St Peter-St Joseph Children's Home-affectionately referred to as St PJ's Children's Home-is a short-term emergency shelter for children in crisis.
With over 125 years of caring for children, St PJ's Children's Home has a unique understanding of and commitment to providing a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for children facing challenges as a result of abuse and neglect and in crisis.
In partnership with Catholic Charities, and under the umbrella of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc., St PJ's Children's Home serves as a temporary home to children who suffer abuse and neglect. Today, our home includes domestic and international shelters, counseling services and a mental health task force that extends to community-based counseling.
At St PJ's Children's Home, children are welcomed by a team of professionals to guide them from crisis to thriving. A case manager assesses their needs and refers them to services to address various challenges. In the meantime, they receive immediate care from health assessments and counseling to education while stabilizing the child with safety and security.
St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home, affectionately referred to as St. PJ’s, is a social service agency operating under the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc. as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit. The mission of St. PJ’s is to be a safe and loving refuge for children in crisis and to accompany them on their journey to healing and wholeness, breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect one child at a time.
- This program provides:
- Short-term shelter
- Case management
- Mental health assessments
- Counseling
- Safety and health education
- Recreational activities
Our Community Counseling program provides a mental health assessment and counseling for children and adults with a specialty in healing psychological and emotional trauma. The program also provides in-home counseling for children and families.
Free Community Counseling Services provided to:
- Former residents of St. PJ’s
- Victims of crime including sexual, physical, and verbal abuse
- Mental health patients with anxiety, depression, grief, transitional issues, children, and families
- Community children and families beyond our 17-acre home
To get started or for more information, please email [email protected].
Free
St. Peter-St. Joseph Children's Home, affectionately referred to as St. PJ's Children's Home, is a short-term emergency shelter for children in crisis and are under the protection of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). We strive to provide a safe and loving home to children facing challenges as a result of abuse and neglect.
Short-term emergency shelter for children from birth to 17 years of age who are victims of abuse or neglect and are under the protection of Child Protective Services. Their goal is to provide each child with specialized treatment to assist them through their journey of healing.
None
The Family First Parenting Program provides material assistance, counseling, referrals, parenting education, and other resources to strengthen families.
Services provided include:
- Material Assistance: Baby clothing, diapers, wipes, toiletries, and formula
- Counseling: Therapeutic services for processing issues, concerns, and emotional difficulties related to the stress of pregnancy and parenting
- Referrals: Assistance in connecting with various parenting, healthcare, insurance, housing, financial assistance, employment, and education resources
- Parenting Education: Guidance on various parenting support topics
- Case Management, CPR/first aid certification available
Eligibility is for men and women who:
- Are expecting a child;
- Parent a child 36 months old or younger;
- Are adopting parents within 24 months of placement of the child;
- Are a U.S. Citizen
Eligible parents do not need a connection or prior engagement with St. PJ’s Children’s Home to take part in the program. Community members are welcome.
Free.
Volunteers can make an impact on the life of a child, too. St. PJ's encourages individuals and groups to get involved on our campus.
Donate: Every year, St. PJ's cares for over 1,500 children. Your support helps provide food, clothing, and safe shelter to begin healing for children in crisis.
Click here to donate.
Wish List: Your generosity makes a difference in our children's lives as they experience love and hope. You can get involved in several ways!
Click here to learn more.
Events: Join us for a good cause and purpose
Click here for current events.
Come out and lend a hand!
Volunteers working directly with the children must pass a criminal background check and a TB test.
- Download Volunteer Application
- Click Here Steps to Complete Volunteer Application Form
- Download Volunteer Liability Form
- Volunteer Policies
- Volunteer Today
f you want to get involved in a special way with a special activity, contact our Volunteer Department at (210) 533-1203 or at [email protected].
Thousands of unaccompanied children cross the border to the United States from Central America each year and are transferred to the custody of ORR. ORR promptly places these children in the least restrictive setting in the best interest of the child. St. PJ's is an approved ORR shelter.
The majority of unaccompanied children are between 13 and 17 years of age; a larger proportion are boys. This group is very diverse: it also includes pregnant girls and a growing proportion of elementary school-age children. In U.S. procedural documents, these children are referred to as “unaccompanied alien children".
Licensed short-term emergency shelter providing services for up to 82 international children and youth ages 5 to 17. International children who reside at St. PJ's are provided care in compliance with all regulatory agencies.
St. PJ's also provides temporary foster care homes for international children ages 0 to 12.
Free if you meet the criteria
Education for mental health professionals on mental diagnoses and treatment to help our community understand the impact of trauma on children, and foster well-rounded understanding of the impact of trauma on a child.
Children are immediately welcomed by a team of professionals to guide them from crisis to thriving. A case manager assesses needs and refers services to address various challenges. In the meantime, they receive immediate care from health and counseling to education while stabilizing the child with safety and security.
Who Is Eligible?
- Former residents of St. PJ’s
- Victims of crime including sexual, physical, and verbal abuse
- Mental health patients with anxiety, depression, grief, transitional issues, children, and families
- Community children and families beyond our 17-acre home
- Children ages three and up and for adults seeking healing.
Payment options:
- Private pay
- Sliding scale
Some insurance options include:
- Medicaid
- CHIP
- BCBS
- Aetna