Sister Cathy Gorman	Sister Ann Kendrick	Sister Gail Grimes

 

In the early 70’s, “With hearts as wide as the world,” Sisters Cathy Gorman, Gail Grimes and Ann Kendrick came to Apopka to work with the poor and neglected.  They are Roman Catholic Nuns who belong to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.   They also belong to the poorest of the poor. For over thirty years they have made known the goodness of God through their love of the poor. 

The Sisters say “We didn’t do anything by ourselves.  People have come together to help themselves!” They continue to say "We ourselves have been transformed, receiving as we give, and learning as we teach.  Our world view, our faith, our strategic planning have been a thirty seven year history of collaboration and bridge building."  This is how community is built. 

 

Some accomplishments: 

They raised $1.2 million to help build the Hope CommUnity Center.

They helped form Homes in Partnership which has moved thousands of families out of labor camps and into home ownership and rentals.

They opened a Community Trust Federal Credit Union for farmworkers to save and establish credit.

They created Pennies for Power which is a youth credit union designed to help children organize and save their money.

They created a Rural Law Center for basic legal services and education.

They created Community Health Centers which provide medical and dental care for thousands of the working poor.

They helped establish a farmworkers association.

They fought for better treatment of farmworkers and for better education for their children. 

Awards and Recognition:

Opus Prize of $100,000 was awarded in 2006.

Papal award in 2005.

Honorary Doctorates in Humane Studies were awarded by Rollins College in 2005.

           Amnesty International Peace Award 2002

Inspired to Serve by Mark Massé ( A collection of interviews of today’s faith activists including  Sister Ann Kendrick.  Masse’ examines how ordinary people who are doing extraordinary work balance their secular and spiritual lives in the face of a challenging world.              

"She Could Have Done Anything: Inspiring Women."  GOOD HOUSEKEEPING. September 2002.

Mexican Counsel's Award for Services to Orlando Farmworker Communities  1996

Ann Vamper Helping Hands Award from National Federation of Community Developed Credit Unions 1994

Orange County Citizen's Award for Pennies for Power Youth Credit Union  1993

Development of Peoples Award of the National Campaign for Human Development 1990

Florida Bar Foundation's Medal of Honor 1988

Catholic Committee for Urban Ministry Award for Service to the Poor 1980

Learn more about them below:

Sister Ann Kendrick