Chadwick Residence opened its doors to homeless women and children in the fall of 1986. It was named in honor of former patron and board member Axilda M. Chadwick, who was a longtime advocate for women, the elderly, education and literacy.
The Chadwick Residence building, the former Our Lady of Lourdes Convent, was purchased by Christopher Community and rented to an independent board for a nominal fee. The board in turn hired Christopher Community to act as managing agent for the Residence. The building houses 17 women and 10 children as well as staff offices. A permanent supportive living component which was added in 2005 leases 19 scattered site apartments that are available to homeless women and children with a documented disability and are considered HUD homeless.
Today, the Residence is staffed by an executive director, case managers, clerical staff and resident advisors who work evenings and weekends.
For over three decades, women have successfully completed programs in nursing and childcare while others have received degrees from Onondaga Community College, Le Moyne College and Syracuse University. Helping the women reach their goals fulfills the Chadwick Residence mission to empower women to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
