The Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus started its roots in 1891 (Germany) by Blessed Maria Teresa of St. Joseph.  She came to the States in 1912 and founded the first home in Milwaukee. 

In 1916, the Carmelite Home was established to house orphan boys in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin but in the late 1960's transitioned to a residential treatment center for young delinquent boys. In July 2017, after 101 years of service to the community, the Sisters decided to close the home and venture to a new apostolate serving persons with intellectual & developmental disabilities with a safe & secure home - individual apartments for adult female with IDD. 

The old building (1930) was torn down and a new building constructed with 15 fully-furnished apartment units, each with their own kitchenette and bathroom. The blessing and dedication of the new building was held on October 15, 2019, Feast day of St. Teresa. 

Now, the Sisters and staff are providing a safe home-like environment with opportunities to promote personal growth and independence through daily activities and active engagements.