Walking with a Spirit of Gratitude

A swirling chill calls the hues of autumn to our attention. We likewise begin to notice the majestic moments of everyday life at the St. Francis Center: disparate strangers become fast friends, life-long friends become de facto family, and an ever-expanding family becomes a small village. This season is beautiful for many reasons, above all for the closeness it engenders and the chance to huddle indoors, pause, and consider for a moment the wonder of being in the midst of such sincere people.

The St. Francis Center is in the heart of a beautiful neighborhood filled with beautiful, resilient, hardworking people. We are a special village of families who love and support each other and care for our neighbors. We are a village that works together, stands hand-in-hand to look out for one another, and nurtures our children. 

We are proud of our Village and deeply thankful for each of you—for your dedication, your spirit, and the unique strengths you bring to our community. I want to especially acknowledge Tess, Jackie, and Aurora, who work behind the scenes every day to keep the many moving parts of our Center operating smoothly. Together, we have cultivated an environment that thrives on diversity and engagement, making the St. Francis Center a bastion of warmth and camaraderie.

In Community,

Please watch and share our new video that premiered at the Gala!

It’s never too early to start thinking about the unique joy we can bring our youth and families during Christmas, so please mark your calendars for the annual St. Francis Center Toy Drive on December 12 & 13 at Siena Youth Center.

Click here for WISH LIST ideas.

The spirit of giving is alive at St. Francis Center year-round, but during the holidays, hardworking clients receive something beyond the necessities. Well before dawn on two days in December, parents wait outside for the Toy Program Giveaway to begin. A volunteer assists each mother or father in choosing two new toys or age-appropriate gifts for each of their children. Area churches, civic organizations, and individuals donate new toys and wrapping paper annually.

Pumpkin Patch Field Trips

October was a fun-filled month for the students at Holy Family School, where they enjoyed a perfect mix of work and play!

Pumpkin Patch Field Trips: Our students had the opportunity to experience the magic of fall and the harvest season by visiting local pumpkin patches. Each class embarked on a journey filled with educational fun, where they learned about the life cycle of pumpkins, explored the farm, and even picked their own pumpkins! This hands-on experience enriched their knowledge of agriculture and nature and encouraged teamwork and collaboration among classmates.

Donated Halloween Costumes: Thank you to the Portola Valley school community for donating amazing Halloween costumes again this year! The students had fun picking out their favorites and dressing up. We are grateful that you shared your SPOOKTACULAR SPIRIT with us!

Halloween Costumes

Celebrating Culture and Community

October was a month of celebration and cultural pride at the Siena Youth Center, where our community came together to honor our rich traditions and diverse heritage.

We kicked off the month with an Indigenous Peoples Day event on October 11. The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing performance of Danza Mexica, which enthralled attendees. The powerful rhythms and dynamic movements invited community members to join in, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and connection.

In addition to the dance performance, we offered traditional face painting and engaging art activities. Participants had the chance to decorate printouts of two iconic Mesoamerican birds: hummingbirds and quetzals. These moments allowed everyone to share their pride and deepen sense of community.

We also reflect on our Día de los Muertos Community Night on October 25. This event focused on remembering and honoring those we have lost, with North Fair Oaks invited to contribute to Siena's community altar. The evening was filled with camaraderie, storytelling, and the celebration of life—a perfect way to create lasting memories together.

We want to thank everyone who joined us this October! We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our rich heritage and look forward to more events that bring us together as a community.

1 Grain to 1000 Grains

We extend our deep gratitude to Ken Singleton and Fumi Arao, co-founders of 1 Grain to 1000 Grains, for their invaluable partnership in enriching our community. In September and early October, they led a series of seven healthy lifestyle workshops that benefited the kids, families, and teens associated with Siena Youth Center and Holy Family School.

1 Grain to 1000 Grains is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides small-group coaching to enhance health, financial literacy, and access to fresh food. Their multifaceted approach addresses:

• Health: Focusing on physical, financial, and emotional well-being to promote a holistic approach to better health.
• Financial Literacy: Helping families tackle financial challenges—something that over 55% of households in the U.S. face.
• Fresh Food Access: Working tirelessly to improve our communities' access to fresh, seasonal foods.

Through programs like Healthy Lifestyles Coaching and Comunidad Mercado, families not only learn intuitive and actionable strategies for healthier eating but also discover pathways to increased financial stability. Each family that participates in these programs contributes to a ripple effect, fostering healthful living and positive changes in their communities—much like how one grain can lead to thousands.

We are grateful for Ken and Fumi's commitment and expertise, and we look forward to continuing this essential work together!

Thank you for being a vital part of our community!

Susan and Mike Sanz

This month, we shine a light on two remarkable members of our village, Susan and Mike Sanz. We are filled with gratitude for their commitment to our community!

Susan’s love for literature has driven her to make a significant impact by tutoring ESL students, reading with second graders, and serving as the dedicated librarian of the Sr. Susan Library for many years. Her efforts have ignited a passion for reading in countless individuals.

Mike complements Susan’s contributions with his own community work. He actively tutors, sorts food for those in need, and works at the front desk, where his excellent Spanish skills come in handy.

On October 30, we gathered to celebrate Susan’s birthday in a memorable way. To honor her contributions, a community lending library was installed in the front courtyard of SFC. This special project was thoughtfully constructed by carpenter Don Shucraft. Thank you, Don!

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, nearly 200 guests gathered at the Menlo Circus Club to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the St. Francis Center Auxiliary and to raise funds to support the St. Francis Center and our mission.

More than $200,000 was raised for St. Francis Center!

The evening honored Sister Monica Asman, Mary Lou Putnam and the Putnam Family, and Sister Christina Heltsley, reflecting the community's gratitude for their outstanding service.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, participated in a Silent Wine Auction, and later shared a heartfelt dinner featuring a Live Auction and a “Fund a Need” segment. The exclusive Golden Raffle, with only 250 tickets sold, added excitement. The generosity showcased that night will genuinely impact the lives of those served by the St. Francis Center.

We want to express our deepest thanks to everyone who attended the Gala to show support for our community. We appreciate everyone at the Auxiliary for putting on this event and especially the Planning Committee, who worked tirelessly and countless hours to put together a memorable experience, including:

Ellen Jones • Renee Zotter • Toni Sarraille • Katy Kelly • Michele Lighthouse • Carolyn Foster • Cookie Cattaneo • Diane Vocker • Sue Mitchell • Maggie Moritz

We would also like to express our gratitude to the Gala's sponsors. Their support was crucial in making this event a success. Click to view all of our Cheers to our Heroes Sponsors.

Nuns on the Bus "Vote Our Future" Tour and Press Conference

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, St. Francis Center of Redwood City proudly welcomed the NETWORK Nuns on the Bus & Friends for a tour and their “Vote Our Future” press conference. Selected as a final stop on this two-and-a-half-week nonpartisan nationwide tour, the event aimed to encourage attendees to be multi-issue voters and advocate for a thriving democracy.

The “Vote Our Future” tour, organized by NETWORK Advocates for Catholic Social Justice and a coalition of Catholic Sisters, multi-faith, and secular partners, emphasizes the importance of civic engagement among Catholics and all individuals committed to social justice.

The event featured inspiring speakers, including:

• Sr. Eilis McCulloh, HM, NETWORK Grassroots Education and Organizing Specialist
• Sr. Andrea Koverman, SC, Sister of Charity of Cincinnati and former bus tour participant
• Amelia Kegan, Associate General Secretary for Policy and Advocacy, Friends Committee on National Legislation
• Kate Young, Executive Director, St. Francis Center
• Lulu Barajas, St. Francis Center Parent and Community Supporter
• Aldo Contreras, Holy Family School Graduate now attending USC

In addition to the press conference, the eighth graders from Holy Family School held a Food and Crafts Fair showcasing their handmade crafts to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. Attendees also had the opportunity to sign the “Vote Our Future” Tour Bus.

If you missed the event, please watch the video above. You won't want to miss the moving and stirring remarks from the speakers.