Having worked for a number of years as administrators of Hope Rural School in Indiantown, Sister Mary Dooley, SSND and Sister Kate Kinnally, SSND became increasingly aware of the great need for the education of the parents. Most of the families were immigrants from Guatemala, Mexico, and Haiti and had very little, if any, opportunity for schooling in their own country.

 

In April of 2015, the sisters began to pursue the possibility of opening a Family Center in the Indiantown Community where they could offer life skills to the parents.

 

The sisters believed this was a call from God and kept pursuing their dream. Thanks to the kindness of Indiantown Non-Profit Housing, the sisters were offered the use of a vacant building right in the heart of the New Hope community. Needing some renovation, Indiantown Non-Profit Housing stepped up to the plate and created a warm and welcoming environment to carry out the mission of the center.

 

More miracles began flowing as Indiantown Telecommunications Service provided free internet for a year and Florida Power and Light performed an energy makeover, installing new energy efficient light fixtures and air conditioners. Over the summer months, furniture was donated by many non-profits and thrift stores and the building was beginning to take shape.

 

As the sisters brain-stormed ideas for the name of the new center, jokingly, they used part of their last names -KinnallyDooley to create the name KinDoo. Everyone thought it a perfect name for the spirit that the sisters wanted to create among their students- a KinDoo attitude. Thus, the name took on a life of its own.

 

The dedication of the building on October 2nd, 2015 was a reminder to all present that miracles do happen and dreams really do come true. The KinDoo Family Center opened for classes on October 5th with 35 students enrolled. The building is bursting with activity as programs in sewing, literacy, cooking, and art come alive and inspire hope of brighter futures to everyone who walks through the doors.

 

The 2016-2017 School Year opened with an enrollment of 50 students, some registering for two and three classes.  The KinDoo Family center was able to add two new  programs to their schedule with the addition of a new staff member, Sister Barbara Becker OP.   Through a grant from Mariner Sands Community Chapel, 10 computers were purchased.  A computer lab was set up and computer clases became available.  

The KinDoo Kids Korner became a reality, providing child care while parents attended classes.