It all started with a promise. And some bus tokens.
In the late 1930's, three downtown Rochester Catholic orphanages (St. Mary's Boys Home, St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum and St. Patrick's Girls Home) were closing their doors as a newly-created foster care system took hold and hundreds of orphaned children were placed in private homes. But by 1940, there were six dozen or so boys and girls still awaiting placement, with heavy hearts and eyes full of worry about their futures.
"We will take care of you," the Sisters of St. Joseph assured the frightened and vulnerable group, as the Diocese set about looking for a new home.
They knew they had found it when George H. Clark generously gave the Diocese 80 acres of beautiful Greece, New York farmland.
It took time to convert the working farm into a suitable home for children. But on a warm June day in 1942, the sisters and children clutched their few belongings, joined hands and boarded city buses for an hour-long trip to the quiet Dewey Avenue property and the five newly-constructed English cottages they would share. Today, this peaceful setting is the main campus of St. Joseph's Villa.
It was a humble start with a noble purpose. The sisters took the children under their wings and into their hearts. They gave them guidance, positive values, a sense of belonging and the confidence to pursue their dreams. Their mission -- to help children become happy, responsible, contributing members of the community -- continues to guide the Villa's work with at-risk youth and families today.
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