In 1869, having outgrown all downtown quarters, construction of a permanent building began in Silver Terrace. The new building could provide housing for hundreds of children at a time. It was destroyed once by fire in 1910, but was rebuilt and housed tens of thousands of children until 1976.

As Mount St. Joseph continued to care for orphaned children, another Daughter of Charity agency was established in the 1920’s to serve young women and babies. St. Elizabeth’s began as a maternity hospital for unwed mothers in 1921 and was located on Van Ness Avenue. In 1927, the building at 100 Masonic was opened with the help of Mr. B.P. Oliver. St Elizabeth’s Infant Hospital was nationally known to care for the needs of pregnant unmarried women who required prenatal and post-partum adoption services.

In 1977, the merger of Mount St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth was successful and the building at 100 Masonic Avenue was used for both programs. The “Old Mount” building was in need of major renovation and deemed too large to adequately address the needs of the adolescent girls in residence. The program transitioned to four group homes in the city, each of which provided housing for six girls who needed the structure and guidance of group home life. Girls came to the main campus for their social work and medical appointments and to attend Simpatico School, the on-site school which was founded in 1969. At the same time, more teenage mothers were choosing to keep their babies, and needed a parenting component to assist them as single parents. Gradually, St. E’s became a parenting program, shifting the focus from adoption to parent-child attachment.

In 1986, the Epiphany Center was created to meet the needs of medically fragile infants who required care as they regained strength following prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol. Today, the Epiphany Center programs promote family unity by empowering and educating women and families through the process of recovery to develop skills for a healthy life.

In 1991, the group home model was modified in favor of one residential treatment center for adolescents needing out-of-home placement, and the homes in the community were sold. One large three-story home closer to the agency was purchased and the Benita House program began. In May of 2001, this program was brought into the main building, occupying the area once home to the Sisters. All the teen programs are now under one roof, and are collectively called the Adolescent Treatment Center.

OUR PEOPLE

GOVERNING BOARD
Comprised of ten active members, the Governing Board provides direction on all matters relating to the operation of Mount St. Joseph - St. Elizabeth. They oversee the agency’s strategic planning, financial direction, and operating procedures. The board meets four times per year and is currently chaired by Sister Marjory Ann Baez, D.C.

FOUNDATION BOARD
The Foundation Board is comprised of 15 business and community leaders who assist the agency with fundraising and public relations. Their main annual event, The Benefit Party & Show, has brought in over $500,000 in the six years since its inception. This board researches funding possibilities, including corporate and private foundation monies that are available for family and children services. Brenda MacLean chairs the board and is assisted by Milt Reiterman as vice chair; they can be reached through the Development Office.

AUXILIARY
In 1953 the St. Elizabeth’s Women’s Auxiliary was formed to raise funds for the services provided to women and children. Today, the Mount St. Joseph - St. Elizabeth Auxiliary supports our agency through fundraising events, auctions, and raffles. Last year the Auxiliary generated over $35,000 for our programs. The current president is Jeanie Lawson and Mary Balestreri is vice president.

ADMINISTRATION

Sister Eileen Kenny, D.C.
Executive Director

Sister Estela Morales, D.C.
Epiphany Program Director

Mary Ann Revello
Finance Manager

Valerie Rodriguez
Human Resources Manager

Patsy Vincent
Development Director