History

Over 100 Years Caring for Kids

The history of our facility began in 1889. The original building was built by the Christian Church. In 1890, the facility was sold to the Benedicine Abbey of Subiaco, Arkansas for a boys’ school. Then, in 1892, the Franciscan nuns bought the building without seeing it, for $10,000.

The Sisters arrived in Nevada on September 3, 1893 and opened a day school when a man named Hogan was unable to care for his children due to death of his wife. Hogan approached the Sisters to take in his children.  This was the first of many children raised at what was soon to become St. Francis Orphanage.

In 1915, a fire burned St. Francis Orphanage to the ground. The Sisters were able to evacuate the children so that no one was hurt. Wihtout a home, the children were taken in by families throughout the town of Nevada.  One Sister stayed with each group of children as she was able.  The remaining Sisters would not abandon their beloved grounds.  When it was discovered there was not enough money from their insurance claim to rebuild, the Sisters took it upon themselves to salvage the remains of the structure.  The Sisters washed over 350,000 bricks by hand to use in the reconstruction.

The facility began serving behavioral health needs in 1982. In 2003, the facility was purchased by PSI (Psychiatric Solutions Incorporated), a growing, young company committed to quality care. This created a renewed spirit of commitment to be the BEST place for kids when they needed help.  We have been recognized by the State of Missouri and PSI for the positive outcomes we’ve had with our kids.  PSI is now the largest inpatient behavioral health company in the United States.