Mount St. Joseph is a facility owned and operated by the religious congregation of the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence. Our order is sometimes referred to as Guanellians and was founded in 1881 by Blessed Aloysius Guanella. Impelled by the love of Christ he spent his entire life and energies for the needy, the physically and mentally handicapped, orphans, and the aged. Father Guanella so loved and dedicated his life, that he founded two religious congregations to carry on his work - the Servants of Charity for priests and brothers and the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence.

The Daughters of St. Mary of Providence live their special vocation, binding themselves to God with the three vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience. Faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, the Sisters spread the "culture of charity" in part in their ministry of providing a home and care through Mount St. Joseph.

In 1926 the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence opened a facility for the retarded in Chicago. As time went by, it became apparent that a different type of program was needed for the residents as they became adults. In 1935, a farm was put up for sale in Lake Zurich, and the Sisters were able to purchase it, with the help of benefactors. The founder of their religious order, Father Aloysius Cuanella, had always stressed the advantages of country living for the physical and emotional health of this special population.

Two Sisters and six residents moved into the old farm house on the property. There was no running water, and neighbors across the highway allowed them access to their well. From these very humble beginnings, Mount St. Joseph has grown to include residential units, a chapel, service facilities, and a therapy center. All are interconnected, for the comfort and safety of the residents in inclement weather.

Today, Mount. St. Joseph is “home” to more than 125 women with developmental disabilities. The age range of residents is between 23 — 85 years old. It is a place where they are free to eat, sleep, pray, work, play and enjoy life. Each day brings a new set of challenges where everyone learns how to cope with activities of daily living. Each person is supported and challenged to live their life to the fullest extent possible while an environment is created for them that provides the freedom to develop all that their potential allows them to become while promoting their dignity as human beings.

     LIVING UNITS

Mount St. Joseph currently has 6 living units, which we call cottages. Each cottage houses 21 to 23 residents. Residents are grouped according to physical age, mental age, and/or physical disability, so that ongoing active treatment can be achieved in an efficient manner.

A Sister, called a Housemother, lives in each unit, and is responsible for the overall care of the residents in her charge. In addition, each cottage has habilitation aides working with the residents on a 24 hour basis.

Bedrooms in the cottages house one to four ladies. Each cottage also has a day room, where residents may work on programs, develop leisure skills, or just relax watching television. Each cottage has its own kitchen (although most meals are prepared at a central kitchen), and a dining room where family style serving is encouraged.

Although a central laundry serves the facility, each unit also has a small laundry room, and residents who are able are helped to learn to care for their own clothing. As much as possible, each cottage is set up to be a “home” for the ladies.

Once a resident is admitted to Mount St. Joseph, she generally remains in our care for the remainder of her life. As the residents age, their needs, interests, and physical condition may change.

Our therapists develop programs appropriate to older individuals, to help them maintain skills, and to ensure their continuing quality of life. You may learn more about the specific services residents receive by clicking on the "Services" tab above.

To learn more about us, please continue to explore our website and see our multimedia presentations found by clicking here.