In 1893, an abandoned newborn was discovered in a shoebox at Austin's railway station. Word of the baby girl spread quickly and just as quickly, serveral women who were leaders in the missionary societies of their various denominations, volunteered to take responsibility for the child. They took her into their homes, caredfor her, and gave here a name: Mary Austin.In 1995, the Home expanded its services to include therapeutic fostercare. The program serves children from birth to eighteen years old, some of whom require treatment services but canfunction successfully in a home environment. In addition to foster care, the home is also licensed for adoptin services.