Light Up the Night with
St. Faith's House Foundation :
An ANDRUS Fall Gala Honoree We are excited to honor St. Faith's House Foundation on October 4 at our Light Up the Night event! Along with providing support to organizations that serve children and families in need, here are some things you may not know; as told by Sarah Gardner, President of the Foundation:
What do you feel has been the Foundation's greatest impact?
SFHF has provided funds and encouragement to agencies for programs that help underserved children. This has been particularly important in recent years where the already limited County funds have been cut at the same time the need for these programs is growing. SFHF has supported: child care and day care agencies to enable the parents to work; programs for teenagers to educate them about sexual awareness and pregnancy prevention; programs for teens to learn self-respect and motivation; and programs that enrich the life of the body and mind, like getting kids outdoors or into museums.
What do you feel keeps your Board and Supporters engaged?
Our Board members observe the programs we support through site visits. We report to each other about these programs and the difference our funds are making.
Share a little known fact about the history of St. Faith's:
St. Faith's House was a home for unwed mothers. It was originally located in New Haven, CT. It was founded in 1898 by Lena McGhee with the aid of two Bishops. In her youth, Ms. McGhee had been horrified by the treatment a classmate had been given when she became pregnant out of wedlock. In 1901 the establishment moved to Tarrytown, NY where it continued to serve those girls "who had taken their first backward step in life" as an early annual report put it. Residency for some could be as long as two years after the baby was born. In the mid-1970's it became clear that the need for such a sanctuary had abated. In 1974 the Board established the St. Faith's House Foundation in order to provide funds for services for children in need in Westchester County.
How did St. Faith's get its name?
We believe that the name is a nod to the "spiritual direction and encouragement of two Connecticut bishops" that Ms. McGhee was given in 1898.
What has been the most gratifying aspect of the St. Faith's operation?
It is incredibly gratifying to think that we are helping all of these wonderful programs in Westchester County to continue on. Site visits, with the opportunity to see the vital work that is done every day, are a particular joy.