History Crossing the span of over 150 Years, the Diocesan Catholic Children's Home has served the needs of more than 3000 children in Northern Kentucky. Each of these children has become part of our family tree. June 4, 1848 First meeting of the group destined to organize a home for the Catholic Orphans in Kenton County. The St. John's Orphan Society selected Frank Derhaber as Chairman and started with $62.56 capital.  1885 St. John's began accepting boys as well as girls creating the need for additional buildings. By 1892 a three-story facility with classrooms, playroom, dormitories, and living quarters was completed.  January 28, 1868 Building and property off Lexington Pike (now Dixie Highway) were purchased for about $17,000. Property formerly housed St. Aloysius Seminary. New orphanage dedicated in spring of 1871 housing 9 girls. Benedictine nuns were in charge of the facility.  1923 St. John's Orphans Society celebrated its 75th anniversary. Approximately 50 children lived at the facility. An estimated 1,200 people attended a special mass held at the Mother of God Church in Covington.  February 10, 1926 A major fire consumed the school building. The fire's origin was traced to a furnace. Fortunately, no one was injured in the blaze. Four months later lightning struck, causing a fire in another one of the buildings. In July, the Society announced plans to build a new school and rectory.  1927 Almost $100,000 was raised for the project and construction began. By Labor Day 1928, the financing was completed. By 1929, 104 children lived in the new facility.  March 5, 1935 Fire again claimed a place in the history of the home. The Chapel, dining room, and the kitchen were consumed by the blaze. By Thanksgiving 1935, the damages of the buildings were repaired. January, 1949 St. John's celebrated its 100th anniversary. Records show that the Home was caring for 118 children at that time.  1957 Orphanage name changed to St. John's Children's Home. Sisters of Notre Dame assumed charge of the residence. July 11, 1961 The Diocese of Covington announced the merging of St. John's Orphanage and St. Joseph's Orphanage in Cold Spring to one facility in Fort Mitchell. The name was changed to Diocesan Catholic Children's Home.   June 30, 1963 The current residential building was dedicated with room for 48 children in our four family style apartments, central kitchen, chapel, and convent. September 1966 The program changed to meet the needs of children with serious emotional disabilities. Guardian Angel School began on campus.  1996 Renovation of the Residence building was completed from dormitory to individual bedrooms for the children. July 1, 1998 Assessment/Crisis Stabilization/Treatment (ACT) Unit opened as a short-term placement for children with emotional and behavioral needs.  April 1999 Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) Program launched to assist the needs of children in a home based environment. June 2002 DCCH becomes a state-licensed adoption agency for our TFC Children.