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St. Vincent's
School for Boys

St. Vincent's
School for Boys

Compassionate Care for Traumatized Boys

Dedicated exclusively to therapeutic and compassionate care of traumatized boys.

Founded as an orphanage in 1853 following a cholera epidemic, St. Vincent’s School for Boys is one of the oldest institutions west of the Mississippi dedicated exclusively to therapeutic and compassionate care of traumatized boys. St. Vincent’s is a 52-bed licensed Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) annually serving up to 60 boys ages 7-18, who are referred from in-patient psychiatric facilities and county agencies throughout Northern California. The historic 770-acre campus in Marin County offers a bucolic, safe and peaceful setting. St. Vincent’s boys live in one of four houses, grouped by age, in a home-like setting and are supervised 24/7.

St. Vincent’s School for Boys is one of the first Northern California residential programs to earn STRTP licensing from the State of California Department of Human Services. STRTP designation is a response to legislation to move children into family life as soon as possible. 

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While living at St. Vincent’s, boys receive evidence-based therapeutic interventions to foster healing and learn skill-building. The program also provides resources and services to families to ensure the boys return to a healthy home environment where they can continue to thrive. Treatment includes individual and family therapy and rehabilitative or therapeutic services.

Together, we

prevent homelessness. uplift youth. care for seniors. serve immigrants.

Together, we

prevent homelessness. uplift youth. care for seniors. serve immigrants.

St. Vincent's School for Boys 2022 Impact

St. vincent's school for boys

What We Do

What We Do

Therapeutic Equestrian Program

St. Vincent’s School for Boys is the only residential program in Northern California offering innovative equestrian therapy as a treatment modality. The campus is home to horses, chickens, roosters, goats and two barn cats and is uniquely suited for the equestrian program. Boys arriving at St. Vincent’s struggle to connect or trust others. Animals have an extraordinary way of reaching children, particularly those who have experienced deep pain associated with betrayals and trauma. Equestrian activities are supervised by trained, PATH certified equestrian practitioners. Boys groom the horses, care for them, and ride them on guided trails throughout the campus.

The Therapeutic Equestrian Program facility was recently named the Eagleson Equestrian Center after former St. Vincent’s School for Boys Director, Kent Eagleson. Kent spent a lifetime helping boys grow into their potential and in recognition of his retirement from over 53 years of service Catholic Charities honored Kent by unveiling the Catholic Charities Eagleson Equestrian Center at St. Vincent’s School for Boys.

Meet Jeremiah

Meet Jeremiah

“Before I got to St. Vincent’s, I was not really in the state of mind to survive anywhere. The friendships I was able to make through St. Vincent’s, through Kent, the equestrian program, the staff, the horses – I am today as successful as I wanted to be, and I’m still going higher. I can definitely say I probably would have ended up on the streets if they didn’t arrive when I needed them to; to open those arms and the doors and say ‘this is going to be your new home.”

Jeremiah

Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys Alum

St. Vincent's School for Boys

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