Gibault's Rich History

Providing life-changing opportunities since 1921

1921

On October 9th, 1921, 20,000 people traveled to Terre Haute, Indiana for the dedication of the Gibault Home for Boys, the realization of an idea first conceived in 1909 by the Indiana Knights of Columbus. The Knights had long dreamed of establishing a much-needed "refuge for wayward boys" and after years of planning, this dream became reality. The school was named after Father Pierre Gibault, the patriot priest of the American Revolution. It was located on the former Fred B. Smith estate just south of Terre Haute.

1926

Plans were quickly made to expand the campus and by 1926 new dormitories and class room buildings were added to the campus. As the demand for Gibault’s services increased, so did the need for a larger and more experienced professional staff.

1934

In 1934, the Indiana Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis asked the Brothers of Holy Cross from Notre Dame, Indiana, to assume the administration of the school and its programs. This transition marked the beginning of Gibault’s Holy Cross Era, a period of significant growth, improvement and expansion. ​

1936

In 1936, Gibault opened its doors to boys from every Midwestern state and within a few years, Gibault's enrollment had grown to more than 100 boys from throughout the Midwest.

1980

Over time, youth services continued to change. The increase in the number of students necessitated an expansion in professional staff and facilities. By the early 1980’s, the Brothers of Holy Cross turned Gibault’s administration over to lay staff who continue the mission to this day.
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2001

In 2001, Gibault extended their services to females.  ​

2004

In 2004, Gibault continued to increase its continuum of care by providing programming for children affected by Asperger Syndrome, and also began offering services in Shelbyville, IN.

2005

The summer of 2005 saw the opening of the PRTF - Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility unit.

TODAY

Over the years, Gibault has changed physically and programmatically to accommodate the needs of at-risk youth. From the Smith Mansion, Gibault has grown to become a sprawling 360-acre campus that employs over 200 staff. Over time, Gibault expanded services from treating only “Wayward boys” to providing a variety of treatment services to all gender types, children, families and members of the community.  Gibault currently services youth with mild to severe emotional disturbances, aggressive and oppositional behaviors, substance abuse issues, experiences with trauma, sexually reactive/harmful behavior and learning and developmental disabilities. Gibault has several specialized residential programs including a treatment program for youth who have engaged in sexually reactive/harmful behavior (PAST), the Autism Spectrum Behavioral Learning Environment (ABLE), a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF), and a staff-secured Child and Adolescent Residential Environment (CARE). Additionally, Gibault Outpatient Counseling is a community mental health clinic that provides individual and family counseling services as well as diagnostic and evaluation services to youth ages 6-18 who reside in the surrounding communities. Gibault is licensed by Indiana Department of Child Services and is COA accredited.

Gibault’s mission statement is providing life-changing opportunities for children, adults, families and communities. The continuing excellence of Gibault is made possible by the generosity of the Indiana Knights of Columbus and Gibault's donor family - thousands of people who care deeply about the youth that Gibault serves.
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1921 Dedication of Gibault School for Boys
Providing life changing opportunities for children, adults, families, and communities.