Father Baker's - AKA The Limestone Institutions
Prior to Father Baker's arrival in 1882, the Limestone Hill Institutions was comprised of St. Joseph’s Orphan Asylum, St. John‘s Protectory, and St. Patrick's Church. The Limestone Institutions were the only institutions, with the exception of the Poorhouse, to accept African-American Children.
The Orphan Asylum dates back to 1849/1850 and the Protectory was proposed in 1862.
Although Father Baker completed many projects, I will only be focusing on his influence of the children’s institutions. I will be providing external links for further information regarding his great many works.
Father Nelson Baker was first assigned to the Limestone Institutions in 1876 to assist Father Hines because of his business sense. The Limestone Institutions were $27,000 in debt and continued to fall further into the red. During the Depression of 1879, the Limestone Institutions were $56,000 in debt and Father Baker felt the institutions were doomed. In 1881, feeling there was nothing he could do about the dismal future of the Institutions, Father Baker requested a transfer and was assigned to St. Mary's Paris in Corning, NY.
Exactly one year later, Bishop Timon called upon him again to return to the Limestone Institutions. Father Hines' health was declining and he needed a less stressful position. Father Baker tried to offer many different reasons why he could not go, Bishop Timon didn't leave him much of an option.
Father Baker returned in 1882 and the debt was at its all-time high. Upon his assignment, creditors demanded immediate payment. Of these creditors, there was only one that took him on his word that the debt would be paid in due time. Father Baker told the remainder of the creditors to return in the morning and he make good on the accounts; but also warned them if this was the option they choose, he would no longer do business with them. In order to pay off the debt, Father Baker emptied his personal saving account, leaving him broke.
Father Baker, being a man of strong faith, prayed to Our Lady of Victory, for help. Through his prayers, his answer was to form the Association of Our Lady of Victory. Father Baker wrote postmasters throughout the country and requested names of Catholic women who would be willing to assist with the care of dependent and helpless boys. From this mass-mailing, the Association was formed. The Association costed twenty-five cents per year and the funds were used for the children and to "pass the word". Members of the Association received a newsletter, "The Appeal for Homeless and Destitute Children" to keep them informed of the progress being made. The debts were cleared in three years.
Father Baker's Today - Baker Victory Services
Baker Victory Services was a result of a merger on January 8, 1996, between the OLV (Our Lady of Victory) Infant Home and Baker Hall. The steps leading up to the merger dated back to 1983. The merger allows for streamlining services and offers a more efficient organization. Services are provided from infancy into adulthood with funding from the State Education Department, Office of Mental Health, Office of Child and Family Services, and the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Residential Division - Office of Child and Family Services
Cottages, group homes, 24-hour residential treatment facilities for mentally ill and emotionally disturbed youth and adolescents
Special Services - This program serves adolescent males in need of a secure setting to improve their decision making and anger management skills, as well as family and peer relationships.
Institutional Program - This program provides care to adolescent males in need of services to address emotional and/or behaviors issues, delinquency problems, and family concerns while living away from their home.
Group Homes - Residential program for adolescent males capable of living in the community while addressing family issues, educational concerns, and peer relationships, all while working toward the goal of an independent living situation
Women's Services - Community-based group home living for female adolescents including maternity care for pregnant teens, individual and family therapy, and building of daily living and parenting skills
Adoption and Foster Care - Both International and Domestic Adoptions and Foster Care. Therapeutic foster care is also available for children with emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.
Residential Division - Office of Mental Health:
Twenty-four hour residential care for mental ill and seriously emotionally disturbed adolescents. Other services include individual, group, and family therapy, psychiatric services, medication therapy/management, case management, and discharge planning.
OMRDD Services Division - Services for the Developmentally Disabled
Community homes providing 24-hour supervision. Nursing, dietary, recreation, and other specialized services are provided as needed. Respite care is provided at several residential sites and offers the primary care giver with a break from their daily responsibilities. Service Coordination is also available for individuals needing support and guidance in several areas. Other services provided include intensive inpatient services for children and adults with severe physical and mental disabilities
Education Services Division
Early Intervention - Provides evaluation of children with suspected delays. Ongoing services may include speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, family education and speciation education.
Preschool Services - Evaluations include psychological, physical, social history, and specific assessments, if necessary. Any ad all services are provided at home, day care, or preschool. Full or half-day special education and related services are provided by the BVS Early Childhood Center or in Head Start School 54 with children without disabilities.
Primary Classes - Special education or related services provided by the BVS Early Childhood Center
Baker Hall and Edward Street Schools - On-campus special education and related services for the residents and referred students from the community with mental illness, emotional, or developmental disabilities. The Edward Street Campus School is operated in conjunction with the City of Buffalo's School System.
Outpatient Services Division:
Outpatient Counseling Clinic - Services include individual, family and group counseling for children and adolescents and individual counseling for parents. In-home support services available for at-risk youth. Other support services include psychiatric consultation for medication,evaluation, and monitoring.
Preventive Services - Services are provided to individuals, family, and group counseling. Family and parent skill building and referrals to community supports and services. Preventive services also provides therapeutic activity programs such as parent-child play and an open gym.
Day Treatment - Special Education and related services are offered for individuals with mental illness or emotional disabilities, as referred by home School District Committee of Special Education.
Affiliated Services
Baker Victory Healthcare Center - Dental and medical clinic specializing in the care of those with physical, mental, and/or behavioral difficulties. Also open to the general community.
Baker Victory Training Institute - provides training seminars to schools, parents, and businesses
FamilyPointe Evaluation Center - Early identification of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with suspected delays.
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