Meet Lori, An Artist In Residence
“I do a lot of art here, and its helped me a lot”
– Artist & Resident Lori, on the St. Francis Art Program
At the St. Francis Residences, we strive to foster a sense of community, who historically have struggled with social isolation. We offer a wide variety of activities to help build a familial atmosphere and place value on each individual’s contributions to the community.
“The activities program enriches their lives by nurturing their creativity, we tailor it around their wants and needs and in the end they are happy with their decision to be part of the community.”
For example, our robust arts program allows tenants to express themselves in their chosen medium and proudly display their artwork for friends, supporters and other residents.
Below, meet Lori, one of our artists in residence.
Meet Our Resident Artists
Lori wasn't always a freelance artist in New York City. When she developed symptoms of serious mental illness, she became homeless and moved from shelter to shelter and even slept in a laundromat. Now, she is thriving at the St. Francis Residences, where she is permanently housed and is an active member of the community’s activity program.
“[Lori] has grown into herself here. She has shown her leadership skills by most recently running a movement group and taking the role of secretary at the tenant’s council. She is also working on her personal health by leading a walking group.”
More from Artists In Residence Ft. Orlando
Orlando is a St. Francis resident and graffiti artist. Art is an activity that allows Orlando to create for himself and keep him healthy.
The generosity of our community allows us to continually improve the lives of New York City’s most vulnerable residents every day.
Your support directly impacts tenants like Lori and Orlando. A gift of $150 provides a month’s worth of art supplies for one of our residences.
Donate today or learn more about how to get involved below.
Christina M. Byrne, MSW,
Executive Director
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Host a Fundraiser. For your next birthday, event, or celebration, invite your friends, family, and colleagues to join you in supporting St. Francis Friends of the Poor.
Volunteer. Share your talents to enhance our social, artistic, educational, and recreational programming as we work together to build community and promote well-being.
Donate. Your support provides a permanent home and community to nearly 300 formerly homeless folks living with serious mental illness at our three residences in New York City.
Connect with us on social media. Get the latest from St. Francis Friends of the Poor, including stories of hope and opportunities to make a difference