In 1986, in the heart of Redwood City’s North Fair Oaks neighborhood, a small cottage known as “La Casita” became the humble birthplace of the St. Francis Center. Founded on the principle of “compassion, not judgment,” the Center began as a grassroots response to the struggles of hardworking families facing poverty and soaring living costs in Silicon Valley. With shelves stocked by neighbors’ generosity, this tiny food and clothing donation center quickly became a beacon of hope for the community’s low-income residents. The organization was founded by Sister Monica Asman, who at the time was a full-time professor at UC Berkeley with expertise in entomology. She was introduced to Redwood City when she ran an eye clinic for children at the nearby Catholic Worker House with Larry Purcell in Redwood City. She was inspired to deepen her work in Redwood City after that experience and worked closely with Larry to purchase the Casita and begin her ministry. Larry remembers, “Monica had a calling to work with the community. And I knew that we would work together well, she was compassionate and very organized, and I was dedicated to helping her start whatever she wanted to start here in Redwood City.”

The early years were marked by simple, essential acts: distributing groceries and warm clothing to families in need. Early volunteers Maggie Moritiz and Madalyn Schwarz state, “We started by serving 20-25 families per day. We would check in each family on an index card and then pack a box of food based on their family size. Sister Monica was direct and determined, and so kind. She always welcomed us with sweets and coffee. She wanted to bring people together and provide stepping stones for the future.” Yet, as the region grew and the challenges of cost of living deepened, so too did the Center’s vision. Soon, Monica realized that affordable housing was a need, and she worked to purchase St. Clare’s apartment building in 1996 as a refuge for local families who were rent-burdened. Over the next few years, Sr. Monica experienced some health challenges, prompting her to seek a successor who would carry on what she had built and continue expanding the mission. She found Sister Christina Heltsley to continue on her legacy.

Under the inspired leadership of Sister Christina Heltsley, the St. Francis Center transformed from a small charity into a comprehensive support system, addressing not only immediate needs but also systemic changes. The Center expanded its reach. Working with many community partners, it became a pivotal force in turning North Fair Oaks from a neighborhood troubled by crime and gangs into a more stable, thriving community. Recognizing that true stability required more than food and clothing, the Center began investing in affordable housing. Over the years, it acquired and renovated 18 apartment buildings, providing safe homes to nearly 1,000 individuals from 268 families—a lifeline in Silicon Valley’s unforgiving housing market.

Education soon became a cornerstone of the Center’s mission. The opening of Holy Family School offered K-8 students, many from immigrant families, a nurturing environment to learn and grow. Parents, too, found opportunities in ESL and GED classes, investing in their futures through the Parent Empowerment Program. Stories like Pilar’s—a mother who learned English, gained confidence, and created new opportunities for her family—became emblematic of the Center’s transformative impact. Recognizing the power of prevention and mentorship, the Siena Youth Center was established, serving over 150 children and teens each day with tutoring, leadership, and enrichment programs. Each holiday season, the Center’s Toy Drive brought joy to families, reinforcing a sense of belonging and celebration.

As Silicon Valley’s fortunes rose and housing costs soared, the Center responded with resilience and innovation. Its services grew to include a robust food pantry, clothing distribution, community gardens, showers & laundry facilities. Bilingual case managers helped families access rental assistance and navigate public benefits, while nearly 200 volunteers and devoted staff worked tirelessly to ensure every service remained free and accessible. Collaboration became a hallmark of the Center’s approach, partnering with organizations like the Housing Industry Foundation to renovate housing and expand support services. Through all these changes, the Center’s guiding principle never wavered: to treat every family with dignity, respect, and unwavering compassion.

Today, as St. Francis Center celebrates its 40th anniversary, it stands as a cornerstone of Redwood City—a vibrant village of support and hope. Executive Director Kate Young affirms the Center’s commitment to building strong families and a resilient community, ensuring that every neighbor has a chance to thrive.

From its modest beginnings in La Casita to its expansive network of services and partnerships, St. Francis Center’s history is a testament to the power of compassion in action. For forty years, it has not only responded to the needs of the moment but has continually adapted, uplifted, and empowered, helping to transform lives and strengthen Redwood City for generations to come.

Help Replace Our Antiquated Vans!

Our first and most urgent need is to replace our aging, inefficient vans. Due to new licensing requirements, we can no longer operate our two 17-year-old vans, and it’s time to transition to a safer, more flexible mini fleet of hybrid minivans. These fuel-efficient vehicles will not only lower our environmental impact but also make transporting our guests easier and safer.

We are seeking connections to dealerships or individuals who may have a gently used minivan to donate. Every contribution—whether a vehicle, a lead, or a financial gift to the fund—will help us expand from two old vans to four modern, reliable minivans.

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 year.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you throughout the year and continuing our work together. We are 40 years strong, guided by community, inspired by hope, and full of abundant possibilities.