Thorpe Family Residence provides shelter and services to homeless families in the Bronx. It helps mothers develop the life skills necessary to secure employment and to prepare for independent living.

“Since our opening in 1989, we have assisted more than 500 homeless mothers with children to obtain job training and education and successfully secure and maintain their own homes,” said Sister Barbara Lenniger, executive director of Thorpe Family Residence. “Many of our families have moved off public assistance and remained in the workforce. One mother got her GED and will start City University in the spring, and her children are doing well in school.”

Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, NY, Thorpe Family Residence is committed to helping families achieve their full potential by connecting them to the resources they need, be it housing counseling and referrals to secure affordable housing or after-school programs and tutoring provided with the help of volunteers from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Fordham University. Individually and as a team, the staff at Thorpe Family Residence tries to create hope in the lives of mothers and children. They work with mothers to set and maintain goals for getting off welfare by participating in job training and education programs.

Beyond empowering its families, Thorpe Family Residence also encourages them to advocate on the behalf of others. Residents are a voice in the community and are involved in a number of local community activities, advocating for the homeless and the disadvantaged. By fostering a strong relationship with the community, Thorpe Family Residence not only improves the lives of its residents, but empowers the entire community.

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