Sister Bette Ann Jaster papers, 1964 - 2015

Sub-Series — file_cabinet: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Record Group: This collection contains records from all the sisters who make up the DSOH. It includes their personal papers, publications, artistic work, photographs, diplomas, ministry history etc. The Dominican Sisters of Hope were founded in 1995. The group includes members of the former Newburgh Domincan, Fall River Dominican and Ossining Dominican Communities. The sisters work and minister in various ways including community organizing, social work, education, environmental advocacy, and retreat ministry.

Dates

1964 - 2015

Conditions Governing Access

Access is restricted.

Biographical / Historical

Sister Bette Ann was born Bette Ann on June 3, 1947 in Carthage, IL. She entered the Ossining Congregation on September 12, 1965 and received the habit on September 7, 1966 when she received the religious name, Sister Bette Ann. She pronounced first vows on April 4, 1968 and final vows on March 18, 1975. During her years in the congregation she served in the following Dominican Sisters Home Health Care Agencies: Hampton Bays NY, 1965-1966; and Ossining, NY, 1966-1970. Following studies: she was vocation director for the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor, 1973-1981. Sister was co-founder and special projects coordinator for the Life Center, Harlem, NY, 1976-1978, and co-director of Resurrection House Family Service Center in Harlem, NY, 1978-1987. She also served: as state coordinator of the New York Ribbon Project, 1983-1985. She was a community organizer with Resurrection House Family Service Center in Harlem, NY, 1985-1986, and with Newburgh Ministry in Newburgh, NY, 1986-1991. Following a sabbatical, Sister Bette Ann was a teacher’s assistant at All Souls Catholic School, Englewood, CO, 1992-1993, and coordinator of assisted living at Loretto Wellness Center, Littleton, CO, 1993-1999. She commenced planning, developing, initiating and Co-Directing of Earthlinks in Denver, CO, with Sr. Cathy Mueller, SL, 1999-2009. Earthlinks is a on-profit origanization for homeless and low-income persons with nature; offers innovative programs; provides healing adventures; a sense of community; and support toward empowering life changes. Eventually through St. Francis's Gardening work they began Green Fingers; an opportunity for people without jobs to work in the garden and learn how to harves, press flowers and create greeting cards and candles. In 2007 Sister Bette Ann became Director of Earthlinks until 2009 when she was elected to the Leadership Team of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, 2009-2014. In 2014 she joined the staff of Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center where she: started Hope Community Gardens, CO-OP for Earthsake,and became assistant to 2 different beekeepers. She was a member of the; Hudson Valley Natural Beekeepers;ROAR; BOMA; ResistAIM; and Healing and Protecting our Land Together. Sister Bette Ann earned her nursing diploma at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and her BS in Human Services at Mercy College.