Turning Childhood Despair into Hope
McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys, fondly known as Nazareth, is a small residential and special education center founded in 1901 by the Sisters of Mercy. Established as an orphanage, Nazareth transitioned in the 1950s and early 1960s to a treatment center for troubled youth and their families. This continues to be the heart of our work to this day.
Over the years the needs of children have changed and so has Nazareth. A portrait of today’s child is painted in broad strokes with different colors, cultures and religious backgrounds. Each has known early trauma and deprivation which has caused very limited social, emotional, educational and spiritual growth. This lack of normal childhood development has led to the inability of the child to function successfully in their home, neighborhood and school setting. Prior to placement at Nazareth, our youth have lived in multiple foster homes and many have required psychiatric hospitalization. Many are freed for adoption and have no biological family connections. For these children Nazareth is truly a “Haven of Hope.”
The disabilities of Nazareth youth are not visible on the outside; their hurt is on the inside. What a joy it is to experience their healing brought about by the love and care of our staff. A core of committed teachers, social workers, childcare professionals, and administrators, are daily modeling and guiding our youth toward living a happy and productive life. From these gentle yet firm hands and hearts the children learn to trust and experience the freedom of being a child.
As partners in charity, you have been companions on the journey each child and family makes from despair to hope. Can we ever forget the image of Blessed John Paul II at The World Youth Day in New York a few years ago? His love for children and delight in their presence was obvious as he welcomed them with outstretched arms. His special affection for children with special needs as he embraced them was so obviously evident. You have embraced our children with your generosity in the past. We are exceedingly grateful to each of you, Partners in Charity.
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