History and Mission
Founded
in the Germantown section of Philadelphia in 1859 by Elizabeth
Fry Ashmead Schaeffer with one dollar and an abiding faith in
providing care and services to orphaned children, the children's
program of Silver Springs - Martin Luther School celebrates over
140 years of services to children and families!
Formerly part of Lutheran Home at Germantown, located in the Germantown/Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, the children's program moved to Silver Springs Farm in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania in 1972, when it became Silver Springs - Martin Luther School. Nonsectarian with regard to whom it serves, Silver Springs continues as a Social Ministry Organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
On a picturesque 36-acre campus, Silver Springs offers a holistic approach in addressing the developmental, emotional, educational, spiritual and social well-being of children and families. A strong interdisciplinary philosophy guides the dedicated professionals who provide assessment, treatment and instruction within the context of innovative residential, specialized foster family care, and educational programs.
Comprehensive services are designed to address the issues of behavioral dysfunctions and developmental disabilities in children and adolescents while working toward reuniting children with their families. The efforts of all programs are focused on providing outcome-oriented treatment that is individualized, consistent and flexible, using methods that are systematic, data-based and affirming.
The impact of these services on children and their families is substantial. Many "children" return years later to express gratitude to Silver Springs for the assistance, care, and childhood they experienced while at Silver Springs.
