A place to experience the joy of
learning
"…where
there is despair, hope.
…where
there is darkness, light.
…where there is sadness, joy."
From
the prayer of St. Francis
Since 1996 Francis Center has provided a safe and welcoming place for children of all faiths and backgrounds:
A
place that provides free, organized programs helping children with homework
and reading
A
place to explore and develop creativity through fine arts
A
place to interact with caring, adult mentors and to build self-confidence
A
place to develop discipline and skills
A
place where kindness, respect and appreciation are shared in a safe and
home-like environment
Meeting A Need:
Two
primary schools in our Niagara Falls neighborhood have an enrollment of 1800
students. 1999 reports indicate that 72.7% (School A) and 50.8% (School B)
of children score below standard in English Language Arts tests.
These
schools report poverty levels of 83% based on Federal Lunch Program eligibility
guidelines.
Principals
report a significant number of children are cited for aggressive behavior or
difficulty relating with peers.
Most
of these children cannot afford tutoring or lessons and experiences in fine
arts.
Francis Center provides a variety of programs responding to the needs of children:
After
school homework club directed by experienced teachers and Niagara University
students
Hooked
on Books
one-on-one reading program where an adult reads good literature to children
Summer
Camp with emphasis on academic enrichment and recreational activities
Fine
Arts programs including painting, weaving, clay, drama, folk art, movement,
drumming, photography and music.
If
you put food and shelter into the inner city,
you
will reap survival.
If
you put art and beauty and values there,
you
will reap soul.
To
develop fully human beings in this society
we
must provide more than food and shelter.
We must give living skills, group skills,
and the civilizing value of
Joan D. Chittister, OSB
Francis
Center is sponsored and staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis, Stella Niagara,
NY.
Joining
them in this service are many volunteers from the community:
University
and high school students,
senior
citizens, neighbors and professional teachers.
To
continue our mission, we need your help too.
Please
join us by making a tax-exempt contribution to:
1301
Ferry Avenue
Niagara
Falls, New York 14301
716-282-3783
