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     The Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute for Children, previously known as Jenkins Orphanage, was founded on December 16, 1891 by the Reverand Daniel Joseph Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins was born in Barnwell County, South Carolina in April of 1862. He moved to Arkansas for a short while, but returned to South Carolina and resided in Ladson. He later moved to Charleston where he started a business of his own selling wood.

     He started the orphange after observing four young black children huddled together early on a cold December morning. They told him they were out early because they had no parents and no place to live. Mr Jenkins, his heart moved with compassion, determined that he would help the children and thus began his work known today as the Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute for Children.