Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity

Holy Name Province

Francis Center - Niagara Falls, NY

A place to experience the joy of learning and creating in our neighborhood.

"…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 the fine arts as well.

                        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:

FRANCIS CENTER

1301 Ferry Avenue

Niagara Falls, New York 14301

716-282-3783