OLV Charities

Mission: Inspired by Father Nelson Baker's service to the poor, homeless and youth, OLV Charities empowers our mission partners to thrive by: Engaging a growing network of relationships, Securing financial resources, and Providing essential support services.

Vision: A future where ever-sustainable resources provide: Support for the poor, Justice for the oppressed, Hope for the troubled, and Courage for those in doubt.

History: In February of 1882, Father Baker became the new superintendent of Our Lady of Victory Institutions, which is now OLV Charities, Human Services, and National Shrine & Basilica. After a trip to the Basilica of Notre Dame des Victoires in Paris in 1874, Father Baker was inspired to begin the ground work for what OLV does today to serve & care for others as well as construct our beautiful National Shrine & Basilica.

Father Baker cared for children through the orphanage and protectory that were located on our current location. Then through his inspiration of Our Lady of Victory he expanded the campus to add an infant home, maternity, and general hospital in 1908. Father Baker also had the forethought to establish a pioneering fundraising & support program known as OLV Charities to support the work being and children cared for at his institutions. Then in 1926, the National Shrine & Basilica was finished and dedicated, the crowning jewel of Father Baker's "City of Charity".

Father Baked passed away in 1936 but his legacy has continued and his example of faith and charity continues to inspire and move people worldwide. Currently, OLV Charities is working through the Cause for Canonization for Father Nelson Baker.

OLV is continuing Father Nelson Baker's legacy of Caring.

OLV Charities provides much needed financial and in-kind support services to OLV Human Services, and OLV National Shrine & Basilica that allows those Mission Partners to serve others in the community.

OLV Human Services has met the needs of over 12,000 people through programs in Clinical, Residential, Employment, and Community Based Services.

OLV National Shrine & Basilica celebrates 100 years of being an inspiration to serve others through Father Baker's legacy.