Cabrini
in Healy Drive, Orpington is a small community providing long-term care for
young handicapped people. It occupies three houses which were originally constructed
in the 1950's as children's homes.
Cabrini's homely environment welcomes those of all faiths and backgrounds. Currently there are 12 permanent residents and one regular monthly respite visitor.
No.1 Healy Drive houses the less able aged around 19-30 years, No. 2 Healy Drive is a centre for various activities and is available to outside groups, and No. 3 Healy Drive is home to those aged 23-40 years, who need less supervision. The community is operated by the Catholic Children's Society, under the charge of John Aleppo, the long-time Management Officer. He heads a team of 32 staff - both full and part-time - who give round the clock care seven days a week.
In the mid-1960's an inter-parish group was founded, known as 'The Catholic Handicapped Children's Fellowship', which met on a monthly basis. By the early 1970's the group, inspired by the late Father Phelan, would meet alternately at St. Joseph's in St. Mary Cray, St. Michael's Farnborough and Holy Innocents. The group included the late Dr Kenneth Seagar, Peggy Cornwell and Joan Clare and it had the initial idea of founding a short-stay home for the physically handicapped to provide respite care for parents. Substantial support was also received from other Diocesan members. To begin this work the Southwark Catholic Handicapped Children's Fellowship was registered by the Diocese and a vacant convent in Honor Oak Road, Forest Hill was donated by the Order of Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The new home was named after the order's founder, Mother Francesca Cabrini. The energetic Dr Seagar raised some £27,000 to furnish the premises, which was a major undertaking.
Unfortunately the venture proved to be a troubled one due to financial problems concerning its day-to-day operations, particularly regarding the need to retain full-time employees during interim periods when there were no occupants.
In 1987 No.1 Healy Drive, owned by the Catholic Children's Society became vacant and the project was transferred there. The Society assumed all responsibilities for the project in 1988. Surplus funds raised by Dr Seagar were also invested in the Healy Drive property.