Matthew Walter and Stacy Snyder admitted they were bad, so bad that they got sent away from their families to live at the Children’s Home of Easton.

Both of them stayed at the group home for kids about five years each during the 1990s — except for the times when they would escape.

“I ran away while I was here,” said Snyder, 45, recalling once running away during the Blizzard of 1996.

Fortunately, the home helped both of them and other youth live better lives and escape familial strife, mental or physical trauma, or other troubles.

“We’ve seen the benefit of getting them through the hard times,” said Anita Jo Paukovits, Children’s Home executive director and president since 2015.

Walter, Snyder and about 100 people returned Saturday to the campus on the hill overlooking South 25th Street in Wilson for a homecoming reunion to help celebrate the home’s 140th anniversary. For many, it was their first time back in years, or since they left the grounds.

The former residents, their guests and staff toured the home’s administration building, which used to house dorms before cottages and new buildings were added over the years. They shared a meal, viewed memorabilia from a 25-year-old time capsule, listened to music, took photos and spent much of the time reminiscing.

Many of the former residents have gone on to careers as firefighters and police officers, and other professions, some having roles at Fortune 500 companies, Paukovits said.

Walter lives in Bethlehem, drives a truck locally and owns an apparel company. Snyder, who grew up in Nazareth and now lives in Woodstown, New Jersey, became product owner for a financial tech company.

“They’re happy. They have families. They’re productive citizens,” Paukovits said.

About 35 children on average reside at the home, Paukovits said, coming from 19 Pennsylvania counties, including the Lehigh Valley and northeast Pennsylvania. The nonprofit agency serves dependent, neglected and traumatized children who can no longer remain in their homes or with families.

Many of the alumni used to live at the home for at least a couple years, Paukovits said. Ron Smith, 84, one of the older alumni, came to the home in 1949 and recalled doing farm chores during his 13 years there.

Joe Gonzalez and Anita Jo Paukovits pose for a picture together as people gather for the Children’s Home of Easton’s 140th anniversary celebration Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Wilson. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Today, children typically spend much less time. Another change is children who arrived are “more traumatized,” she said, due to cultural, societal and other changes.

“Things are different now,” said Guy Gonzalez, who once lived at the home with his older brother, Joe Gonzalez, noting that more children struggle today with mental issues.

Both men stayed in the area. Guy Gonzalez is a retired City of Easton worker and Joe Gonzalez is a longtime Children’s Home employee who is currently a senior administrator. Joe Gonzalez’ office on the second floor of the stone administration building once was his dormitory, one of the alumni said during a tour.

One thing that’s remained, according to Smith, is those in charge give residents guidance and discipline.

When Walter and Snyder lived at the home, they and virtually everyone else would encounter the longtime executive director, Michael Danjczek.

“The home to me … it has a piece of my heart, especially Mike Danjczek,” Snyder said. “He was a father figure; I get emotional thinking about him.”

People gather for the Children’s Home of Easton’s 140th anniversary celebration Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Wilson. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Danjczek led the home from 1974 to 2006 before his death a year later. On Saturday, his family, including his widow, Cynthia, traveled from various locations outside the Lehigh Valley to attend the reunion.

“You think about the bad things you did, and some things you didn’t do, but that caused you to come here,” Walter said. “I felt like, wow, if all those things didn’t happen, I wouldn’t have gotten to experience this place.”

Paukovits said the agency, which is licensed by the state Department of Human Services, has been able to subsist with grants, government funding and particularly community assistance.

Paukovits said relying on government funding is one thing that keeps her awake at night. Agencies like the Children’s Home, which deal with government budget cuts or impasses, as are happening currently in Harrisburg and Washington, often have to look at layoffs or borrowing costs to keep such human-safety-net agencies operating. The agency’s latest IRS tax reporting form lists revenue of $4.5 million and assets about $11.4 million.

“Right now,” she said, “we’re at a good financial position. But nonprofits are not designed to go through cash, hit your investments and open a line of credit.”

With an $8.5 million annual operating budget, Paukovits said community support greatly helps keep the doors open. She is grateful for any support.

“We’re blessed; we really are,” Paukovits said.

Contact Morning Call reporter Anthony Salamone at asalamone@mcall.com.

Children’s Home of Easton

Address: 2000 S. 25th St., Wilson
Telephone: 610-258-2831
Online: thechildrenshome.org

https://www.mcall.com/2025/10/04/childrens-home-140th-anniversary/