The KinDoo Center and House of Hope Join Forces to Serve the Indiantown Community
The KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown, a non-profit organization that teaches local families useful skills that enable them to achieve a better life, will become part of the House of Hope family of services by the summer of 2023.
KinDoo was founded by Sister Mary Dooley SSND and Sister Kate Kinnally SSND to meet the community needs that they witnessed firsthand in their work as administrators with Hope Rural School. “Many of the families were struggling economically,” Sr. Mary Dooley said. “We saw what a difference it would make if the lower income, underserved women of Indiantown could learn skills in their own community that they could use to support their families.”
The sisters wanted the students to have a "can do" attitude and it so happened that the first syllables of their last names were KinDoo. Thus, the name took on a life of its own. In 2015 they established the KinDoo Center in the heart of the community in a building owned by Indiantown Non-Profit Housing. Then, in the words of the Sisters, “miracles began to flow.” The center has evolved over time into a true community hub and a vibrant educational setting for classes in literacy, computer skills, sewing, cooking and art.
As the Sisters prepared to retire in 2023, they and the KinDoo Board of Directors began searching for an organization that would meet their one non-negotiable condition: a demonstrated deep concern for the education of the poor and powerless.
“It was an easy decision to choose House of Hope to continue our mission,” Sr. Mary Dooley said. “We have witnessed first-hand their commitment and dedication to the Indiantown community and the people we serve.”
“Everyone at House of Hope stands in awe of the amazing careers of these two women, their dedication to the Indiantown community, and the impact the KinDoo Center has had,” House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri said. “We are honored and humbled at the opportunity to steward their legacy.”
There will only be a minor name change to the center, which will now be called the KinDoo Center for Enrichment.
“Our missions align perfectly, and we already provide many services in Indiantown, so we expect the transition to be an easy one.” Ranieri said. “We are grateful that Indiantown Non-Profit Housing will continue the lease, so what the community will see is year-round programming in the same space with the same name and the same spirit. Our plans are to add to the center’s current offerings, eventually bringing in additional educational resources, career coaching, and children’s programs.”
Sister Mary Dooley, reluctant to take personal credit for KinDoo’s success, said a heartfelt final thanks to the Indiantown community. “How fitting that the organization to whom we are entrusting our precious KinDoo Family Center bears the perfect name---House of Hope,” Sister Dooley wrote. “May it continue to be blessed with people who reach into their hearts and their pockets to offer people a renewed sense of hope and a new vision of their future.”
About House of Hope
Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future.
The organization has service centers and thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach. House of Hope’s Enrichment Centers in Golden Gate (in Stuart) and Jensen Beach offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.
House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram Instagram, and Twitter.
