“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
Diocese of Joliet, Laudato Si Ministries ~ Joliet, IL
Laudato Si’ Ministries aims to develop a comprehensive approach to environmental justice that protects the earth and serves the poor. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and Pope Francis’ encyclical, On Care for our Common Home, this ministry addresses issues such as agriculture, food sustainability, rural life, and the climate. Laudato Si’ Ministries reaches throughout the Diocese of Joliet to its parishes, schools, and local communities. The organization offers many services including education, pastoral support, advocacy for environmental policy and legislation, and sustainable food sources.
Refugee & Immigrant
Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership ~ Maywood, IL
The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) is an organization that campaigns at the grassroots level to change racial, economic, social, and environmental structures. Their goal is to create a more just Chicago and Church through leadership development that is rooted in the spiritual and theological traditions of Catholicism. CSPL works with churches, interfaith organizations, labor unions, and community organizations to achieve this objective.
Health & Dental
Bridge Communities ~ Glen Ellyn, IL
Bridge Communities serves over 100 homeless DuPage County families each year by providing free transitional housing. The organization helps people experiencing homelessness transition to self-sufficiency. Families spend two years in the program, wherein they receive mentoring and supportive services in areas such as securing employment and building financial skills.
Women & Children
Teen Parent Connection ~ Glen Ellyn, IL
Since 1985, Teen Parent Connection has been serving adolescent parents and their children. The organization provides services that prevent child abuse and neglect among this at-risk population in DuPage County. Teen Parent Connection works to educate the community on the realities of teenage pregnancy as well as offer long-term assistance, support, and resources to adolescent parents while they achieve self-sufficiency.
Other Purposes
ASN Upendo Village ~ Naivasha, Kenya
Upendo Village is a ministry founded in partnership between the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi and the Wheaton Franciscans. This project supports people affected by and living with HIV and AIDS. ASN Upendo Village serves over 13,500 clients in and around Naivasha, Kenya. Not only does this ministry help people regain their health, but it also moves them toward self-sufficiency with care. This is done through offering social, economic, and psychological empowerment.
