Our Mission

A Tradition of Compassion since 1888

Saint Francis & Saint Vincent Homes, an agency of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, provides essential treatment for adolescents and young adults whose lives have been impacted by deprivation, abuse, and family discord. We proudly serve as the last faith-based residential program for youth in the Philadelphia area.

Since its inception, Saint Francis has been dedicated to upholding a tradition of excellence in meeting the evolving needs of our community. We prioritize trauma-informed care and family involvement to foster the holistic development of each resident, guided by a culturally sensitive approach and a commitment to achieving permanency for all individuals.

How we fulfill our mission

  • A delivery of trauma informed services which fosters the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social development of each resident.

  • The dedication and professionalism of competent men and women committed to the value and importance of the services they provide.

  • The active involvement of the family so that its members might meaningfully participate in the treatment of their child, with the goal of re-integrating the child with the family wherever possible.

  • A culturally sensitive continuum of care which addresses the diverse needs and potential of each individual, and seeks to achieve permanency for each resident.

A Lasting Legacy

Founded by Elizabeth Drexel Smith in honor of her late father, Saint Francis Industrial School in Eddington commenced operations in July 1888. Ms. Drexel Smith invited the De La Salle Christian Brothers to oversee the new school, and for over 80 years, they nurtured its growth, leaving behind a lasting legacy of their charism. Today, Saint Francis is owned and operated by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, continuing its mission as a beacon of hope for adjudicated and dependent youth in the region.

Our Services

Our comprehensive blend of residential options, education services, and clinical support embodies a holistic approach aimed at fulfilling the objectives of our mission. We are dedicated to delivering services that nurture the physical, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual growth of the youth under our care.

Saint Francis outdoor sitting area