In 1986 when homelessness began to soar in cities across the United States, Dallas was no exception. There were growing numbers of homeless people, including families with young children, living in cars on the streets of Dallas. In response to this dehumanizing social problem two ladies, Thelma Vogel and Doris Budner, responded. Together they organized a group of Jewish organizations called the Dallas Jewish Coalition for the Homeless. It was comprised of 21 Jewish organizations including temples, synagogues, and civic groups, with the purpose to help alleviate the plight of homelessness in Dallas. In September of 1986, the Coalition incorporated in the State of Texas as a private, non-religious, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

In order to select the program focus, the Coalition conducted extensive research to study a host of possible programs including housing, healthcare, childcare, and more. When the research was completed, childcare emerged as a major gap in the service delivery network for homeless families in Dallas, and was chosen as the project to be undertaken.

The Alcove Childcare Center for the Homeless began operations in March of 1987 serving 11 children from families residing at the Downtown Family Shelter (now Family Gateway). In the first year of operation, the Alcove served more than 1,000 of the city’s homeless children. But tragedy struck in 1988 when Thelma Vogel and her husband, Phillip, died in a plane crash. Following their death, the childcare program was renamed the Vogel Alcove. The death of the Vogels only served to deepen the resolve of the other leader and co-founder -- Doris Budner. She rose valiantly to the occasion. For the next fifteen years, Doris Budner used her deep humanity, love for children, vision and creativity, and gentle savvy to engage hundreds of others in the cause.

On June 4, 1989, the Alcove moved its services to a new home on Browder Street where it served 60 children daily. Then another move came in 1995 when the current facility was purchased and renovated. This accomplishment increased the daily capacity to 113 children. In June 2003, Doris Budner passed away, leaving an indelible mark on the Vogel Alcove and on all who knew her. In April 2003, the main facility was named the Doris and Lawrence Budner Childcare Center. Today 18 affiliated agencies including emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters, and transitional housing programs, refer families to the Vogel Alcove for free comprehensive services.

The Vogel Alcove remains the primary provider of exemplary childcare, developmental, and social services in the Greater Dallas area.