After the school was shut down, the facility was greatly redesigned and expanded with new buildings, and its purpose transformed into one of working with children with behavioral and other mental health issues.
Today, it's known as The Barry Robinson Center, and continues to serve the intent of the endowment created by Frederick Robinson in a different way while retaining its faith-based roots.
From their website:
Over the years, our services have adapted to meet the changing needs of our community. Our founder, Frederick J. Robinson donated the majority of his estate to establish a school that would help improve the lives of children. As a devout Catholic, he was motivated by his Christian ideals to help children flourish. His benevolence remains at the core of our programs. When you walk around our campus and meet our staff, you start to understand that, for us, this is not just a job — it is a mission, and we strive daily to live up to Mr. Robinson’s gift.
Our campus retains the sense of a small college. Parents and other guests often comment on the beautiful, serene setting. And they always notice the smiles on the faces of residents and staff. Our open campus, “Voices of Pride” choir, guitar ensemble, garden program, Scout troop, spiritual counselor, and the warm living environment are just a few of the distinctive elements that separate us from other residential programs. To fully appreciate our programs, you need to visit — so consider this an open invitation!
Fulfilling a Catholic Legacy
- 1924: Norfolk businessman Frederick Robinson passes away. His will stipulates that money be used to create a Catholic Charitable Trust to start a “Home and School of Arts and Trades for Orphan Boys.”
- 1933: By the time a suitable piece of land is purchased and buildings erected, the need for orphanages had diminished. Instead, the James Barry Robinson Home for Boys becomes a Catholic middle school.
- 1933-1977: Operated by Catholic priests living on site, the school is open to boys of all faiths facing various challenges. Some are orphans and others come from families with financial difficulties or struggle in traditional schools. The school is also a farm, and even during the Depression, students and staff enjoyed plenty of fresh food.
- 1960s: The 11th and 12th grades are added, with the first graduation held in 1962. While small, the school boasts strong football and basketball teams that, for a time, compete successfully against much bigger local schools.
- 1977-1986: The school is renamed The James Barry-Robinson Institute and serves boys aged 12-18 experiencing emotional, behavioral, educational and social problems and who need special services not provided by their schools or communities.
- 1986: The Catholic Charitable Trust partners with a local children’s hospital to expand The James Barry-Robinson Institute. Renamed The Barry Robinson Center, the redesigned residential treatment center retains and renovates the historic colonial-style buildings and adds five new buildings, including three dormitories, a multi-use activities building with a regulation-size gym and a new cafeteria and infirmary. The Center serves boys and girls ages 6-18.
- 2006: The Barry Robinson Center reverts back to the Catholic Charitable Trust. The behavioral health system for youth includes a 72-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility, in-home counseling services, therapeutic foster care, independent living and prevention services.
2007: The Most Reverend Francis X. DiLorenzo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, recognizes The Barry Robinson Center as an independent Catholic institution. The Center returns to its faith-based roots while continuing to welcome residents of all faiths and backgrounds.
- 2013: The Barry Robinson Center creates a new position, Spiritual Life Coordinator. The Spiritual Life Coordinator works with children of any faith or no faith. This person is available to the students on an ongoing basis. The students at The Center have the opportunity to attend weekly prayer services, led by students, and religious-based activities, which are all on a voluntary basis.