Franciscan Sisters Charitable Fund

The Franciscan Sisters Charitable Fund of Colorado supports fixed-income elderly and families of the Wheaton Franciscan Colorado affordable housing communities by raising funds for emergency and special needs.

Testimonials

"I am 101 years old and I am so grateful for the Franciscan Sisters Charitable Fund, which supports the Congregate Housing Services Program. The program provides me with one meal a day and assistance with my laundry and housekeeping needs. With the Fund's help, I can stay in my apartment and not have to move to an assisted living facility, which is something I don't want to do."
Helen N., Resident

Rebecca Ankele's story...
For most of her life, Rebecca has struggled with diabetes and many other health problems that accompany this chronic disease. Since 2006, her illness has affected her ability to live independently. She had to retire from her job as manager of the bakery department at Cub Foods because of her many health challenges, including dialysis three times a week, vision loss, and surgery on a broken foot that resulted in four months in a rehab center. Even after extensive physical and occupational therapy, Rebecca can stand for very brief periods and can take only a few steps on her own. Her family was desperate to find a place for Rebecca that would support her many physical and mobility needs.
Rebecca's mom calls the referral she received to the Franciscan Ministries affordable housing a "true blessing." She knew about their Bridge Community Center because she swam in the pool once or twice a week for more than 16 years. While gathering information on Francis Heights and Clare Gardens, Rebecca's mom learned about the financial support that the Franciscan Sisters Charitable Fund provides to the Congregate Housing Services Program. She was relieved to find out that Rebecca would be able to continue to live independently and receive the assistance that she needed in the form of personal care, meals, laundry and housekeeping.
While Rebecca has had to give up her scratch baking, she is thankful for the help she receives at Francis Heights. "Living here brings me peace of mind," she said. And her mother agrees.

Janet Simpson Gives tot he Charitable Fund
When Janet Simpson accompanied a friend to tour the Francis Heights facilities one Sunday afternoon in the spring of 1990, little did she know that she would also be living in one of the apartments. Janet liked what she saw in the twin-tower buildings, that when she made the decision to move to be closer to her daughter a year later, she decided to lease a one-bedroom apartment at Francis Heights. When asked about why she moved, Janet responded, "The location was perfect, everyone there was very friendly and the atmosphere was so welcoming."
Feeling like she is part of a family is the primary reason Janet decided to participate in the fundraising campaign sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters Charitable Fund. The Charitable Fund provides emergency assistance for residents who live in Francis Heights and other Franciscan housing communities and do not have the resources for such basics as food, utilities, medications or baby items. Residents include low-income elderly, individuals with disabilities, families and children. "While I haven't had to use the Charitable Fund for emergency assistance, I think it's important to help our neighbors in need," she said. "And besides, who knows when I will be in the position of having to ask for help? It's important to me that I contribute to the Fund now when I can."
Janet celebrated 21 years of living in the same apartment this past April and she can't imagine living anywhere else. She has many great stories to share on being involved in the resident council and being a part of the Francis Heights community. One fond memory she has is when Father Declan Madden and Sister Maggie Ryan would dress up for the annual Christmas celebration. Both really got into their roles and all of the residents enjoyed having their pictures taken with "Mr. and Mrs. Claus."
When she's not busy with activities in her building, Janet visits the local museums, meets friends for lunch and works part-time as an usher at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. "At 85, I am blessed with good health and a family of good friends," said Janet. "I have enjoyed living here-Francis Heights is more than a place to live, it is my home."

Grace Provost Volunteers to Tend the Garden
For the past five years, Grace Provost has planted violas, pansies, peonies, tulips, irises and various wildflowers in the Memorial Garden located between Francis Heights, Dayspring Villa and Clare Gardens. When asked about her passion for planting flowers, Grace's eyes light up. "My mother, who father was a farmer, first taught me about gardening when I was six years old. I so enjoyed working with the soil, planting seeds and bulbs and then seeing the garden burst into many vibrant colors every spring," she said...