We are pleased to announce The Sister Christina Legacy Fund, a tribute to a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to fostering growth, empowerment, and positive change in the North Fair Oaks community of Redwood City. Sister Christina’s unwavering commitment continues to inspire the next generation of St. Francis Center leaders.

A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND EMPOWERMENT

When Sister Christina joined St. Francis Center as Executive Director 23 years ago, it was a small donation center for food and clothing in Redwood City’s North Fair Oaks neighborhood, known for gangs and crime. Despite the areas challenges, Sister Christina saw the potential for a brighter future.

Over the past 23 years, North Fair Oaks has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it is a safe and vibrant place where multigenerational families have access to resources that allow them to live with dignity and become self-sufficient members of the community. In addition to providing essential services such as food, clothing, rental assistance, and educational programs, St. Francis Center owns and manages the Holy Family School, Siena Youth Center, and 17 newly built or refurbished apartment buildings that house nearly 1,300 people from 259 low-income and extremely low-income families. Without Sister Christina’s leadership and the generous, unwavering support of donors and partners, none of this would have been possible.

As destiny would have it, Sister has been called back to Wisconsin to become Prioress General of her Dominican congregation. Her legacy continues through the Center’s committed board, staff, volunteers, teachers, students, and the auxiliary, who remain dedicated to upholding St. Francis Center’s mission and expanding its future goals. Due to the pandemic and recent economic downturn, the demand for food, clothing, housing, and education has never been greater. We need your help now more than ever to assist even more families in need. We have a plan in place and are proud to announce The Sister Christina Legacy Fund.

FUNDING THE FUTURE

The Sister Christina Legacy Fund will allow us to expand our services and resources for underserved families, concentrating on what families need most – safe, affordable housing. Our first big affordable housing goal is to finish what Sister Christina started: a 40-unit, ground-up modular development that will expand St. Francis Center’s low-income housing portfolio to nearly 300 units. This project, our most ambitious to date, is estimated to cost $20 million and will provide affordable housing for 200 people who want to live and raise their families in the community where they work.

YOUR DONATIONS WILL:

EVERY CONTRIBUTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

We invite you to join us in preserving and amplifying Sister Christina’s legacy through your generous donations to The Sister Christina Legacy Fund. Your contributions will directly support ongoing initiatives at the Saint Francis Center, ensuring that her vision of a thriving, supportive community remains alive and vibrant.

With every donation, no matter the size, you become a part of a collective force working towards a shared goal – a thriving community where dreams are nurtured, opportunities are accessible, and the spirit of compassion flourishes. Your generosity ensures that the legacy of Sister Christina continues to shine brightly. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community for all.

With your support, we can continue to build on this legacy and offer these programs and services at no expense to the most underserved families in our community.