Learn more about this institution, which celebrated its centennial in 2019. In 1918, the influenza epidemic devastated Boston's congested North End and left hundreds of orphans in its wake. Touched by this crisis, a Roman Catholic priest and a group of Italian Americans founded the first home for Italian children in Massachusetts. Franciscan Sisters devoted 24 hours a day to providing the children with a safe, loving, and spiritual environment. In addition, the home provided educational support for its residents. Over time, the changing needs of children mandated that the agency change the nature of its services from custodial care to treatment. In 1974, in response to the changing political and social climate, the agency became the Italian Home for Children. Today, it is a nonprofit, nonsectarian residential treatment facility with a capacity for 61 children of all races, nationalities, and religions. Our speakers will be the current CEO of the Italian Home, Susan Keays and the former Executive Director, Christopher Smalls.

Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. A short tour of the campus will be available to anyone who is interested after the presentation. This will be a hybrid event, for those unable to attend in person please register for the Zoom option using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MGRShUK0RaqcrrZfYHJSeg