Character is better than ancestry, and personal conduct is of more importance than the highest.

In 1899 the various institutions and organizations were legally incorporated under the title of "The National Association for the Reclamation of Destitute Waif Children" but the institution was always familiarly known as "Dr Barnardo’s Homes. Besides the various branches necessary for the foregoing work there were also among others the following institutions: a rescue home for girls in serious danger a convalescent seaside home and a hospital for the terribly sick. Barnardo and his wife Syrie were given a home in Barkingside as a wedding gift.

From the foundation of the first Barnardo's home in 1870 to the date of Barnardo’s death nearly 100000 children had been rescued trained and given a better life. Thomas John Barnardo (4 July 1845 – 19 September 1905) was a philanthropist and founder and director of homes for poor children born in Dublin.