Cristo Rey Kansas City was in the cheering section at Villa St. Fancis' Faith in Bloom Benefit Luncheon as Sister Vickie Perkins received the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Sanctity of Life Award.  In addition to serving as founding President of Cristo Rey Kansas City, Sister Vickie has been a tireless champion for the rights of all and duties of all to create a just society.

Shortly after joining the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Sister Vickie began her vocation as an educator. First as a math teacher and later as a principal, her experience and passion for helping students reach their full potential led her to the role of Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Kansas City ~ St. Joseph. Her vision for accessible Catholic schools inspired the creation of the Central City School Fund, a charitable effort that assisted families living on the margins with the cost of education.

Her commitment to partnership and vision later led her to serve as Executive Director of Mount St. Vincent, providing care, foster services, and education to the most vulnerable in the Denver area.

In 2005, Sister Vickie also said 'yes' to serving as the founding President of Cristo Rey Kansas City, a model which provides Catholic education enhanced by a work study program to students with economic need. Sister Vickie oversaw the development of the school, which achieved a 100% college acceptance rate for its very first graduating class. After six years as President, Sister Vickie was asked to serve as Director of School Growth for the Cristo Rey Network.

Later called to join the Leavenworth Needs Task Force, the group documented a need for coordination of care and, ultimately, the development of Welcome Central, an organization providing transportation, job-seeking skills, and shelter for those in need.  Shelter of Hope, a day and night shelter, opened in 2014 to provide space to gather, eat, rest and access basic services. 

The recognition celebrated Sister Vickie's 60 years of tireless work providing tools and hope to low-income families and children.

This year marks the 73rd anniversary of Villa St. Francis. Founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1945, Villa originally was established to meet the critical needs of elderly in need of care and without means. Facility expansions and widening mission has brought this vital community service today where compassion, excellence and dignity are the touchstones care that encompasses rehabilitation, memory and long-term care for residents and their families, regardless of financial means.