About UsThe Society of St. Agnes is a catholic organization dedicated to helping adults with special needs to achieve their life dreams and goals. It is located in Lakeland Florida, which works with adults with disabilities in the United States as well as Tanzania East Africa.
The Society of St. Agnes is a non profit organization registered as a 501 ( C ) 3 founded in 2004 by African Benedictine Sisters of St. Agnes, in response to the mounting physical and spiritual needs of the Special needs children and adults in United States and of the orphanage children in Tanzania. Society of St. Agnes group homes provides a safe and caring environment for adults with physical and mental disabilities. Catholic nuns from the Order of Benedictine Sisters of St. Agnes solely run the organization. The activities of this organization are the vital part of the sisters’ ministry. |
Our Mission |
In Florida, the mission of the Society of St. Agnes is to assist individuals with physical and developmental disabilities in achieving and maintaining independence and a high quality of life throughout their adult life. We ensure our clients with disabilities are provided respect and dignity at all times. We strive to maintain a high quality of life and high morale for our clients as well as our care takers. We are committed to providing a safe working environment for our caretakers and clients.
The Society of St. Agnes serve all individuals with disabilities and give them the essential of life: , food, shelter, clothing, transportation and medical care in a loving, home-like environment. Society of St. Agnes teaches and train Godly biblical principals and how to apply them to everyday life through our Adult training center program. We educate, individuals with their rights and provide equal opportunities regardless of color, gender, tribe, religion or physical or mental ability. In addition, the organization supports and provides orphans and vulnerable children with general education, high education and vocational training to prepare them for a future of self-reliance. We campaign for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention through out our community, particular in Tanzania. We raise awareness among the people of Tanzania about the growing number of orphans roaming the street and out of school. |
Our History |
Society of St. Agnes was founded by Sister Atukuzwe Nyirenda, a Benedictine Sister of St. Agnes. Originally from Tanzani, she came to the United State in 1997 to study. She graduated with a degree in education from St. Ben’s College at St. Joseph, MN and a Masters degree in English as a Second Language at St. Cloud State University at St. Cloud, MN. Her is her story of how Society of St. Agnes came about:
"In 2004, I had a vision of helping those who can’t help themselves. The Challenge was how I will start and who will fund it. I shared my vision with my mother superior who agreed and send other two sisters to help me to start the group home. The same year we applied for non-profit organization which we named Society of St. Agnes. After a lot of prayers we were able to get a loan and bought our first home. Therefore, in May 12, 2006 we were able to open our first Society of St. Agnes Group home and welcome our two clients in the same month. In 2007, we received four more clients and our home was full, because the house was licensed for only six people. But because the demand was high and more clients seeking for the group home; therefore, we decided to open our second home at Hancock Lake Rd. in Lakeland, Florida. The house was full for the same day after we opened. This showed us that they were a big need for the Society of St. Agnes to start the third house. Although, we opened the third house still there were a big demand of the clients looking for joining the Society of St. Agnes. Even though we have many problems on running the program, but we have made a lot of progress to run the program. This Mission could not be succeeded without the help of other people who are supporting our mission to grow and continue to operate. Therefore, we would like to say thank you for all people who are praying and continue to support the Society of St. Agnes’ mission." |