St. Dominic’s Family Services purchases former St. Dominic of Blauvelt properties

In a historic transition that underscores 146 years of dedication to compassionate care, the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt officially finalized the sale of several cherished buildings currently occupied by St. Dominic’s Family Services to that agency. Sr. Mary Flood, OP, Prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, remarked, “This transaction entrusts these beloved spaces to St. Dominic’s Family Services, ensuring that the mission of providing essential support to children, young adults, and families in need will continue to flourish”.

St. Dominic’s Family Services, formerly known as St. Dominic’s Home, was founded in 1878 by Mary Ann Sammon who is also the foundress of the Blauvelt Dominican Congregation. Mary Ann Sammon, an orphan and Irish immigrant, was moved by the large number of orphaned and abandoned children roaming the streets of lower Manhattan in the late 1800’s. After joining the Dominican Congregation, she took as her ministry the care of these orphaned and abandoned children. When the number of children became too great, she was encouraged to look for a residence in the country which brought her to Blauveltville as this area was called in the late 19th Century.

The Blauvelt Dominican Sisters have a long-standing commitment to community service that spans over a century, reflecting their mission of compassion, justice, and service. St. Dominic’s Family Services provides supportive care for 40 mentally and physically challenged individuals on the convent grounds, some of whom were formerly residents of Letchworth Village.

Additional developmentally disabled clients are serviced in smaller residential units throughout Rockland County. In addition, St. Dominic’s Family Services, operates a school for children with special needs and has extensive outreach services in the area of mental health and support services in Rockland, Orange, and Bronx Counties.

On October 1st , the Sisters of St. Dominic and the administrative staff of St. Dominic’s Family Services gathered to commemorate this pivotal moment, reflecting on the countless lives touched within these walls. Sr. Mary shared, “Over generations, the Sisters and committed laypeople have tirelessly served society’s most vulnerable, offering a sanctuary of hope and healing to those in need. This transition symbolizes not just the sale of buildings but the continuation of a mission, sustained by the dedicated efforts of St. Dominic’s Family Services and the visionary leadership of its board, administration, and staff”.

During the celebration, the congregation paused to honor the moments of love, resilience, and community that these buildings have witnessed. During the celebration, Sr. Mary stated, “Each space stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Sisters of St. Dominic and to the spirit of care that will carry forward through St. Dominic’s Family Services.”

To commemorate this sacred moment, the Congregation presented to St. Dominic’s Family Services a wood carving of their Congregational shield. In the Bible, shields symbolize protection, faith, and longevity and this particular shield embodies the rich and shared history of the Blauvelt Dominican Congregation and St. Dominic’s Family Services, dating back to the late 1800’s.

“We presented the shield as a lasting symbol of our shared history and mission, confident that St. Dominic’s Family Services will continue to serve as a beacon of care and compassion in the years to come.” The sisters extended a blessing to Dr. Diane Aquino and to all those who will carry forward the work of St. Dominic’s Family Services.