Update from Sister Linda Yankoski

President and CEO

The problems of today’s society are tearing at the heart of families. Each day, I witness solutions to these problems through Holy Family Institute’s support and prevention services for families in crisis.  Whether it’s been providing a home to rescued orphans from Haiti, graduating young people who have become employable and self-sufficient, or restoring a family’s hope, Holy Family continues to carry out its 100-year mission to empower children and families to lead responsible lives and develop healthy relationships based on faith, hope, and love. 

As I reflect on God’s blessings over the past year, I am reminded of the more than 8,000 children and families who have been given hope.  In despair, children came to us for a safe place to call home. Families, who despite overwhelming problems of hunger, poverty, addiction and abuse, are now able to see hope for their future. 

Only six months ago, on a cold January day, Holy Family became the home to 12 orphaned children from Haiti who were rescued and flown to Pittsburgh.  These children have adjusted quite well to their life here, now enjoying the summer break from their school routine, swimming and playing outdoors.

As a result of our “Sweet Dreams for Kids” cottage renovation project, the residential students at our Emsworth campus are living in a new, peaceful and cheerful home-like environment.  Through our residential program youth are prepared to live independently by learning life and leadership skills that will help them achieve success in school, with their families, and in work settings. Recognizing the need to provide essential school-to-work programs for our youth, our residential, as well as alternative and special education students, participate in our Youth Workforce Development Program.  HFI students are graduating with strong academic and career-related skills that are critical to job success and personal growth.

Times of crises and hardship can test a family’s ability to stay close together, help each other and endure.   However, with help and support in difficult times, families can be nurtured and restored.  This extension of support that Holy Family provides to families in crisis is often the bridge to personal growth that makes a difference in their lives.  Our in-home and outpatient counseling services offer continued therapeutic intervention and prevention services to help protect and strengthen families during these difficult times.

Thank you for visiting us at our website, and please contact us via the links provided to learn more about the mission of Holy Family Institute and how we care for these children and families in need. You may also download the recent publication of Vision of Hope ...click here, which describes many of our support and prevention services.  We appreciate your support in helping to protect children and strengthen families for the next generation. 

Grace and Peace,

Sister Linda Yankoski

Holy Family Institute
President and Chief Executive Officer