Business Leader Forms the First "Cabinet" for Kids

In the mid 1980's a local businessman , Michael Dermody, sought to create a high-level "Cabinet" of key public officials and prominent business leaders to address the needs of children in the community. A cross section of community leaders, representing local and state government, judiciary, child and family services, juvenile services, and social services dedicated their time and expertise to this endeavor.

As a result of the commitment of these leaders, The Children's Cabinet, Inc. was established in December 1985, as a private non-profit organization with the mission of creating a lasting public-private partnerrship to address the needs of children and families in our community. This unique commitment to public-private partnerships provides a foundation for the Cabinet's organizational strength by being able to respond quickly to the changing needs of the community and to bring about true collaboration in the delivery of service. Today, the Cabinet serves more than 15,000 children and families each year.

Over its history, The Cabinet has successfully brought diverse groups "to the table" to look at the issues facing children and families and develop innovative responses to meet those needs. In response to identified community needs, The Children's Cabinet has developed a number of programs over the years, including Parenting Education, Family Counseling, Reach for the Academic Difference Tutoring and Truancy Prevention. The Cabinet has also started and spun off several successful programs, including the Adolescent Health Clinic, The Children's Cabinet in Incline Village, The Nevada Public Health Foundation and Join Together. These programs are now either run by public agencies or are their own private, non-profit organizations.