BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
GREEN TOWNSHIP -- St. Joseph Orphanage in Monfort Heights is not the typical place people think of when orphanages are mentioned.
"People expect to see these kids in uniforms and acting like they're in the movies," said Robert Wehr, executive director of the orphanage. ". . . These are seriously sick kids."
Built in 1829, St. Joseph Orphanage evolved over the years as the number of orphans declined and the foster care system took hold beginning in the 1960s. Now it is a center where mentally disturbed children can get help.
On Sunday, St. Joseph celebrated the successful close of a $9 million capital and endowment campaign with a Mass, dedication and campus tours.
Shortly after the campaign began two years ago, the orphanage received word that it was beneficiary of an $8.2 million trust from the estate of Otto Armleder. Mr. Wehr said the surprise $8.2 million gift allowed St. Joseph to adjust its campaign goal to $800,000, which it recently achieved.
Most of the money is being used to build and maintain a building for children at St. Joseph's Altercrest residential, day and outpatient treatment facility in Anderson Township.
The end of the successful campaign marks "the beginning of a period of greater financial security and rebuilding for St. Joseph Orphanage," said board President Jim Redmond.
"We've always sought out ways to better care for kids in this area," said Maryam Kubasek, St. Joseph's director of community relations. "There's been a movement to get kids into short-term care, and that's what we're doing."
More than 1,000 children from Hamilton and surrounding counties use the facility's services each year.
Children range from ages 5 to 17, but the orphanage will accept children as young as 3 years old.
Patients have increased steadily during the past 10 years -- but so have the problems.
"A lot of these kids are severely depressed, and you didn't see that a few years ago," said Karen Carlisle, who works in the critical-care unit.
St. Joseph's critical-care unit has eight beds reserved for some of the Tristate's most disturbed children.
One month in the unit could cost thousands of dollars, but St. Joseph's gives an important resource to Cincinnatians, said Mary Rose, deputy director of the Hamilton County Community Mental Health Board.
"This is the only game in town for a lot of people who need extensive help," she said. "Unfortunately, people don't understand how nice it is to have this kind of local support system.
"I think everyone takes it for granted."
The support system extends beyond the brick building at 5400 Edalbert Drive. Children can get counseling outside the orphanage environment and, sometimes, the organization uses foster parents. Carolyn Hendley is one of the many people who have given part of their lives to St. Joseph. In 10 years of being a foster parent, she and her husband, Kevin, have had 12 children come through their home in Pleasant Run. Now, four children, ages 18 months to 15 years old, are getting help in Mrs. Hendley's home.
Foster parents suffer heartbreaks every day, Mrs. Hendley said -- but for her, it is worth the battle.
"It's heartbreaking when you can't save them, because you wonder where their lives are heading. You always try and look at the good side, and you pray you can make a difference."
