On a typical day, The City of St. Jude bristles with hundreds of people. Serving and being served, loving and being loved. They are children of all ages; some with special needs and others not. They are administrators, teachers, nurses, maintenance, social workers and all manner of people; young, old, poor and not so poor. They come to learn, to be healed, to find a home, to earn a living, to receive compassionate concern, to love and be loved, to find hope and give hope. It is a special City – open to all, founded on love and committed to service.

 

Conceived as a daring dream, The City of St. Jude lives on as a daily miracle. Built by nickels, dimes and dollars from thousands of people throughout the United States, it still operates on the gifts of the many throughout the land.

 

Founded in 1934, by Father Harold Purcell, The City of St. Jude sits on a 36 acre campus, at Exit 170 off of Interstate 65, in the heart of west Montgomery. Father Purcell’s vision was to bring light, hope and dignity to the poor.

 

His long range plan called for the development of a complex of facilities that would provide spiritual enrichment, education, health care and social services.

 

In the center of the campus is St. Jude Catholic Church, the hub for spiritual enrichment. Built in 1936, it was the “necessary first step”.

 

The St. Jude Social Center opened in 1939. St. Jude Social Services has provided assistance to thousands of needy families over the years. Our mission is to provide assistance with basic human needs of food, rent, clothing and utilities while offering understanding and encouragement.

 

West of the church is St. Jude Educational Institute. Originally housed in the basement of the church, construction of the school was completed in 1947. Committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth, it educates students in grades seven through twelve.

 

St. Jude Catholic Hospital opened its doors in 1951 as the first integrated hospital in the southeast. The hospital became a victim of time and closed in 1985. It was later converted into affordable apartments for the elderly. The St. Jude Apartments is home for 96 residents who need a safe and affordable place to stay. We provide various types of assistance to help our tenants live productive and independent lives.

 

Father Purcell Memorial Exceptional Children’s Center was completed in 1958. The 58 bed facility is home to our special needs children. We provide 24-hour skilled nursing care to children who are developmentally disabled.

 

The City of St. Jude is still true to its original purpose of reaching out and touching the lives of God’s children. The City of St. Jude continues to give hope where there is none; help to those who need it and a home to those in search of one.