Meet Mental Health With Compassionate Care
Approximately one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness every year.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in changing the narrative surrounding mental illness—replacing stigma and ignorance with care and compassion. This very idea was, and continues to be, the founding principle behind our mission.
At St. Francis, we know that speaking openly and constructively about mental health and mental illness creates a safer, more welcoming world for everyone. Too often, individuals with mental illness are seen and treated as if they are their disease. Every day we experience firsthand the transformative power that a supportive community and compassionate understanding have on individuals living with mental illness.
Since our founding in 1970, we have been committed to ensuring our tenants feel seen and heard just as every human deserves. We acknowledge the often painful experiences of homelessness and mental illness they’ve endured and celebrate the moments of happiness, success, and love.
With you, St. Francis Friends of the Poor will continue to be a voice and model for compassionate care and supportive housing. We encourage you to share our commitment to our tenants with your friends and family and support our mission as you are able.
TENANT STORY SPOTLIGHT
With your help, we are positively transforming the lives of our residents. Meet Dr. Bonnie.
“I got my combined Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Psychology from Cal Southern University through an online program. During the time when I was completing my thesis, I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia.”
See what our residents at St. Francis Friends of the Poor have been up to!
St. Francis Friends of the Poor is a pioneer of the permanent supportive housing movement. We believe that the forming of a community among a population that struggles with isolation is our most important task. The wide variety of activities that are available to our tenants is only part of the effort to build a familial atmosphere. Shoutout to Annette Taylor for always lighting up the room with your fabulous voice!
Play Ball! Tenants from all three of our residences enjoyed a Yankees game on the most beautiful day of the year, so far. Outings like this would not be possible without the dedication of our donors who support our tenants’ active participation in all that New York City has to offer. We are simply blessed to know the level of support offered to our community.
TENANT ART SPOTLIGHT
Our residents utilize artistic expression as a therapy for mental illness.
“Me on the Outside”, by Michael R., 2018, Multimedia
Did you know?
Supporter Spotlight: BjornQorn
BjornQorn knows the importance of quality movie snacks. When they heard that the St. Francis Residences host movie groups at each of our three residences, they jumped on the idea of sponsoring our tradition! Thank you, @BjornQorn, for offering your support to our mission of providing safe, sustainable, and supportive housing to our formerly homeless tenants. YOU ROCK!
OUR MISSION & HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your support will make a tremendous impact on the lives of our tenants. We appreciate your support in any form you’re able to provide it!
Make a Donation - a gift of any size will help ensure SFFP remains a compassionate forever home for those who need us.
Spread the Word - forward this e-letter to your friends and family and continue our efforts to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Follow us on Social - get all the latest from SFFP, including stories of hope, new tenant art, and opportunities to make a difference. Connect on Facebook. Instagram and LinkedIn!
Get in Touch - interested in volunteering or learning more about how to help? Contact us at info@stfrancisfriends.org or 212-947-0794.