Franciscan Ministries, Inc.

Inspired by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, we are a non-profit human service organization that addresses the unmet needs of people who are underserved, vulnerable, and overlooked. We are a presence of healing, respecting the dignity of each person through a personal approach and diverse services.  

Your donations help us run our four programs that directly impact the Cincinnati community. 

Haircuts from the Heart

Haircuts from the Heart provides access to free basic hair care to those who might not otherwise be able to access these services. Our services boost the self-esteem and dignity of clients, allow children to fit in at school, and give adults a “job-ready” appearance. We provide vouchers to schools for students unable to pay for a haircut that can be redeemed at partner salons and shops across the city.

We currently have 24 different private mobile site locations, based within Cincinnati social service agencies and non-profits such as Ronald McDonald House, Hospice of Cincinnati, and Bethany House, where those organizations' clients can benefit from our traveling talents.

Additionally, we provide basic services at four public mobile sites in partnership with St Vincent de Paul, the Healing Center, CAIN - Churches Active in Northside, and the One-Stop Resource Center on the following days.

Community Garden

Making use of the large green space next to St Clare Convent, Franciscan Ministries offers growing space for community gardeners. The Garden not only provides individuals a place to cultivate vegetables and flowers but also gives back to the community through donations of produce.

The Garden is host to over 105 gardeners. Many are recent immigrants and refugees from Bhutan and Nepal. Since 2009, the Garden has donated over 12,000 pounds of produce to local non-profits and social service agencies.

Tamar's Center

Tamar’s Center is a day center that provides shelter and care for women who suffer from addiction and are being exploited through human sex trafficking. Many of these women are homeless.

We act as first responders, helping the women with their most urgent needs, ranging from food to security and from housing to medical care.

Tau House

Tau House offers youth and young adult groups the opportunity to spend a week living as a community while volunteering during the day for area non-profit organizations.

Groups volunteer at 30 different local social service agencies. Over 475 people participate each year, contributing more than 10,000 hours of service to the Cincinnati community. During their stay, participants are encouraged to focus on simplicity and spirituality as they serve.