Children In Need of Hugs, (CINOH),  became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in June, 2000.  It was found by our founder/CEO, Lorraine Hargrave,  who was a homeless teenage mother.  She financed the program with her personal funds and private donations to bring her vision into reality which is to advocate for runaway and homeless youth.  Our first program opened in 2001 which  provided supportive services to homeless teenage mothers and their children in Solano County, California. 

In September, 2007 we were granted our first federal funding to support our cause from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

The federal grant allowed us to move closer to another one of our founder's visions which is to eventually open an emergency youth shelter for runaway and homeless youth. 

October 1, 2011 CINOH was granted a second Federal grant from the Department of Health & Human Services, Family Youth Service Bureau to develop its emergency youth shelter, because of those funds CINOH's youth shelter will open in April 2012.

 At risk youth are seeking a safe haven away from physical, sexual and mental abuse.  Some youth just need someone to talk to before they runaway or attempt to commit suicide;  some runaway from their homes and do not know how to talk to their parents about returning; Some at risk youth are parents who just need a break from their child for a day or two to re-group;   Some at risk youth are forced into prostitution, gangs and drugs; Some are just seeking shelter, food, clothes, tutoring, financial support and/or vocational training.

We are here to support youth  who are ready for a change and who will allow us to assist them  in becoming self-sufficient so they can  become functioning adults in our society.