HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
In 1986, the St. Francis Center began providing food, clothing, and other essential services for “working poor” families out of a small house in the Fair Oaks neighborhood. The center focused on providing these essential services so that families had everything they needed to live with dignity. Over the past twenty years, the neighborhood has found itself at the epicenter of the thriving technology sector in Silicon Valley. As the cost of living rises and affordable housing becomes a thing of the past, the St. Francis Center has evolved to meet the needs of the families who live and work in Redwood City.
In addition to the essential services that we still provide, the organization now includes the new 10,000 sq. foot St. Francis Center, Siena Youth Center, Holy Family School, and eight apartment buildings for low-income families.
What hasn’t changed is our commitment to providing services with compassion, not judgment. The St. Francis Center is now a thriving community-based organization in the heart of the Fair Oaks Neighborhood that partners with clients to build strong families in a strong neighborhood.
OUR MISSION
To provide the opportunity for families living in North Fair Oaks and surrounding communities to live with dignity while accessing essential services and becoming self-sufficient members of the community.
We strive to:
alleviate suffering by providing direct social services to the economically disadvantaged and disenfranchised
increase the marketability of our clients by providing skill-building courses
reduce and help break the cycle of poverty by providing a solid value-based education to economically impoverished client family cohorts
address the desperate need for affordable housing by owning and operating 135 apartment units specifically designated to serve families with very low incomes
beautify the neighborhood and give client families the numerous therapeutic and practical benefits afforded by two large community gardens
offer our neighborhood youth an alternative to gang membership and encourage healthy physical engagement
foster nurturing relationships, encourage self-determination, and advocate for change in systems that oppress
address areas of concern not directly addressed at our center by referring clients to agencies with whom we network
EDUCATION
Holy Family School, Siena Youth Center, GED Program, ESL Program, Computer Classes
DIRECT SERVICES
Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, Shower & Laundry Facility, Immigration Counseling
HOUSING
135 Affordable Housing Units, Rental Assistance, Social Advocacy & Awareness
FAQ
The St. Francis Center is governed by our Board of Directors (who meets quarterly) and managed by our Executive Director, Sr. Christina Heltsley, and her staff. Fiscal and strategic issues are handled by the Board and programs are developed and implemented by the Director and her staff.
While we prefer that all gifts are unrestricted, we understand that some donors have specific interests, so you can decide. There are four primary buckets: general operating expenses, basic needs/service, education programs, and housing programs.
Overhead costs are low and managed by the Executive Director. The Center runs on a small paid staff and volunteers.
The Center and all of its programs are funded through private donations and foundation grants.
No, the St. Francis Center is a private, not-for-profit corporation that is governed by a board of directors.
The St. Francis Center accepts donations of new and gently used clothing at our main office (151 Buckingham Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94063), Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please do not drop off items outside of these days and hours, as the items will likely not be received.
Clients must live or work in Redwood City or East Menlo Park.
For Admission Information, please contact Sister Christina Heltsley, O.P. via email at: schristina@stfrancisrwc.org.
Participants of Siena Youth Center need to be in 5th – 8th grade and enrolled in school in Redwood City. Students are expected to attend daily from 2:30 – 6:30 unless they have other commitments such as sports practices, school, or church activities. The program costs $190.00 for 10 months. We offer additional programs in the summer and information can be found here.