On this day 180 years ago, November 25, 1834, three courageous Daughters of Charity stepped off of a steamboat at Rockett's Landing with a purpose --Richmond was overwhelmed with orphaned and impoverished children living on the city streets. The Daughters answered the call for help by founding an orphanage and school in a thirty by forty foot church at Fourth and Marshall Streets to provide these children with shelter and care. St. Joseph's Villa was born.

The school, then known at St. Joseph's Academy and Orphan Asylum, served 65 children when it first opened. Today, as a non-sectarian nonprofit organization, St. Joseph's Villa transforms the lives of 2,800 children and families each year. These individuals face homelessness, mental illness, autism and other immense challenges. For 180 years the Villa has helped those we serve make 180-degree turns in their lives and experience brighter futures. None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of our community, including you.

Thank you for being a part of the Villa's mission to turn lives around.  We have believed in our children in families for 180 years, and we always will. 

that will forever change the life of a child.

Tyriek served in Afghanistan for three years as a unit supply specialist for the U.S. Army. When budget cuts caused Tyriek to be discharged from his position, he was left with nowhere to go.

A native of Richmond, Tyriek returned to be with his son Tyriek Jr. and fiancee Bianka. Their joy in reuniting was overshadowed by the housing crisis they faced.  Options for staying together were limited.

"I made some bad financial decisions growing up," said Tyriek.  "We didn't have anything to fall back on.  We needed a safe place to raise our son."

All three of them tried staying with Bianka's family at first, but with only one twin bed to share in a neighborhood full of crime, they quickly realized a different solution was needed.

Tyriek and Bianka did not want to be split up by a shelter, so they sought assistance from the Villa's Flagler Housing & Homeless Services.  Flagler's Supportive Services for Veteran Families helped them find their own apartment within a few weeks.  Housewares from the Villa Donation Center helped them settle into their new home.

Tyriek and Bianka are now married and financially stable. From the comfort of his new home, Tyriek is finishing his Associate Degree in Recording Arts and Engineering.

"Music is a tool for expression. It gave me a voice at a very young age when life was beating me down."

Tyriek believes that his life has turned around for the better, and plans to dedicate himself to helping others live good lives through the power of music he produces at home. One day he hopes to become a minister.

"Being great isn't about having a big house or a nice car," he said. "When you reach a place where you're at peace and grateful for what you have...that's when you're truly blessed."

Tyriek lives his passion for music in his new home.

Margaret Nimmo Crowe provides voice for Virginia's children
Richmond Times-Dispatch
October 7, 2014 

Early Intervention is changing the game for autism
ABC8 News
November 18, 2014