“For it is in giving that we receive.” -St. Francis of Assisi
As followers of St. Francis, St. Clare, and our Foundress Mother Clara Pfaender, we center our lives on the Franciscan tradition of reaching out to those on the margins of society. We continue this tradition by meeting the needs of our time in collaboration with other organizations.
Through prayer, relationship-building and sharing of resources, we collaborate with organizations whose mission, values 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. We are currently related to over 100 organizations.
Featured Organizations
Care of Creation
Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative – Kenya, Africa
Kijana Care, Share and Explore Program
Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative, a non-profit organization, promotes and cultivates youth empowerment through educational development, and sustainable and environmentally friendly economic growth, among under-served Kenyan school communities. Their Kijana Care, Share, and Explore Program aims to educate future generations about the importance of Kenya’s rich biodiversity that is under constant threat due to poaching, cutting of trees and destruction of forests and waterways.
Refugee & Immigrant
Dominican University/ Ministry en lo Cotidiano (MLC) Program
River Forest, IL
Dominican University enrolls and graduates economically disadvantaged students. Among them are many immigrant students and second-generation Americans, especially those of Latinx descent. The University has developed the program Ministry en lo Cotidiano which means ministry “in the everyday.” MLC is a leadership development and faith formation fellowship for undergraduate students interested in experiencing faith-based service in Latine communities in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The purpose of MLC is to develop leaders for the future of the Church and Latine communities.
Health & Dental
Chicago Dental Society Foundation – Chicago, IL
The CDS Foundation Dental Clinic is a free dental clinic serving individuals and families with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Services are open to individuals from Cook, Lake, DuPage, and surrounding counties in Illinois. High quality basic dental care is provided by all volunteer dentists as well as volunteer dental hygienists and dental assistants. Supporting the volunteer team are two full-time dental assistants and one office manager. The clinic operates five days each week year-round.
Women & Children
Courage Initiative Ltd – Milwaukee, WI
In 2019, Courage MKE opened Wisconsin’s first home for displaced LGBTQ+ youth. The Courage House is a licensed group home on Milwaukee’s south side and the only home in the State of Wisconsin serving this distinct population. It provides a safe and friendly home for up to five teens at a time. At the Courage House, the residents are assisted with counseling, healthcare, life skills, family reunification, and provided the same experiences every child deserves in a family setting.
Other Purposes
Pax Christi International/ Nonviolence Initiative (CNI) – Geneva, Switzerland
Pax Christi International is a faith-based global network promoting a comprehensive vision of peace which is rooted in the Gospel. Since 2016, Pax Christi has been developing the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative (CNI) whose overall goal is to see the Catholic Church embrace nonviolence as a core part of its identity and to see well-prepared Catholics be effective nonviolent peacemakers. CNI will ensure that nonviolence is understood as a cross-cutting approach to advancing the Laudato Si’ vision. Backed by the global network of Pax Christi International, CNI aims to promote a paradigm shift through Catholic education, research, investment, preaching, and policy advocacy.
