St. Francis Neighborhood Center

Our mission is to end generational poverty in Reservoir Hill and Penn North through education, art, mentoring, and tutoring, inspiring self-esteem, self-improvement, and stronger community connections. Other programs include financial literacy courses, computer lab, Narcotics Anonymous, and job-readiness classes. And the need has never been greater: Prior to COVID-19, we served over 500 people a month. Now, that has increased to 900.

Within 10 days of schools closing due to COVID-19, we provided computers and Internet to our youth. Nearly 60 percent now log on daily for instruction and work on their online customized program.

In addition to raising funds for our Capital Campaign to renovate and expand our center, we launched our Campaign to Sustain to encourage recurring monthly donations for programming. With a motto of, “End of Generational Poverty Begins Here,” we also have a scholarship fund to support our high school students entering college and an emergency fund to support those most in need.

There are countless ways to get involved. For example, in 2019, volunteers—who are essential for our programs, which we offer at no cost—logged over 9,600 hours supporting the Center. To donate or volunteer, visit stfranciscenter.org.