About St. Joseph’s Villa

A Legacy of Compassion and Service

St. Joseph’s Villa holds the distinction of being the longest-serving nonprofit for children in the United States. We were founded in 1834 when the Daughters of Charity arrived by steamboat at Rocketts Landing, answering a call to care for Richmond’s orphaned and most vulnerable children. They established St. Joseph’s Academy and Orphan Asylum at Fourth and Marshall Street as a safe haven dedicated to nurturing and uplifting young lives.

A bequest by Dr. Daniel Hopkins Gregg in 1898 supported the purchase of Hollybrook Farm north of the city to provide the orphans with a summer retreat, fresh air and food. In 1931, Major James H. Dooley’s bequest of $3 million funded the development of a new campus on the Hollybrook property – the largest construction project on the east coast during the Great Depression. The new home-like setting inspired our name change to St. Joseph’s Villa.

Adapting to Change

As community needs changed, so did the Villa. We transitioned from an orphanage to a 501(c)(3) nonsectarian, nonprofit organization in 1977 as our focus shifted to addressing broader societal issues.

Today, St. Joseph’s Villa stands as a nationally recognized leader in providing innovative services for children and families facing significant challenges. Our 82-acre campus in Henrico, Virginia, is home to a wide range of programs that remain nimble in addressing the evolving needs of our community. 

Our Campus

The Villa campus is one of our greatest tools for education and therapy. It serves as an integral part of our mission by providing unique, safe, and sensory-rich experiences children may not find anywhere else. With a vibrant learning and production garden, two accessible playgrounds, athletic fields, a gymnasium, and plenty of green space, we make the most of our natural surroundings to enhance wellness and create a real sense of belonging. 

Our campus also functions as a holistic support network that meets the essential needs of everyone we serve. Clients and their families have access to our on-campus food pantry, clothing, housewares, laundry facilities and more. Explore our campus resources.