FAQs
What is Accola?
Accola, a new, independent nonprofit organization influenced by the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is committed to responding boldly to the needs of our time with transformative programs.
What is Accola’s mission?
Accola’s mission is to welcome neighbors, cultivate community, and foster justice by responding boldly to the needs of the time. To accomplish its mission, the organization improves opportunity for immigrants through education; provides safe and dignified housing for women as they heal from trauma; and helps connect people’s spiritualty with social justice action.
What happened to the Ministries Foundation?
The former Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation is now Accola’s Advancement Office, working to highlight awareness of the needs of the community, communicate Accola’s response to these needs, and raise the funds required to carry out this work.
How did this all come about?
From 2019 – 2022, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St Paul Province and the Ministries Foundation Board of Directors dedicated significant time to meeting, researching, and visioning. After carefully considering how to ensure that the CSJ ministries continue to thrive and reach even more people, the Sisters and the Board of Directors created a new organization that could be carried on by others to make an even greater impact.
What about St. Mary’s Health Clinics?
St. Mary’s Health Clinics is a separate 501(c)3 organization that was also founded by the Sisters’ of St Joseph. Accola maintains a strong working relationship with St. Mary’s Health Clinics and provides administrative and fundraising support on a contractual basis. Board and executive leadership of each organization meet regularly to discuss areas of mission alignment and potential strategic partnerships.