Father Tim Weider founded KINSHIP in 1968 when he established Kennedy House for boys in Perkinsville, New York. Kennedy House was the first group home of its kind to serve Steuben and surrounding counties.

Founded upon a philosophy that “LOVE CREATES PERSON”, Kinship is dedicated to strengthening and enriching family life; whether it be in the lives of families we serve who are struggling to remain together, whether in our group homes, or in our family foster homes; adults and youth live together bound by a commitment to helping each other become everything they are capable of becoming.

• 1972 – Kennedy House licensed by the New York State Board of Social Welfare under the sponsorship of Catholic Charities of Rochester.
• 1977 – incorporated as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation under the Not-For-Profit Corporation Laws of the State of New York.
• 1978 – Kinship House, seven bed group home for adolescent girls opens in Bradford, N.Y.
• 1982 – S.H.A.P.E. (Supportive Home and Parent Enrichment) in-home family preservation program established in Steuben County with a grant from the Appalachian regional Commission.
• 1985 – approved by the N.Y.S. Department of Social Services to establish Therapeutic Foster Home Program. S.H.A.P.E. Begins service to families in Allegany County.
• 1995 – construction of 18 bed community residence to service adults in alcoholism recovery is completed. First residents arrive in September.
• 1998 – approve by N.Y.S. Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to establish twenty (20) bed (scattered) Supportive Living program.
• 2001 – awarded $100,000 state grant to provide Reunification (Aftercare) services to children returning home from foster care.
• 2001 – Kinship Family and Youth Services, Inc. merges with Catholic Charities of Rochester Inc.; becoming “specialty regional office” of Catholic Charities.
• 2004 - construction of 10 - bed diagnostic home for children 5 to 12 years of age is completed. First children arrive in April.