Our History
For 150 years, we have worked to equalize opportunities for those who need it most.
The Beginning
1869
In 1869, St. Vincent’s Services is founded as a home for young working boys—many of whom either had no family, or had families too poor to care for them. "Newsies" is inspired by the boys who live in the home.
The New HQ
1906
66 Boerum Place opens as a foster home in 1906. Just 15 years later, 250 boys call this building home. Today, it remains the headquarters of HSVS.
More than a Home
1940s and 50s
In the 1940s, the boys of SVS started attending local schools, which better prepared them to become part of society. By the 1950s, SVS increased its professional staff and expanded its programs to include athletic teams and recreational activities.
Expanding the NYC Footprint
1960s
In the 1960s, SVS opened its first group home in Springfield Gardens, Queens, followed by a second in Bayside and a third in Corona. SVS also began accepting foster children and launched a vigorous effort to recruit and license foster families. St. Vincent’s Services expanded its academic initiatives, psychological services and foster support programs.
Serving 1,000 New Yorkers
1980s
In the 1980s, SVS began focusing on foster care for boys and girls. By 1986, the agency was providing services for over 1,000 boys and girls in foster and group home care along with their families. An aftercare program offered continued support for older adolescents to help them transition to adulthood.
Meeting Changing Needs
1986
In response to the AIDS epidemic, SVS established the Positive Caring Services, which expanded over the years to support infants and youth living with HIV/AIDS and other medically fragile conditions, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy and autism.
Creating a Pathway to College
1997
In 1997, St. Vincent’s launched the American Dream Program (ADP), which has helped over 100 foster youth graduate from college and vocational schools since its inception. Unrelated, but also impactful, SVS opened its first licensed Outpatient Substance Abuse Program in 1999.
Stronger Together
2014
In 2014, St. Vincent’s Services affiliated with HeartShare Human Services of New York, which created the third largest children’s services provider in New York City. HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services (HSVS) empowers over 6,000 youth, individuals and families to overcome seemingly impossible challenges of family crises, addiction, mental illness and poverty.
Slaying the Runway
2016-2019
Developed and led by Melody Centeno, LMSW, who herself grew up in foster case, our annual fashion show (which began in 2016) represents both a moment of transformation and celebration for our youth. Beyond a single event, this is a journey where our foster youth come together to face their challenges head-on, work through trauma, and uncover the confidence and belief that exists within each of them.
100 scholars and 150 years
2019
2019 marked two important milestones for HSVS: our American Dream Program reached 100 enrollees and our agency celebrated its 150th birthday. It allowed us a moment to reflect on the agency’s amazing history, but also marked the formal beginning of the next chapter.