St. Joseph Neighborhood Center
At St. Benedict the Moor School, Lincolnville
Founded 2021, Building Restored, 2024
Helping Single Mothers
Founded in 2021, St. Joseph Neighborhood Center is a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine. Our mission appeared to us through prayer and discernment by creating space to discover God’s call to meet the current needs of our dear neighbor. The message we received over and over was clear and simple… ‘continue to defend and be a voice for those who do not have one.’ This non-profit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of Young Single Mothers and their children.
The Neighborhood Center at St. Benedict the Moor Schoolhouse
The St. Benedict the Moor Schoolhouse was built in 1898 with funds donated by Sr. Katherine Drexel (later canonized as Saint Katherine Drexel). The final cost was estimated at $7,500. The Sisters of St. Joseph operated and taught the black students who attended the St. Benedict Moor School.
Preserving the Past, Serving the Future
The schoolhouse was almost 125 years old before the Sisters took on the restoration process. The building, which sits in the Lincolnville district, is on the National Register of Historic Places. However, years of neglect, wear and tear left the structure beyond compromised. The Sisters of St. Joseph committed to preserving this rich history, with the goal to restore the structure and repurpose it to serve a population in need.
After raising over 4.5 million dollars, the Sisters began the restoration process, finally opening the doors at the end of Fall 2024.
Historic Lincolnville Landmark
The St. Benedict Moor School still serves as a reminder of the long fight for equality. The school operated during the days of segregation until 1964. The St. Benedict Moor School was closed as part of school desegregation legislation.
"The story the schoolhouse shares with the Sisters of St. Joseph is interwoven, and it holds such historical importance. You can’t really talk about the building or the community of Lincolnville without talking about the sisters and vice versa. It is a homecoming of sorts."
Phyllis Croucher, Development Director
“I don’t just see what it is… I see what it was and what it will be.”
Sr. Stephanie Flynn, SSJ, Executive Director of SJNC
The Neighborhood Center Program
At SJNC we assist single women entrenched in the daily challenges of being the sole parent and sole provider for their family. The Sisters and staff partner with single mothers and help them reimagine their future. We do this through career counseling, paid apprenticeships, mentoring, and spiritual direction.
Mothers are placed in accelerated career tracks that are supported through partnerships with community organizations. Our participants can develop in the areas of business, healthcare, culinary arts, and other tracks. Each career track will include a paid apprenticeship for a ~15-month duration.
"It’s really not about renovating an old building, it’s about renovating the lives of these women."
Sr. Kathleen Carr, SSJ, General Superior
