A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
2025 has definitely thrown us some challenges, but Francis Center is rising to the occasion! With cuts to Federal food programs, inflation, and increasing food insecurity, it's been tough to keep our shelves stocked and meet the soaring demand for food. Yet, thanks to our amazing volunteers we're proudly serving over 800 households each month. That equates to assisting 10,000 households this year—feeding over 25,000 individuals. Our dedicated team is working so hard, and we couldn't be more grateful. Thanks to all our volunteers and donors that make our mission at Francis Center possible.
As we close out 2025, we will hold true to our faith and continue to support one another. More than just food and clothing, we serve hope to all that come to our door. As community, we achieve the extraordinary!
God bless you from everyone at Francis Center,
Rudy
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ― St. Francis of Assisi
Amy Smith is one of Francis Center's most faithful souls. She is our devoted outreach volunteer. Twice a week Amy picks up food and toiletries from Francis Center and distributes to those in need all over the city. She truly becomes the hands and feet for the body of Christ. When asked why Amy does what she does, she said: “I have a calling to help others. What we do today leads the way for others to do the same: To Volunteer. To share that love.”
Amy has diabetes and stage 5 kidney disease and is currently waiting for an answer regarding eligibility to be on a donor list. But despite her health challenges, Amy continues to serve. She said, “Whichever way it goes, I’m going to keep doing God’s work until the end. I can’t give up. I have a lot of love to give. I’m going to keep my eyes straight forward. I know what is ahead of me is greater than what is behind me. My faith in God tells me that.” When the people she helps thank her, she tells them, “You don’t need to thank me. You've got two fathers to thank. The one who brought you into this world and the Father Above.”
Amy is also the Community Resource Builder at Sellwood Center in SE Portland. She cooks meals and organizes activities for her neighbors. She visits grocery stores, produce centers, requests donations and brings many of those donations to Francis Center. She also picks up food and clothing donations from The Dalles and drives around Portland giving out those donations. By the time she gets home, she has nothing left. She hosts gatherings at parks, cooks for people and provides clothing and toys to the children. She feels the children who live on the streets miss so much. It gives her joy and peace to see them so happy to receive what she has to offer.
Amy is a blessing to Francis Center. And she is an inspiration to all the lives she touches as she spreads the good news of God's love. God bless Amy this Christmas Season.