The Woman Who Started It All: Alberta Danner

In the 1940s, Alberta Danner and her husband, Reverend Charles Danner, saw a need for kids in their community who had no other safe place to spend the night.  Rather than look the other way, the Danners opened their heart and home. 

It began with one little boy who needed a place to stay. Soon another child arrived, then another. Before long, 22 kids were living under their roof at one time, each welcomed into a home where they felt safe and cared for. 

As more children needed support, the Danners’ mission grew. With help from community organizations, they moved to a larger property just south of town and built a bigger home so they could continue serving kids in need. 

Alberta cared for every child who came through their doors with the same dedication and belief: that they all deserved safety and stability. In just four years, she helped care for more than 400 kids. 

That commitment became the foundation of the CEDARS we know today. What began with one child and one family grew into a lasting mission to support kids and families across our community. 

Because Alberta chose to act, generations of kids and families have had a place to turn. Her legacy of love and leadership continues to guide our work today.