Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood

What Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood does

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood is a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1856 at the request of the Bishop of Brooklyn, tracing its roots to a French congregation formally established in 1650. Headquartered on a 350-acre Brentwood, New York campus designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the organization operates an integrated portfolio of ministries across four areas: education (four sponsored Catholic college-prep schools for young women — Academia María Reina, Fontbonne Hall Academy, Sacred Heart Academy, and The Mary Louis Academy — plus the Learning Connection adult education program for immigrant women and the Spirit Alive Institute for faith inquiry), spirituality (two retreat centers, daily reflections, spiritual direction formation programs), ecology (a 1MW solar array covering ~63% of campus energy, 28 acres of leased organic farmland, a Garden Ministry, and the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers partnership), and justice (the Long Island Immigration Clinic and Refugee Resettlement Program currently housing Ukrainian and Afghan refugees). Governance is through an elected Leadership Team on five-year terms, with a recently appointed first COO signaling professionalization.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix: donations from 5,000+ benefactors, signature fundraising events including the 30th Annual Golf Classic (400+ golfers, sponsorship tiers up to $20,000), tuition and fees at sponsored schools, retreat and hospitality services at St. Joseph Villa with tiered pricing ($130–$160/night), farm stand and CSA sales, and tribute donations (memorial bricks $200, trees $1,000, benches $2,000). The 2024 Pacifico Family transformative gift of $1,547,714 illustrates the major-donor pipeline. The organization employs 51 staff on its central campus (excluding school employees) and has a global footprint spanning Long Island, Brooklyn, Puerto Rico, Hampton Bays, Appalachia, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil.

The GTM is community-led, relying on parish and school networks, word-of-mouth referrals, the congregation's 165-year regional reputation as the largest congregation of women religious on Long Island, and digital channels (website, biweekly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn). Notable partnerships include the Peconic Land Trust, Island Harvest Food Bank (operating the largest farm-to-food-bank program in New York State), the New York Immigration Coalition, NETWORK Advocates, and the Ignatian Solidarity Network. The congregation also won the Pax Christi Metro New York Peacemaker Award (2025), the Nilda Alvarez Social Justice Award (2025), a Sustainability Award at the Long Island Imagine Awards (2026), and a Third Place Catholic Media Association award (2025).

Name

Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood

Legal name

Sisters of St. Joseph

Website

https://brentwoodcsj.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1856

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood is a Catholic religious congregation operating education, spirituality, ecology, and justice ministries on Long Island, including four sponsored high schools, two retreat centers, an immigration clinic, and refugee resettlement programs, supported by donations from 5,000+ benefactors and tuition revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious and Educational Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Religious Organizations (81311), Educational Services (611), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Religious Orders & Monastic Communities (Monasteries, Convents) (BPAGAJAC)

Keywords

• Catholic education services
• Spiritual retreat programs
• Immigration legal services
• Refugee resettlement services
• Religious congregation ministries

Headquarters

HQ city

Brentwood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual and corporate donations from over 5,000 benefactors who support the congregation's ministries and mission through online giving, mail-in donations, and planned giving programs.
2. Annual Fundraising Events: Signature events including the annual Golf Classic (30th year in 2026), Spring Liturgy and Luncheon, Sprint Into Spring, and 5K Fun Run/Walk generate revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, and participant contributions.
3. Retreat and Hospitality Services: St. Joseph Villa in Hampton Bays offers vacation accommodations and retreat center rentals with tiered pricing for different guest categories including Sisters, other religious, and general public.
4. Farm Stand and Agricultural Products: Organic produce from leased farm land sold through farm stands, with partnerships with Thera Farms CSA and participation in NYS Farmer's Market Nutrition Program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood operate integrated ministries centered on Catholic education, spiritual formation, ecological sustainability, and social justice. They directly deliver services through four sponsored college-preparatory schools, two retreat centers, an adult education program for immigrant women, a faith inquiry institute, an immigration legal clinic, refugee resettlement, and sustainable agriculture programs.

Product overview

Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood operates a diverse portfolio of ministries centered on education, spirituality, ecology, and justice. The organization runs four sponsored Catholic college-preparatory schools for young women (Academia María Reina, Fontbonne Hall Academy, Sacred Heart Academy, and The Mary Louis Academy), an adult education program (The Learning Connection), and the Spirit Alive Institute for faith education. Their spirituality offerings include the CSJ Center in the Pines and St. Joseph Villa retreat centers, daily reflections, the Cosmic Walk and Labyrinth, and a Spiritual Direction Formation program. Justice ministries include the Long Island Immigration Clinic providing immigration legal services and a Refugee Resettlement Program. Ecological sustainability efforts encompass farms and agriculture, a Garden Ministry, and a comprehensive Sustainability Department managing solar energy and environmental initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Academia María Reina A Catholic secondary school of academic excellence for young women in San Juan, PR, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood. Premier Catholic all-girls academic center in Puerto Rico, empowering young women to become ethical, courageous and compassionate leaders.
• Fontbonne Hall Academy An all-girls college preparatory school in Brooklyn, NY, rooted in the charism of Sisters of St. Joseph—unity, reconciliation and inclusive love. Empowers women of confidence and compassion.
• Sacred Heart Academy A Catholic college preparatory school for young women in Hempstead, NY, rooted in the Gospel of Jesus and the tradition of Sisters of St. Joseph. Instills values of courage, compassion, and commitment.
• The Mary Louis Academy A Catholic college preparatory school for young women in Jamaica Estates, NY, sponsored by Sisters of St. Joseph. Empowers young women to realize their unique gifts and use them as leaders in creating a just society.
• The Learning Connection Since 1994, provides educational opportunities for immigrant women in the Brentwood, Long Island area. In affiliation with Brentwood Public School District, focuses on English as a New Language, basic literacy, and High School Equivalency diploma preparation.
• Spirit Alive Institute for Faith Inquiry & Education An educational initiative inaugurated in 2021, providing adult believers and seekers with educational opportunities to enhance their faith and navigate an increasingly complex world. Offers webinar series, mini-courses, recordings, and a podcast.
• CSJ Center in the Pines Located in La Providencia at the Brentwood Campus, offers a welcoming environment for individuals and groups seeking spiritual renewal, reflection, learning, and community. Provides guided retreats, days of reflection, spiritual direction, workshops, and community gatherings.
• St. Joseph Villa Retreat Center Located on Shinnecock Bay in Hampton Bays, provides air-conditioned rooms, meeting spaces, quiet spots for prayer and reflection, and paths for meditative walks. Accommodates large and small groups and is handicap accessible. Also offers summer vacation program for women.
• Long Island Immigration Clinic Provides legal guidance for asylum applications (I-589), employment authorization (I-765), SIJ applications, and other immigration services. Assists undocumented immigrants on Long Island in gaining legal status, educating them in their legal rights, and guiding them to become self-advocates.
• Refugee Resettlement Program Provides transitional housing and support to refugees, including Ukrainian refugees living on the Motherhouse grounds. Assists with settling into new lives through transportation, English tutoring, and documentation support.
• Spiritual Direction Formation Program Three-year training process to assist individuals in discerning their call to be a Spiritual Director. Includes The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius program for prayer with Sacred Scripture.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served immigrant women through The Learning Connection since 1994
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Peconic Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to preserve parcels of the Brentwood campus and return it to agricultural production. 28 acres of land leased to farmers for organic farming. Woodlands and campus areas preserved in perpetuity through conservation easement.
• Shinnecock Kelp FarmerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSix Indigenous women formed the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers who grow seaweed to improve water quality in Shinnecock Bay. Sisters of St. Joseph hosting the group's hatchery at St. Joseph Villa in Hampton Bays. Kelp farming helps restore marine habitat and shellfish populations.
• Ecological Cultural Initiative (ECI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECI fosters sustainable living through sustainable food production, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Their Good Ground Heritage Garden at St. Joseph Villa provides organic gardening education. ECI sponsors a Farmers Market in Hampton Bays and hosts farm-to-table dinners.
• Thera FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by the Bolkas family, Thera Farms leases 10 acres near main Brentwood campus entrance and 3 acres on northern parcel. Operates farm stand June through October and offers CSA membership. Participates in NYS Farmer's Market Nutrition Program.
• Island Harvest Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading hunger-relief organization providing food to people in need. Volunteers cultivate crops under certified organic gardener supervision. Over 4,000 pounds of produce grown and distributed to local food pantries and soup kitchens. Largest farm-to-food bank program in New York State.
• Napolitano Family FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarming two acres of land for organic produce. Vegetables and fruits sold at Long Island Farmers Markets including Patchogue Farmers Market and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church market in Levittown.
• Red Fox FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerErnie Herrington farms nearly two acres producing organic corn, potatoes, onions, garlic. Produce sold to Long Island restaurants. Ernie is also beekeeper for campus beehives and works with Jim Adams on permaculture best practices.
• Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrowing plants native to Long Island and producing seeds for propagation. Plants are transplanted to founder plot on Brentwood property for seed production and commercial-scale growing.
• People's Food ForestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeasing 1/2 acre as future home for community green space. Operating on 'food forest' principles - co-planted native edible and medicinal plants mimicking natural forest. Part of holistic response to contemporary crises based on mutual aid principles.
• New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLIIC hosted NYIC 2024 Regional Round Table for the second year in a row. LIIC is a member organization benefiting from coalition resources and networking.
• NETWORK (Sisters of Mercy)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted one of the largest and most successful 'Nuns on the Bus' stops and rally on their nationwide tour in lead up to 2024 election. Partnership for justice advocacy and voter engagement.
• NETWORK AdvocatescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerJustice advocacy partnership connecting to national Catholic social justice network for shared advocacy efforts and resources.
• Ignatian Solidarity NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Ignatian family teach-in for justice and solidarity initiatives.
• NYS DECcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to establish conservation easement preserving 40 acres of woodlands in perpetuity.
• Congregation of the Infant Jesus (CIJ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCovenant relationship between two religious institutions. In 2022, Sister Helen Kearney became Commissary of CIJ congregation. Sisters moved into CIJ Villa community with mutual support on journey together.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt: A Catholic women's religious congregation based in Rockland County, NY, operating schools, spirituality programs, and justice ministries. Directly comparable geographic and mission profile to CSJ Brentwood within the New York metropolitan region.
• Catholic Charities of Long Island: Regional Catholic social-services agency on Long Island delivering immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, and family support. Closest direct comparitor to CSJ Brentwood's Long Island Immigration Clinic and refugee programs in geography, service mix, and funding model.
• Sisters of Mercy of the Americas: A large Catholic women's religious congregation running schools, healthcare systems, and social-justice ministries across the U.S. Directly comparable as a women's religious institute with parallel education, justice, and retreat ministries funded by donations.
• Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM): Catholic women's religious congregation in the U.S. sponsoring schools and direct-service ministries. Directly comparable in scale, congregational structure, and ministry portfolio (education, spirituality, social services).
• Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth: New Jersey-based Catholic women's religious congregation sponsoring schools, social-service ministries, and a retreat house. Comparable as a congregation of similar size and ministry mix (education, social services, spiritual formation) funded by donations.
• Ursuline Sisters: Catholic women's religious congregation with a strong historical focus on women's education. Comparable as a women's congregation running sponsored schools and spirituality/retreat ministries funded through donations.
• Sisters of the Holy Cross (CSC): Catholic women's religious congregation running education, healthcare, and justice ministries nationally and internationally. Comparable as a women's congregation with parallel retreat, education, and immigration/refugee-adjacent work.
• Felician Sisters of North America: Catholic women's religious congregation sponsoring schools, healthcare, and social-service ministries in the U.S. Comparable as a women's congregation operating education and justice ministries with similar donation-funded model.

Others

• NETWORK Advocates for Catholic Social Justice: National Catholic social-justice lobby and network founded by Sisters of Mercy. Already an active CSJ Brentwood partner and comparable as a Catholic-congregation-sponsored justice-advocacy organization sharing donor and advocacy channels.
• Jesuit Refugee Service USA: Catholic religious-order-affiliated organization serving refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S. Adjacent/ecosystem peer to the CSJ Refugee Resettlement Program and Long Island Immigration Clinic in mission and funding sources (grants, donations, faith-based networks).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UChxmSE1BP_nPZPCYaYK5ScA
• Facebookfacebook.com/201138299912810
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sisters-of-st-joseph-brentwood
• Instagraminstagram.com/csjbrentwood

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood