In October, the St. Joe Foundation was honored to host two Catholic Sisters for a tour of various Fort Wayne sites where the Sisters of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ have a rich history of service and ministry. This visit was not only a celebration of their legacy but also a chance to reconnect with the sites that hold deep significance in their mission and the mission of the St. Joe Foundation.

The Sisters visited several notable locations, including the St. Vincent Villa orphanage, which now houses the Headwaters Church campus. This historic site is where Poor Handmaids cared for and supported several thousand local children in need. The visiting Sisters also toured the grounds of St. Joseph Hospital, the first hospital in Fort Wayne and the origin of the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation. The Poor Handmaids established St. Joseph Hospital as a center of healing, compassion, and equality, providing care for all with dignity. At St. Joe Hospital, both patients and healthcare workers were treated and employed with respect, even during a time when economic and racial disparities often led to discrimination. The tour culminated at the Catholic Cemetery, where many Poor Handmaid Sisters are laid to rest, reflecting on their dedication and selfless service to the community.

Today, the St. Joe Foundation continues to honor the mission of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in Allen County, Indiana. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable members of the community through strategic partnerships, innovative community initiatives, and grants to local nonprofits. By fostering collaboration and empowering local organizations, the St. Joe Foundation strives to carry forward the spirit of service exemplified by the Poor Handmaid Sisters.

Learn more about the history of the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation.