The idea for WVCA began in 1923 when members of the Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre and Community Chest, now the United Way of Wyoming Valley, expressed a desire to help handicapped children. By 1924, the Association was officially organized as Wyoming Valley Crippled Children's Association and orthopedic clinics were being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Harry A. Smith, assisted by Dr. J. Torrence Rugh, Dr. Louis W. Jones, and other consultants.
In addition to serving on the Agency's Board of Directors, Rotarians volunteered their time and resources to transport children from all areas of Luzerne County, so the children could be treated at the clinics. Today, The Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club, and other local Rotary Clubs, continue to hold fundraisers, special events for the children, and personally donate to help sustain WVCA.
Although polio and tuberculosis were brought under control, the demand for services did not lessen. The agency adapted and grew to meet the needs of children with various developmental delays.
