Together with our generous friends, we’ve changed the lives and futures of three million children and their families since 1947. Yet so many more still need our help. With you by our side, we can deliver it.

Will you make a special gift today to celebrate our anniversary?

No matter the amount, every dollar makes a tangible difference. From life-saving food and medicine to life-changing educational opportunities and more, you can help bring health, dignity, and—most of all—hope to those who need it most.

Thank you in advance for whatever you can give today!

A 75-year Timeline

1947 – Father James O’Loughlen establishes the Missions Office, initially housed in the basement of the Provincial House in New Rochelle, New York.

1959 – Father Edward (“Ed”) Cappelletti assumes leadership of the Missions Office, where he serves for the next 44 years.

1959 – Salesian Missions becomes a 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable organization.

1963 – Fr. Ed sets an ambitious goal to start development of a significant donor list starting with city phone books.

1968 – Salesian Missions becomes a founding member of the National Catholic Development Conference.

1970 – Following Fr. Ed’s successful advocacy to Rome, he receives approval to build a dedicated Salesian Missions office building on Provincial House property. Fr. Ed also receives approval to acquire new technology and an expanded staff to help manage a growing list of donors.

1972 – The new Salesian Missions Office building is completed in New Rochelle, N.Y., which today continues to raise funds from generous Americans to serve poor children in the U.S. and around the globe

1975 – Fr. Ed and staff ultimately achieve their goal of establishing a significant donor list.

1980 – Fr. Ed develops a groundbreaking, proprietary Catholic selection program, which allows Salesian Missions to better focus its communications.

1982 – Recognizing demographic trends, Fr. Ed oversees development of a Spanish-language communications program.

1995 – New computer technology helps streamline operations to increase and improve communication channels with our donors.

2003 – Brother Emile Dube is appointed Director of Salesian Missions.

2008 – Father Mark Hyde succeeds Bro. Emile.

2013 – Father Ed dies (Nov. 12).

2014 – Salesian Missions staff dedicate office building to Fr. Ed (Sept. 24).

2020 – Father Augustus (“Gus”) Baek succeeds Fr. Mark and is current Director. The Salesian Missions Office continues to communicate with generous American donors and friends in service to the poorest of the poor.