The William George Agency for Children's Services history

The chapel was designed by Auburn, NY native Julius Schweinfurth and built in 1901.

Expansion in the service of providing additional treatment opportunities to children in need has been an Agency priority since the early 1990’s.

Sonia came to the District as a special education teacher in 1992.

Dave began his career at The William George Agency in the Fall of 1993 after graduating from Ithaca College with a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Juvenile Justice.

Ron began at the Agency, then known as The George Junior Republic, in 1994, and has over 45 years of experience in child welfare, dedicating his career to ensuring the highest quality service for children and families.

In 1996 when Barber Cottage opened, The William George Agency became the first private residential treatment center in New York State to be licensed to provide sex offender specific treatment to adolescent males who have engaged in sexually abusive behavior.

In July 2000, The William George Agency became one of only three private residential agencies in the state to open an OASAS licensed outpatient chemical dependency treatment clinic at VanClef Cottage serving the needs of our residential population.

During that he time he attended Marywood University to receive his Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2001.

In 2005 the George Junior Republic changed its name to The William George Agency for Children’s Services.

Justin began as a chemical dependency counselor at The William George Agency in 2007.

In 2011, Justin helped to develop the Youth Centered Recovery Program.

Sonia Apker has dedicated her career to the George Junior Republic Union Free School District, having worked as a special education teacher, curriculum coordinator, and principal before being named Superintendent in 2013.

In October of 2018, Raise the Age (RTA) Legislation became effective which raised the age of criminal responsibility to 17-years-old.