Since 1915, the Child Welfare Society of Flint has been quietly helping the children and youth of Genesee County. Through the years, thousands of children were lovingly cared for at Cedar Street Children's Center. In the spring of 2013, CWS gifted the Cedar Street Children's Center building and surrounding grounds to the Shelter of Flint. The Child Welfare Society of Flint is now a private foundation that operates to offer grants to organizations that assist families and children with educational, health and social needs. As a private foundation, CWS provides grants for programs and services that benefit children and youth in Genesee County.