Heartened by its mission, supporters of St. Francis Manor gathered at Celebration Grove for an Evening of Hope to Transform Lives Together, raising funds to help ensure that local seniors on limited incomes will not have to choose between a roof over their heads and their next meal.
As music by Muffy Charles filled the air, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, perused silent-auction items and tried their luck at a wine pull, before settling in for a dinner catered by Wild Thyme Catering.
Board president Maria Elena Kitchell, who has been involved with St. Francis Manor for over 20 years, spoke about the organization’s history.
“It holds a huge place in my heart. I am very passionate about this mission of ours, providing homes for people that are on low incomes. As you know, the need is greater than ever. What we do each day to serve seniors in our community is meaningful, compassionate work, and it is only possible because of supporters like all of you,” said Kitchell.
St. Francis Manor was founded in 1974 to fill a critical gap in our local housing landscape. That need for safe, affordable housing and resources has only grown. Knowing that housing is a fundamental pillar of dignity, St. Francis Manor fosters a sense of community and belonging that wards off the isolation so often faced by the elderly.
The nonprofit provides cost-effective housing to seniors aged 62 and older on its campus, which has 11 buildings with 98 studio and 18 one-bedroom apartments. More than 1,000 seniors have made St. Francis Manor their home since its inception.
Executive Director Bonnie Matz said there are more than 150 seniors on the waiting list.
“For seniors, it’s not just a need in our community. It is a dire and growing need. Many older adults are living on fixed incomes, making impossible choices between rent, medications, groceries and utilities. They deserve stability. They deserve dignity,” said Matz.
Board member Kim Gibson shared the story of her grandmother, an Icelandic immigrant who raised seven children alone. Despite a lifetime of hard work, she reached 85 with limited Social Security benefits and a home in such disrepair that it became a liability rather than an asset.
“She struggled quietly to meet her basic needs and had nowhere to turn,” Gibson said. “That experience is why St. Francis means so much to me. Too many seniors have worked their entire lives and still face aging without the stability and community they deserve.”
“Together, we are not just providing apartments. We are truly providing homes,” said Matz, inviting everyone to “become a part of our story” by deepening their commitment as they look toward the next 50 years.
For more information, visit StFrancisManor.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
