Who We Are
The Mulherin Custodial Home is a 501(c) (3) organization, and a United Way agency. Founded in 1952 in Mobile County by the late Dr. Hugh Mulherin. Having had a son with Cerebral Palsy he knew first hand the limited resource available to parents of children with special needs not to mention is was 1952. Doctor Mulherin started the Home for children who for many different reasons needed a place where they could be cared for in a loving environment with quality of life, meeting each individuals needs and their full potential is realized. It was 52 years ago that his idea of a “Home” away from home with tender loving care became a reality for mentally and physically challenged children of all ages.No one was ever turned away; if there was a need he met it. Dr. Mulherin’s heart was bigger than his wallet. In 1958, after 6 years of struggling financially depending on the parents who were able to pay and donations from the community, a concerned citizen recognized the need to keep the Home in existence and went to United Way. It was the following year the Mulherin Custodial Home became a United Way Agency.
We are licensed by the State of Alabama Department of Public Health, meeting all life and safety codes, but receive no State or Federal funding, (as we have more than 16 Residents) The Board of Directors and the Families of the Residents we serve feel that meeting these requirements would change the Home in an adverse way, making it more like an institution rather than a Home. We now serve 34 developmentally delayed children and adults who are unable to function independently. Mulherin Custodial Home is a residential program in which 24 hour care is given, in a family surrounding, with a great deal of tender, loving care. We transport 26 of our Residents to day programs where they receive training and/or services. Residents that can, participate in the Special Olympic Unified Bowlers, attend church and many other social and recreational activities. Mulherin truly is home to the Residents that live here.
