Every child deserves a place to belong.
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In Illinois, too many youth in foster care are left sleeping in offices, hospitals, and detention centers—spaces never meant to be home.
At St. Joseph’s, we’re changing that.
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We’re creating a healing community where youth in care find stability, compassion, and opportunity—a place to grow, to thrive, and to rewrite their story.
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This isn’t just shelter. It’s a new beginning.
ABOUT US
PROGRAM DESIGN
At West40 at St. Joseph’s, we envision more than a program—we are building a sanctuary of healing and possibility for youth in foster care.
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Designed with intention and care, our holistic model integrates trauma-informed practices, personalized education, and essential life skills. This is not just about meeting needs—it’s about restoring hope and igniting potential in young people who have endured profound disruption and loss.
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Every element—from warm, welcoming residential spaces to structured, nurturing daily routines—creates the safety and stability youth need to rebuild trust, discover their strengths, and envision a future filled with opportunity.
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At St. Joseph’s, we are preparing youth not only for the next chapter, but for a lifetime of connection, growth, and thriving.
Designed with Care
“A place where environment becomes a catalyst for transformation.”​Imagine a home where every detail—every room, every routine, every corner—is intentionally crafted to nurture safety, dignity, and belonging. At St. Joseph’s, we’ve reimagined residential care. Private bedrooms honor personal space. Calming communal areas invite trust and connection. Classrooms and sensory spaces reflect a deep understanding of trauma and its impact. This is not institutional care. This is a sanctuary of hope—a foundation for young people to begin rebuilding their lives.​With your support, these spaces don’t just exist—they become places where healing begins.
A Culture of Healing
“An ecosystem of compassion where young people can reclaim their story.”​At St. Joseph’s, care is not a checklist—it’s a way of being. For youth who have known only instability, we create a culture where they are seen, valued, and empowered to heal.​Here, trauma-informed practices replace punishment with understanding. Staff embody consistency and compassion, modeling healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Every interaction reinforces this truth: you are worthy of love, safety, and a future filled with possibility.​Together, we are transforming lives—not through programs alone, but through connection.
Rooted in Belief
“We believe in the boundless potential of every young person.”​At the heart of St. Joseph’s is a bold conviction: every young person holds potential, no matter their past. Rooted in CARE, the Circle of Courage, and West40’s unwavering belief in youth, we look beyond behaviors to the resilience, strength, and promise within each child.​ We cultivate belonging. We nurture mastery and independence. We inspire generosity. These are not just ideals—they are the blueprint for breaking cycles of trauma and creating lives of purpose and possibility.​This is more than a program. It’s a movement. And with you, it becomes unstoppable.
OUR JOURNEY
May 15, 2023
Bought the Former St. Joseph High School Campus in Westchester, IL
September 5, 2024
Demolition of 2 dilapidated buildings on the 30-acre campus
October 23, 2024
Construction & Re-imagining of West40 at St. Joseph began
2025-2026
The journey continues--build with us
TODAY:
The Crisis Facing Youth in Care
Homelessness
40% of foster youth in IL experience homelessness within 18 months of leaving care. (1)
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Employment
Nearly half are unemployed by age 24. (2)
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Mental Health
1 in 4 meet PTSD criteria—twice the rate of U.S. veterans. (3)
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Education
Only 58% earn a high school diploma by 19. (4)
Skills Gap
Without life skills or support, most remain underemployed. (5)
TOMORROW:
What’s Possible at St. Joseph’s
Stability
Supportive care reduces youth homelessness by 18–30%. (6)
Opportunity
With mentoring, youth are 3× more likely be and stay employed at 25. (7)
Healing
Trauma-informed care reduces behavioral crises by 50% or more. (8)
Aspiration
College enrollment doubles with academic support. (9)
Preparedness
Life-skills training increases job placement by 40–60%. (10)
PARTNERS
The vision for West40 at St. Joseph’s was never meant to be built alone. From the moment this idea was born, we’ve been joined by extraordinary partners—organizations and individuals who share our belief that every young person deserves a place to heal, grow, and belong.
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Together, we are more than collaborators. We are co-architects of a new model of care—one that unites trauma-informed practice, educational excellence, and community support to transform the future for youth in foster care.
This is what happens when compassion meets expertise, and vision meets action. This is the power of partnership.
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And we’re just getting started. Together, let’s rewrite what’s possible.
Contact us for more information about our program, partnerships, or how we serve foster youth.