Join us for a pilgrimage with the Design and Planning team as they walk through the deep history of the Providence Academy, Mother Joseph and the Sisters of Providence.
Design and Planning team with Sister Susanne 
In 1856, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart and four Sisters of Providence travelled from Montreal to Vancouver, WA to serve the growing pioneer community of Fort Vancouver. Their mission to “the relief of needy and suffering humanity, in the care of orphans, invalids, the sick and poor, and education of youth.”
Money for the ministries was always in short supply. Mother Joseph raised money for the construction of the Providence Academy and other charitable institutions by leading begging tours through mines and lumber camps. With grit and resourcefulness, the Sisters of Providence were always able to provide for the poor and vulnerable members of the region. The Sisters of Providence became the pillar of the community to provide healthcare, social services and education.
The Providence Academy, the former orphanage and school was built and design by Mother Joseph in 1873. The Academy served as a girls’ school until its closure in 1966. Though this is the only of one of 29 buildings designed by Mother Joseph still remaining, her legacy lives on across the pacific northwest, at the Academy, and across our entire system.
As the tour ended with flowers to Mother Joseph’s grave. The Design and Planning team shared, “This experience was revitalizing, an opportunity to reground ourselves in the mission and values of our founding Sisters. As a Planning and Design team we hope to continue to tell the story and share in the legacy of Mother Joseph and reflect that in our built environment” – Sommer Miller, Executive Director, Real Estate Planning & Design
