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Heritage

During the late nineteenth century Mary Walsh, an Irish immigrant, who worked as a laundress and a small group of companions provided services to the sick and poor on the West Side of new York City.  From 1879 until 1910, these valiant women brought nursing and social services to the needy in their own homes.  In 1910, the Church recognized this faith-filled woman as a religious congregation, the Dominican Sisters of the Sick poor.

Changing times created new opportunities and in 1966 certification as a Home Health Agency was secured.  A separate corporation, Dominican Sisters Family health Service, was established in 1974.  Programs of DSFHS include a Certified Home Health Agency and Long Term Home Health Care and AIDs Home Care Programs.

Family Home Health Care, Inc., was established in 1995 to further meet the challenges and expanding needs of the healthcare delivery system.

M A R Y  W A L S H
1879-1929
“…a healing presence in a fractured world…”

Mary Walsh, an Irish immigrant, who arrived in America in 1869, was no stranger to poverty, suffering, and loss.  She was a victim of the “Great Hunger” which ferociously attacked the people of Ireland beginning in 1840.  Before this national tragedy was over, hundreds of thousands of people died and millions left their beloved families, friends and native land driven out by economic pressures. Those who left Ireland understood poverty, but the hardships of leaving “home” tried many a human spirit as immigrants faced the solid concrete and cold steel of cities in unfamiliar land.

Mary, orphaned in infancy, by the death of her young parents, was raised by her paternal grandmother, in County Limerick.  Arriving in New York City at age 18, with limited education and skills in fine needlework and embroidery, Mary found employment as a domestic.  For over 10 years she worked as a laundress in the homes of wealthy families often accompanying them to their summer homes away from the squalor of an overcrowded city where infectious diseases were a source of concern.  Mary became keenly aware of the luxury of the rich and the dire needs of the poor.

In 1876, Mary’s life changed forever when she responded to the cries of a child in a doorway.  Climbing the tenement stairs and entering a home in disarray, Mary found a young woman with a dead baby beside her.  Three frightened, hungry children were huddled in a corner.  With loving hands she cared for the gravely ill mother, buried her infant and secured food, medicines and clothing from local tradesmen.  Because of time spent with the family, she lost her job.  Her simplicity, directness and earnestness drew others around her.  From 1879 until 1910, a small band of courageous women lived and worked among their neighbors on the West Side.  They supported themselves and their works of mercy by taking in laundry and begging for funds.  The Church recognized these valiant and faithfilled women as Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor in 1910, the first Catholic Community based visiting nurse service.  The sisters not only offered direct nursing and social services, but also taught families how to care for themselves and prevent illness in the midst of poverty and wretched living conditions.  Help and hope were brought into people’s lives.  Foundations were opened in selected cities throughout the United States.

Changing times created new opportunities. In 1974, a separate incorporation, DSFHS was established.  Today, this certified community based, non-profit home health agency carries on the legacy and tradition of Mary Walsh – “a vital healing ministry.”  Highly skilled and dedicated health care teams in Westchester, the South Bronx and Suffolk counties provide a broad array of services enabling patients to remain in their own homes and communities avoiding costly institutionalization.  Care…Compassion…Commitment…remain the hallmarks of service.

Bookmark this page and visit often for news and events in your local communities.

Family Health News
A publication of the Dominican Sisters Family Health Service

 Click here to download

2009 Annual Report

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Wine Tasting Event for the benefit of

Dominican Sisters Family Health Service

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

6:30pm to 8:30pm

Wines Around the World

Gourmet Buffet and Musical Entertainment

Sleepy Hollow Country Club

Scarborough, NY 10510

Sponsorships Available

$75 per person

RSVP: Development Office

914-941-1710 x 1131 Email - ssmith@dsfhs.org

 Click here to download

Dinner Fundraiser for

Dominican Sisters Family Health Service

Sunday, April 25, 2010

1:00pm or 4:00pm

Meeting House Creek Inn

Aquebogue, NY

$30 per adult plus gratuity

$15 per child / 12 yrs & under plus gratuity

To purchase tickets or make table reservations: Call Development Office

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18th Annual Mary & Carol Higgins Clark Luncheon and Book Signing

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

11:00 Book Signing
12:00 Luncheon & Awards

Honorees
Great Raffle Prizes

Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill Mansion
Tarrytown, NY

$115 per person

Sponsorships Available

RSVP: Development Office
914-941-1710 x1131
ssmith@dsfhs.org