Association of Popular and Charity Instruction – SIPEB – was founded on June 16^th, 1911. However, its origin dates from nineteenth century, by the work of Sisters of Sao José, state of Sao Paulo. Its inspiration, predestination, and use institutional of SIPEB were and still continue to be work services without interest, aiming the better for its public.

 Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph started their activities in Brazil in 1858 with the arrived of a group of Chambéry’s Sisters (France) with the request of the then Bishop of São Paulo, Dom Antônio Joaquim de Mello, settling in Itu city, state of São Paulo. Following year, Sister Maria Theodora Voiron arrived, and would dedicate her entire life to social work and education, being also the founder of SIPEB.

 In the second middle of 19th century, still in the Imperial Regime and in the beginning of Republican, Sisters of St. Joseph were pioneers in the sector of feminist and health education, opening schools and orphanages, among them the Our Lady of Patrocínio School (in Itu city), the first of the state. They also build the first teams of nursing in Santas Casas de Misericordia and Rest Homes of state of São Paulo.

 From 1867, a large quantity of foundations was created. After the fortification of Patrocinio School in Itu city and the achievement of public opinion in face of wonderful results of the work of Sisters, appeared calls from several cities of State of São Paulo to send the Sisters. By this way, boarding schools and day schools were founded in several regions of the State. In each boarding school had attached an orphanage, an object of special attention. Sisters continue to manage their property and maintain, with their work, all the schools and orphanages, besides to provide the most part of the services of nursing of Santas Casas (Sao Paulo, Campinas and Itu) and others hospitals, Department of Invalids Dom Pedro II in São Paulo and two rest homes in the countryside of the State (Taubaté and Jaú cities).

 By decree of September 7^th, 1958, the President of Republic, Dr. Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira gives to the Congregation of St. Joseph Sisters of Chambéry, represented by its Provincial Superior, Mother Maria Jacintha da Silva, the official award of National Order of Merit by her important services provided for childhood and youth of Brazil during one century.

 From 1965 on, happened significant transformations. In the social part, an extraordinary change not expected, had a notable influence in the going of the schools. It was created many schools by Public Power and by particulars. Boarding schools lost her clients. The schools of interior stayed empties and became unprofitable. It was necessary close them and open another brands, according to necessities of that time.

 In the cities where schools were closed, Promotional Centers were created, with attendance for needy children, young people and for their families. Besides assume works and functions in other institutions, Sisters continue working in SIPEB’s projects, schools, Nursing’s School, Promotional Centers. In this projects Sisters assume the direction, coordination and general services.

 Nowadays, SIPEB maintains eleven units:

•  Centro Promocional Nossa Senhora de Lourdes – Franca (Our Lady of Lourdes Promotional Center)
• Centro Promocional São José – Jaú (St. Joseph Promotional Center)
• Centro de Educação Madre Teodora – Itu (Mother Teodora Education Center)
• Escola de Enfermagem São José – São Paulo (St. Joseph School of Nursing)
• Centro de Educação São José – São Paulo (St. Joseph Education Center)
• Casa de Repouso São José – Taboão da Serra (St. Joseph Rest Home)
• Centro Socioeducacional Irmã Bernadette – São Paulo (Sister Bernadette Socioeducational Center)
• Colégio Santana – São Paulo (Santana School)
• Colégio São José – Santos (St. Joseph School)
• Sede SP (Head Office SP)
• Projetos Sócio Educativos (Socioeducational Projects)