Father John Smyth

     The history of child care has been demonstrated by such institutions as St. Vincent.  With their positive care so many children, their time has produced great fruits of success in these children who are adults now.  With all the stories of those who were in St. Vincent's, it shows that it was a great success because of their graduates are successful, happy and fulfilled adults.

     The present situation of child care is trying to be as successful.  Yes, the society has changed.  The problems are different and probably much more complex, but produce children and the end goal is the same.  We presently are trying to give children permanency so that they can grow up to be productive citizens; to give the children permanency so that they develop their God given talents with a caring and secure environment, to give permanency for their minds, hearts and souls so that they can grow up to be fulfilled adults, so open doors for them and give them a chance in life; to offer all graduates from high school paid further educations and skill development so that they are equipped for life; that they have a sound foundation to lean on in the future; that they can look back when they are adults and thank God they grew up in a God fearing, caring, loving home.

Patrick T. Murphy, Public Guardian

Office of Cook County public Guardian

     "All children should have kind and loving parents.  However, there are many unwanted children and not enough kind and loving parents or kind and loving substitute parents for that matter.  When that happens, we must look to the residential care system.  Residential care provides stability rather than continued movement from foster home to foster home".

Rev. Edward R. Udovic, C.M. Ph.D

Presiding Officer, Vincentian Studies

Institute of the United States

     "The story of St. Vincent's Orphan home in Chicago is a noble and inspiring one and it is worthy of being recorded and told.  The Vincentian work of generations of Daughters of Charity, nurses, doctors and staff in service to these children should continue to inspire our own efforts of service".