Saint Vincent's Announces Its 125th Anniversary Year

A Legacy of Hope 1885 - 2010

On Friday, February 12th at 10AM, Saint Vincent’s kicked-off the beginning of its 125th Anniversary Year – its Quasquicentennial – with a celebration in the gymnasium at 2425 Highland Avenue, Fall River.  Most Reverend George W. Coleman, Bishop of the Diocese of Fall River, addressed the staff and students and provided a blessing.  Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan presented an official proclamation from The City of Fall River.  Sister Rosemary Laliberte, RSM gave a brief history about the ministry of the Sisters of Mercy and their significant involvement in establishing Saint Vincent’s Home while a number of children sang a song about Mother Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy.  The event also included a student reading and student artwork displayed throughout the gymnasium.

For 125 years, Saint Vincent’s has provided children and families in need with A Legacy of Hope.  Historical records indicate the organization was established when, in 1885, three Sisters of Mercy from the Mother House in Providence, RI came with the blessing of Bishop Hendricken to operate the facility at the old inn on the grounds of the Forest Hill Gardens, a summer resort in Ashley’s Cove north of Fall River.  At the time, Saint Vincent’s Home occupied a wooden building until a brick home was completed in 1894.  In 1972, Saint Vincent’s moved to its current location which is located at 2425 Highland Avenue.

Today, Saint Vincent’s is a multi-service agency providing a broad range of services including residential treatment, special education, congregate care, respite care, in-home, and community-based services to 100 children between the ages of 4 and 21 – and their families - who are coping with life-altering events, challenges to learning, and the effects of childhood trauma.  Dedicated staff provides services consistent with best practice standards to ensure that each child and family achieves their goals and are reunited as quickly as possible.  In keeping with Saint Vincent’s 125th Anniversary theme, “A Legacy of Hope,” celebratory activities are being planned throughout the year to commemorate this important milestone.