A Mission Rooted in Compassion and Formation

St. Joseph Nivas was established as a center for spiritual formation and social outreach by the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence. The property, located in Chikkakamanahalli, was officially registered on 15th February 1995 (Survey Nos. 65/1–4 & 68/1–5). The foundation stone was laid on 24th October 1997, to create a dedicated space for the Novitiate House, and after years of prayerful preparation, the mission was inaugurated on 22nd July 2001 by Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Pinto, Archbishop of Bangalore.

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This well-designed campus includes the Novitiate, a community residence, a special school, a dispensary, and a visitors' block, all set in a serene and garden-rich environment. The architectural planning was led by Mr. T.G. Venu Gopal and executed by Noel Constructions. The house was named St. Joseph Nivas, in honor of its patron.

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The inaugural ceremony was attended by key congregation leaders including Sr. Giustina Valicenti (Mother General), Sr. Imelda Maloven (Vicar General), Sr. Erina Berzovin(Delegate to India), and other Sisters, Guanellian Fathers, friends, and benefactors. Sr. Erina and Sr. Victoria oversaw the mission's early growth, with the pioneering community led by Sr. Vanmathy, Sr. Lawrence Mary, Sr. Lourdu Manickam, Sr. Delphine, and Sr. Saleth, along with postulants Antoni Mary, Sweety, Antoniammal, and Aruna.

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On 31st May 2002, four postulants formally entered the Novitiate under the guidance of Sr. Betci Clara, who returned from the Philippines to serve as Novice Mistress.

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St. Joseph Nivas Special School (Since 2002)

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In response to the unmet educational needs of differently-abled children in the local area, St. Joseph Nivas Special School was inaugurated on 1st September 2002. A community survey conducted by the Sisters and Novices revealed a pressing need to serve children with physical and intellectual challenges—many of whom were overlooked by society.

The school was blessed by Rev. Fr. Pious, Parish Priest of Chikkakamanahalli. From its inception, the school has offered a space of dignity, education, and care for special children. Sr. Vanmathy initially led the school mission, supported by a committed team of Sisters and postulants. In 2006, Sr. Jeyamalini was appointed as Principal, continuing the mission for Special Children.
 

St. Joseph Nivas Dispensary (2002–2007)

To address the absence of basic healthcare services in the region, the St. Joseph Nivas Dispensary was opened in 2002, with Sr. Vanmathy, a trained nurse, in charge under the supervision of Sr. Erina. The dispensary served as a crucial lifeline for underprivileged families until 2007, providing primary care and support to those who could not access or afford medical treatment elsewhere.

Girls’ Hostel for College Students

On 12th September 2006, a hostel for college-going girls was opened in the visitors' block to support female students—particularly those from outside the state—pursuing higher education in nearby institutions, including T. John College. The hostel provided a secure and nurturing environment for academic growth.

In October 2014, the hostel was relocated to the second floor of the newly constructed Aged Home building, enhancing the residential facilities available to students.

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St. Joseph Nivas Home for the Aged (2014–2017)

In 2014, a Home for the Aged was inaugurated within the St. Joseph Nivas campus, in response to families seeking compassionate care for their elderly loved ones. With Sr. Annammal and Sr. Sweety overseeing its operations, the home offered dignified living conditions, medical assistance, and emotional support to its residents. Although the mission concluded after three years, it remains a meaningful chapter in the house's service legacy.

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Ongoing Apostolic and Pastoral Ministries

Beyond formation and education, the Sisters of St. Joseph Nivas remain actively involved in the surrounding community through various pastoral and social outreach programs, including:

• Catechism classes in two local parishes- Chikkakamanahalli and Basavanapura

• Pastoral collaboration with parish priests

• Youth gatherings and spiritual formation

• Regular house visits and family outreach

• Visits to the sick with medical and sacramental support

• Participation in the parish choir and Parish Council Committee

At St. Joseph Nivas, the Sisters continue to embody the spirit of St. Louis Guanella, faithfully serving the Church through formation, education, and compassionate care for the differently abled.