Through prayer, relationship-building and sharing of resources, the Wheaton Franciscans collaborate with organizations whose mission and priorities are similar to ours. We focus primarily on the following areas: care of creation; health and dental in underserved areas; refugees and immigrants; women and children in vulnerable situations; and other purposes that align with our values. We are currently connected to nearly 100 organizations.
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Urban Oases Project
Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago, IL
In 2018, the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center (KSAC) undertook a strategic planning process to hone its approach to environmental conservation that benefits both people and nature. This included a vision that “interconnected Chicago communities utilize green spaces, cultural assets, and partner networks to achieve social equity and lasting well-being that serves as a model for urban conservation.” The Keller Center set up four pilot projects with the close collaboration of four community partners on the South Side of Chicago: Bronzeville Neighborhood Farm, Chicago Eco House, Our Lady of the Snows Catholic parish, and TCA Health in the Altgeld Gardens area. The projects created “urban oases” at each site, outposts of natural landscape in underserved communities that sorely need them.
For it is in giving that we receive.
St. Francis of Assisi
