A PLACE OF MIRACLES
Since 1986, we have been guided by our motto: “compassion, not judgment.” We partner with individuals and families in North Fair Oaks and surrounding communities to provide education, essential services, youth & community programs, and housing to create community connections so that every person can thrive.
Celebrating 40 Years
I’m excited to share our very first audio letter in celebration of St. Francis Center’s 40th anniversary. In this special message, I reflect on our Center’s inspiring beginnings—how Sister Monica Asman’s vision started it all, and how Sister Christina Heltsley led us forward with unwavering dedication. I hope you’ll listen in and join me in honoring their remarkable legacy, which brought St. Francis Center to where it is today. In this anniversary year, we will find many special ways to celebrate our mission, honor the collective efforts of our community, and reflect on what we have built together. We will also look ahead, strengthening community-led programs, deepening partnerships, and advancing plans shaped by the voices and experiences of those closest to the challenges and opportunities in our community. As we begin another year, please know how deeply grateful we are for your presence in this community of care. Whether you have volunteered, donated, shared your voice, or helped amplify the leadership of our community, you are an essential part of the St. Francis Center family and of the strength we celebrate this
The Legacy of 40 – Fund a Need
To mark our forty-year milestone, we’re launching The Legacy of 40 Fund—a bold, forward-looking campaign to raise $300,000 to support our most urgent needs in 2026. One of the top priorities is replacing our two aging vans. We’re gearing up for a fresh
North Fair Oaks Secures $1.1M For Magical Bridge Pocket Park
North Fair Oaks secures $1.1M for new Magical Bridge park The new 5,500-square-foot park will transform a vacant Buckingham Avenue lot into a sensory-friendly space for all abilities. A
Celebrating Our Volunteers!
On April 10, we celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Month with over 50 staff, board, supporters, and volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch and Paint at St. Denis in Menlo Park. This event honors the dedication of our volunteers,
National Rebuilding Day
Saturday, April 25, was National Rebuilding Day, and we want to thank Rebuilding Together Peninsula for bringing us a group of volunteers from Wilson Sonsini to give the family child care home in our Village, Lily's Bilingual Family Daycare, a refreshed coat of paint.
A YEAR OF IMPACT & GROWTH
In 2024, our collective efforts impacted lives through various programs and initiatives:
886 individuals were housed in 268 homes, including 31 new families. In addition, we invested $742,659 in housing rehabilitation projects. 31,479 bags of food, totaling 377,748 pounds, were distributed, marking a 25% surge in visits compared to the prior year. 1685 households with 4,707 members were served, representing a 54% increase in households served over the previous year.
150 volunteers from SFC/HFS contributed 12,205 hours, and 50 volunteers from Siena Youth Center dedicated 2,919 hours to various community efforts. Holy Family School served 28 students over 180 school days. Student STAR test scores improved, with our 2nd and 8th graders making significant progress in strengthening the core subjects of math, science, and reading. Siena Youth Center served 270 elementary, middle, and high school students, providing 1,167 hours of programming and critical mental health services.
THE HANDS BEHIND THE HOPE
On April 10, we celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Month with over 50 staff, board, supporters, and volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch and Paint at St. Denis in Menlo Park. This event honors the dedication of our volunteers, who help our community thrive.
St. Francis Center’s 175 volunteers contribute 18,000 hours annually, providing vital services such as food, clothing, education, and housing to underserved families.
We deeply thank our volunteers, the backbone of our community, for their compassion and the joy they bring to the families we serve.
Let’s give a big ol’ thank you to our AmeriCorps Volunteer, Yahaira Vasquez, for pulling this whole thing together—and hats off to Chef Lesla for the delicious food!
OUR SERVICES
The St. Francis Center in Redwood City offers a comprehensive range of services to support low-income families and individuals in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood. Their programs address immediate needs and promote long-term self-sufficiency.
INFO
TERMS OF SERVICE
PRIVACY POLICY
ACCESSIBILITY