Help St. Joe’s support our Kentucky kids by making a multiyear pledge today. Get involved by contacting St. Joe’s at info@sjkids.org or calling (502) 893-0241 ext. 250.
Trauma is the crux of every foster child’s story, but they don’t have to succumb to it. When a child is having a tough time emotionally, simply taking a walk outside can lighten the load. As one of our kids from residential says, “Exercise helps me deal with my stress and negative thoughts in a healthy way.” And we know – based on science – that regular outdoor activity is a major player in improving wellness.
Our children need a calming place where they can refocus, and SJ@Play, our new comprehensive therapeutic outdoor complex, will be their turning point. SJ@Play is more than a playground: it is a space designed for play and healing which is beneficial for children of all ages and abilities – including those with medical complexities.
This complex gives our children the power to reclaim the normalcy they have lost. SJ@Play includes a hillside amphitheater for education and creative expression, along with outdoor classroom space, and an adaptive playground with sensory-rich equipment. ADA-compliant walking trails will connect all areas of campus, while our inclusive splash pad will provide water therapy opportunities. It also includes a full-court basketball area that allows children to experience team sports and healthy competition. The multi-use pavilion will provide covered space for family visits, therapeutic group sessions, and community events.
Will you help us build an essential therapeutic space where every child can play, learn, and heal? Make your donation today and invest in the future of our St. Joe’s kids.
In 1849, the St. Joseph Orphan Society was created as a direct response to the Louisville cholera epidemic that left many children parentless. Two parishes, part of the strong German-Catholic presence growing in Louisville, demanded that these orphaned children needed a place to be taken care of. After two downtown locations, St. Joe’s continued to grow and eventually purchased 26 acres on Frankfort Avenue in 1885, putting down roots in the heart of Crescent Hill. Since 1885, the St. Joe’s staff has served more than 75,000 children in need from the iconic Frankfort Avenue Landmark building.
With support from loyal donors, St. Joe’s started the Building Forever Families Capital Campaign in 2019 to fund renovations for the Landmark Building. Some of the enhancements from the $19.5 million project include a revamped dining hall, foster care suite, therapy rooms, gymnasium, and residential school for the children who live on St. Joe’s campus. These structural updates have allowed us to serve more children in need and provide additional resources for families.
Make a significant impact on our mission to serve Kentucky’s most vulnerable children. St. Joe’s is a safe place for children in need and their chance for a fresh start. Your kindness helps us move closer to our mission of providing inclusive and compassionate care to ensure a safe and bright future for every child in our diverse community, and for that, we are truly grateful.
This year, we hope to continue helping the 48 children who call St. Joe’s home, facilitate more adoptions through our Foster Care program, and provide Behavioral Health Outpatient Services to more members of the community facing mental health needs. However, we can’t do it alone—we invite you to join us in making a positive change.
Help St. Joe’s support our Kentucky kids by making a multiyear pledge today. Get involved by contacting St. Joe’s at info@sjkids.org or calling (502) 893-0241 ext. 250.
Email questions to info@sjkids.org or call (502) 893-0241 ext. 250 to schedule a tour or meeting with the Advancement Team.