The late Dr. Hugh Mulherin founded the Mulherin Custodial Home located at 2496 Halls Mill Road in 1952.  Dr. Mulherin had a son who had Cerebral Palsy and he knew first hand that there were many such children who were not as well off as his son and who needed a place to be cared for where they would be able to live happily, at their own level, and not have to compete with a normal world.  It was 48 years ago that his idea of a Home away from Home with tender loving care became a reality for other mentally and physically challenged children of all ages.

 

Dr. Mulherin’s heart was bigger than his wallet. If there was a need he met it, no one was ever turned away.

 

Dr. Mulherin persuaded Mrs. Frances Bertagnolli to come to work as the administrator.  She intended to help out for a short while and ended up staying years.  Rose Pugh, the present administrator, came in 1970 as Mrs. Bertagnolli’s assistant.  In 1972, Mrs. Bertagnolli retired because of poor health.

 

In 1958, after 6 years of struggling financially-depending on the parents who were able to pay and donations from the community, a concerned citizen, Mr. Joel Swanson, recognized the need to keep this home in existence and went to United Way.  It was in the late 1950’s that the Mulherin Home became a United Way Agency.

 

We serve 34 residents, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the help of housemothers, who tend each child’s personal needs.  Right now our residents range from age 14 to 59 years.

 

The biggest part of our funding comes from United Way.  One of the ways we try to keep our cost as low as possible is utilizing some of the other United Way Agencies.

 

We have 23 children who attend Mobile Association for Retarded Citizens from 8am to 2pm.  Three children attend Augusta Evans and the remaining eight are either on a waiting list to get in to a day program or because of health reasons will not attend.

 

A nurse from the Visiting Nurses Association visits the Home on demand.  The Family Counseling Service is available as the need arises to help families cope with the situation of having a special needs child.

 

Mulherin is truly home to our residents as the majority has been with us from infancy.