G.I.F.T. CENTRE
Providing a sacred and fulfilling environment for those with intellectual disability.
1973
Sr. Jean establishes G.I.F.T. programme at East Tamaki.
1982
G.I.F.T. Beach House established.
1996
Sr. Jean retires. Sinclair House opens.
1998
Government Funding implemented.
1977
Balmoral convent becomes G.I.F.T. base.
1992
G.I.F.T. House established.
1996
Board of Management established.
2003
G.I.F.T. Centre completes 30 years.
HISTORY OF G.I.F.T.
1973
Sister Jean Sinclair, a Cenacle nun, breathed life into her dream of teaching intellectually disabled children about the Sacraments. The programme is called G.I.F.T (Growth In Faith Together)
Sister Jean starts classes at Pt Chevalier, the North Shore and Manurewa in Auckland. Classes are held fortnightly with about 10 to 15 children in each group, and she also gave individual preparation in the Cenacle Convent or the student's own home.
1977
Sister Jean moved into the Cenacle convent at Balmoral which becomes G.I.F.T.'s centre. The centre provided a place G.I.F.T. pupils could call their own, where they could be themselves and feel respected. Sister Jean also provided on-the-job training for the 20-plus helpers on the G.I.F.T. Programme.
1982
G.I.F.T. Beach House is established at Orewa, north of Auckland, provided by the diocese. Sister Jean and the G.I.F.T. team take young adults to stay at the beach house for retreats and holidays.
1992
A house is bought near the Cenacle Convent with savings, donations from parents, friends and benefactors. With diocesan help, a Residential programme is created for the G.I.F.T. members. It is named G.I.F.T. House.
1996
Sister Jean retires. Bishop Patrick Dunn appoints a Board to manage the day to day operations of G.I.F.T. Brother Terence Costello, the then Director of the Religious Education for the Auckland diocese, takes over as Chairman.
The residential programme is extended to include the Cenacle Convent. The old convent is renovated, completing the project of a second residence. This is named Sinclair House in Sister Jean's honour.
1998
Brother Terence moves to a new assignment and Tom Kiely succeeds as Chairman. A 10-year renovation and maintenance programme is set in place and financial grants successfully applied for. Quality auditing for government funding is implemented and policies and procedures refined to ensure compliance. A solid foundation in governance and management is established.
2003
G.I.F.T. completes 30 years. G.I.F.T. continues its mission with the time and support of volunteers, parents and parishes, the guidance of Bishop Pat Dunn and the love and compassion of Sister Jean.
Creation of G.I.F.T.
G.I.F.T. HOUSE
SINCLAIR HOUSE
