Friendship House

At that time, Scranton had a Poor District, but women and children had unique needs that weren’t being met. Many women, especially widows or those without support, faced poverty and had nowhere to turn. Mossman and his group turned to the Young Men’s Christian Association for help, which then called on local women to take action.

On September 27, 1871, a group of women met at the YMCA, formed a board, and created a constitution. By September 29, they had leased a house and started the "Society of the Home for the Friendless Women and Children of Scranton." With donations and annual dues of $3, the society began helping women and children in need. In its first year, the home housed seven women and nine children.

The organization quickly grew, with a second home built on donated land. Over the years, the society’s work continued to expand, showing the community's commitment to supporting those who were most vulnerable. By 1874, the home had 15 residents, each with a heart-wrenching story, including an elderly woman longing for peace after a life of hard work.