We've been creating success stories since 1987.

OUR HISTORY

The Theresa Living Center was established by the School Sisters of Notre Dame nearly 40 years ago to provide housing for single women experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic violence. The residential program, located in the former convent of St. Casmir’s Catholic Church, initially accommodated 12 women, expectant mothers or women and newborns under 12 months.

Within several years, the School Sisters recognized the growing need for affordable housing among single women and single-parent families. In response, Caroline Family Services was founded to support 24 homeless single-parent families residing independently, assisting them in obtaining essential resources and services necessary to achieve housing stability and self-sufficiency.

Presently, Theresa Living Center operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, maintaining strong ties with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The Sisters continue to provide both financial aid and volunteer support, including service on the board of directors. Their commitment to transformative transitional services remains central to all program initiatives. Sincere appreciation is extended to the School Sisters of Notre Dame and St. Casmir Catholic Church for their ongoing generous support.

The name Theresa Living Center honors Mother Theresa Gerhardinger, founder of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and commemorates her beatification. Caroline Family Services recognizes Mother Caroline Friess, who led the School Sisters of Notre Dame in North America following her arrival in 1847 until her passing in 1892.