Mission Statement

As stewards of the Vincentian spirit, the mission of the Daughters of Charity Ministries of Chicago is to provide for those in need, strengthen and preserve family life, and serve the community with dignity and respect.

We commit ourselves as individuals to live out these values in our daily work, as we serve the needs of others.

Education Philosophy
Convinced that children are the foundation for our future, the Child Care program is committed to provide a loving and caring environment that will enable a child to grow physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.

St. Vincent de Paul Center provides a setting that:

• Protects young children so they feel safe and loved.
• Gives them time to grow at their own pace so they feel confident and successful.
• Encourages them to explore and create so they feel challenged and excited about learning.
• Equips them with the necessary skills to reach their highest potential.
• Enables children to discover their talents, make friends, and learn the skills to be successful in life.

History and Heritage

Yesterday
In 1915, members of the order of the Daughters of Charity opened the DePaul Day Nursery and Settlement House to care for the children of neighborhood women forced to work while their husbands served in World War I.

During 1923, a settlement house was built. In 1972, the settlement house merged with St. Vincent Infant Asylum, a 100-year-old residential facility for orphaned children. The merged facility was renamed St. Vincent de Paul Center.

Throughout the decades, St. Vincent de Paul Center has responded to the needs of the community it serves by expanding its services and facility. In 2002, a new facility, located at Webster and Halsted, was constructed.

Today
St. Vincent de Paul Center, one of Illinois’ largest single-site non-profit child care centers, provides quality child care for children of Chicago’s working families. The Child Care and Early Childhood Education Program is licensed to serve 478 children.

The center employs two master’s level social workers who provide behavioral assessment, limited individual and family counseling, intervention, and referral services.

The Homeless Outreach Program serves men and women who are in need of food, clothing, and referrals for job training and employment opportunities.

The Senior Services Program provides limited counseling and referral services to older adults at risk, who need assistance with daily living.

Tomorrow
Under the direction of the Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent de Paul Center’s staff is committed to provide care and hope for a diverse clientele.