Embracing Compassion and Community

Dear St. Francis Center Community,

As the end of the year draws near, and we reflect on how 2024 has unfolded, like most years, we have experienced a balance of life’s joys and challenges. We have been blessed, welcoming wonderful people into our Village and lives. We have done amazing work and accomplished so much collaboratively. We have cared for and nurtured each other in incredible ways.

The national events of last month have brought fear and anxiety to the doorstep of many of us. As we face the uncertainty of the next four years, we may be called to care for and nurture each other in even more courageous ways. Many members of our Village have overcome significant challenges both in their home countries and in their quest for new opportunities in the U.S. They have faced adversity in many forms. Their perseverance inspires us as we stand with them to face the uncertainties ahead.

We will continue to act on our values by leading with love, fostering hope, and leaning into community. When we become discouraged or overwhelmed by negativity, let’s remember that hope, compassion, and community are the guiding values that will see us through. We are strong and resilient, and together we can and we will accomplish great things in 2025.

We hope you take some time to relax with your loved ones and refresh for the year ahead.

Wishing you a Christmas and Holiday Season filled with goodness, warmth, and light.

Sincerely,

The St. Francis Center Team

We are pleased to announce that we have added Google Translate to our website. Visit our website at https://stfrancisrwc.org/ Click on the yellow Translate box in the lower left-hand corner (hard to see in this screenshot), select the language (hover over the flags) of your choice, and the website will automatically be translated.

St. Francis Center Toy Drive: December 12 & 13

It is not too late to participate in our annual Toy Drive! We are accepting donations through December 11!

On December 12 and 13, St. Francis Center's amazing volunteers will distribute over 5,000 new toys to underserved youth in our community at the Siena Youth Center. We need your help to bring holiday joy to local families! 🌟 Please consider donating a toy that will make a difference this Christmas. Check out our Wish List for ideas.

🎯 Goal: 5,000 new toys  

🗓️ Drop-off Location: St. Francis Center  

151 Buckingham Ave., Redwood City  

📆 Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  

⏳ Donations are accepted through December 11!

For more information, call (650) 365-7829. To make an online donation, click on the Donate button below.

Thank you to the Peninsula Realtor Community for coming together on December 4 to donate toys and warm coats. Keri Nicholas from Parc Agency and Nancy Goldcamp from Coldwell Banker Realty were the hostesses for our annual breakfast.

Realtors, lenders, title company representatives, and real estate office managers from various firms in Palo Alto and Menlo Park attended the event and collected over 100 toys. This annual gathering brings people in the real estate industry together in the spirit of giving!

Thank you all for your generosity!

Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe: December 12

We are excited to invite everyone to our annual Celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe on December 12! This cherished tradition honors the miraculous story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, who appeared to Juan Diego in 1531. It holds a significant place in the hearts of many, particularly Mexican and Mexican-American communities.

Event Details:

Date: December 12

Time: 6:00 PM: Candlelight rosary walk around the neighborhood; 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Potluck dinner, music, and dancing

Location: Our beautiful community garden across from the Center

We’ll start the evening with a serene candlelight rosary walk, where we will come together in prayer and reflection. Afterward, please join us for a festive potluck dinner featuring delicious dishes from our community. Bring your favorite dish to share, and let’s celebrate with music and dancing under the stars in our lovely garden.

As we gather to commemorate the Virgin of Guadalupe, we reflect on her profound impact, symbolizing hope and faith. Her story began on December 9, 1531, when Juan Diego, an Aztec descendant, experienced her divine presence on the Hill of Tepeyac. Each year, people around the world participate in pilgrimages to honor her, and we invite you to be a part of this meaningful celebration.

We look forward to celebrating together in joy and gratitude.

Holy Family School Art Show: December 17

Join us for the HFS Art Show at the Siena Youth Center (SYC) on December 17 at 6:30 PM. This event, organized by the talented art teachers from Art in Action, welcomes family, friends, and the entire community to celebrate creativity and talent. Refreshments will be served, so come and enjoy an evening filled with art and camaraderie.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Art in Action is a nonprofit organization based in Redwood City. It is part of a network of arts educators that offer arts education to 85,000 students across 250 schools and organizations, encompassing 2,400 classrooms and after-school programs in more than 30 states nationwide.

2nd Graders Enjoy the Nutcracker

Our 2nd-grade class attended a special performance of The Nutcracker, presented by the Academy of American Dance at Canada College on Friday, December 6. Students enthusiastically exclaimed it was the “best field trip ever!” Laura especially enjoyed the show and said, “I loved the Mouse King!” 

Healthy Cities Tutoring

Healthy Cities Tutoring (HCT) is a nonprofit organization that helps kids who struggle to succeed in school. Community volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring for children to improve their academic performance, engagement in learning, and self-esteem.

Since 2022, Siena Youth Center (SYC) has been a proud partner of Healthy Cities Tutoring. Our partnership has grown over the years, helping to pair students with tutors and serving as one of the tutoring sites.

For the 2024/2025 school year, SYC will be a tutoring site for four local schools, including Adelante/Selby Lane (K-5); Kennedy Middle School (6-8); Kipp Community School (K-5); McKinley Middle School (6-8).

We are so thankful for all the support Healthy Cities Tutoring has provided for our students!