Who are we?

We are a group of former children of St. Joseph's
Orphanage/Child Center, 351 North Avenue
Burlington, Vermont. ()ur times of residencies
range from I920 to 1974, when the Orphanage
was closed.

In June 1993, a lawsuit was filed by a man that
was sexually and physically abused by a nun as a
small child while in the orphanage. The lawsuit
was against the Catholic Diocese, St. joseph's
Orphanage, and Vermont Catholic Charities for
the purpose of obtaining money for damages.

When the story became public, former residents
of the Orphanage came forth and formed a
group, sharing similar stories of emotional,
physical, and sexual abuses.

The Children of St. Joseph's Orphanage 
Friends, Inc. became a corporation in September
of 1994. Our purpose is to support anyone
abused by Church officials, to obtain needed
services, and to educate the public about child
abuse and its long term effects.

.Hism sit?? at .St: merits. Orphanage

St. Joseph's Orphanage opened in 1854. It was
maintained by the Sisters of Providence from
Montreal, Quebec and Winooski, VT. They were
invited to design a program of child care.

The childcare program designed by these Nuns
served to depersonalize and dehumanize the
children. Humiliation, torture, and physical
assault were common. Some children were also
sexually violated. Any children the Nuns
considered "different," were most at risk.
Examples are illegitimate children, children of
divorce, non?Catholic children, and
non-Caucasian children.

late for many of the children at the Orphanage was
very similar to life at a concentration camp.

In coming together, we are working to heal the
wounds inflicted from the past and to assure that all
cluldren are safe when in institutional care.

Striving for Justice



Due to the gallant efforts of attorneys Philip White
and Caroline liarle, and therapists Diane
Montgomery-Logan and Michael Watson, some very
positive negotiations have occurred with the Vermont
Catholic Diocese. However, the Diocese has often
delayed or reversed itself on agreements.

After Bishop Angel] expressed publicly a desire to
assist with therapy for those abused at the
Orphanage, we requested help for four individuals in
immediate need. In May of 1995, we were offered
two months of therapy and group therapy.
Meanwhile the Diocese agreed to the formation of an
Independent Panel to evaluate survivors' claims. The
Diocese agreement was withdrawn in September.
The two month of therapy was finally paid in
December by the Diocese after a public plea to the
Bishop to make good on his promises.

Currently there is an offer from the Diocese that may
provide therapy for approximately 30 sessions.
Unfortunately for some, this is not enough to see
them through to reconciling their lives.



l?undraising for:

F1 (iroup therapy needs of other survivors
of abuse

Legal fees for individuals seeking
compensation from the Dioceses

0 Public education of the long term effects
of child abuse

CI The establishment of strong laws to
protect children in institutional care

Our goal is to improve our lives as well as
others who have been hurt by Church
officials. We would like the Diocese to accept
responsibility, offer restitution, and to report
perpetrators to civil authorities

We would appreciate the community's active
support of our group and its goals to protect
any child who may be at risk now an din the
future

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Thank You for Your Support!

For information write to:
Children of St. Joseph's
Orphanage and Friends, Inc.
PO Box 721
Montpelier, VT 05601 -0721