ABOUT SJ KIDS
St. Joseph Children’s Home has evolved throughout the years to become a multi-faceted, child caring nonprofit licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky with the mission of “Giving Children a Home.”
St. Joe’s is no longer home to “orphans” but rather, children who have been removed from their homes because they have experienced severe abuse and neglect. St. Joe’s has consistently adapted to the needs of the community and now serves children and families across four core programs: Residential Treatment Program, Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption Program, Child Development Center and Behavioral Health Services.
St. Joe’s serves children in all counties of Kentucky, regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, race, or creed. Since 1849, St. Joe’s has provided a safe and loving home to over 75,000 boys and girls. We will not quit until every child has a family!
Our History
The Louisville cholera epidemic of 1832 left many children orphaned and without support. Recognizing the grave need to care for these children, a local group of German-American Catholics formed St. Joseph Catholic Orphan Society in 1849.
The Society built its first home in 1850, but increasing numbers of children needing care prompted several locations before settling at the present site in Crescent Hill in 1885.
Notre Dame Sisters from Milwaukee administered the Home from 1865 – 1897. The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville became administrators and staffed the home from 1897 until 1972. Since then, St. Joe’s continues to serve children, but under individual administrators hired by the Society’s Board of Trustees.
To learn more about the extensive history of St. Joseph Children’s Home, order a copy of “Love’s Home: The works and wonders of St. Joseph Children’s Home, 1849-2002” here or schedule a private tour today at info@sjkids.org.
