justice — opened the first of several group homes for girls as alternatives to jail. Affectionately known as the “Mary Clubs,” after their founder, these homes were later officially renamed in her honor.

Fast forward to 1960, these two organizations merged to form Mary Bartelme Homes and Services, and by 1988, they joined forces with Lawrence Hall Home and School for Boys, creating what we now know as Lawrence Hall. How did Lawrence Hall’s origins shape support for youth over time?

As a key founder of the first juvenile court in the United States, and the first woman to preside over the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Juvenile Justice Division, Judge Mary Bartelme helped shape the juvenile justice system as we know it today. She is recognized as the first judge to include social scientists in court hearings, changing sentencing principles from punishment-driven to rehabilitation.

During her time as an assistant judge, the lack of options for girls in the justice system inspired Mary to open her group homes. Mary believed that providing youth with an environment where they were believed in and cared for could be the catalyst for great change in their lives. The first home she opened as part of the Mary Clubs? It was her own house, with Mary personally looking after ten girls at a time.

Mary's unwavering belief that all youth could live lives of happiness when given the right support remains the foundation of our work at Lawrence Hall today.

While Judge Bartelme may have laid the groundwork for what we do, it’s thanks to you, our supporters, that Lawrence Hall has been able to serve Chicago’s youth and families since 1865. How will we carry on Judge Bartelme’s legacy? As we always have; by working together, as a community.

You are an important part of Lawrence Hall’s 160-year history. Make your mark on our future and donate today.