It's said that poverty in the U.S. is largely invisible. Not to us. We see its many faces every day—adults, children, immigrants, the elderly, the sick and drug addicted. A rainbow of races, struggling to get by.
We're Franciscan Friars. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis, we have renounced all worldly possessions and devoted our lives to the service of those most in need. Headquartered in New York City, FriarWorks is a non-profit network of Friar parishes across the Eastern seaboard, providing life-changing services to people in poverty.
At its most basic, this means feeding and sheltering. But our ultimate goal is to move people out of poverty with education, counseling, drug rehabilitation services, job coaching and more. In short, we provide the crucial services that empower people to live their lives with dignity and purpose, free of the bonds poverty.
We're Friars. That's what we do.
There is a story from the Great Depression. The difficult times found women making clothing for their children from feed and flour sacks. So the feed and flour companies began making patterned sacks, thereby supporting the mothers' effort to clothe their children.
As Friars, this story resonates with how we approach poverty. We live and work in the communities we are supporting. This allows us to see the needs of residents in a more intimate way—and craft more creative, more effective solutions. If we see a woman foregoing food to feed her pet, for instance, we'll stock pet food in our food pantry. Person by person, parish by parish, community by community we attack poverty with smart, targeted programs—and a whole lot of love and support.
See the difference Friars make by serving nutritious meals at our soup kitchens, food pantries and breadlines.
Our shelters provide more than just a pillow to rest on. Friars care for those who have suffered years of personal and institutional neglect.
Friars provide counseling services, medical attention and rent assistance programs to those struggling to lift themselves out of poverty.
See how Friars are helping students pursue their dreams through academic scholarships and learning programs.
Click here to browse the locations where Friars and highly motivated volunteers provide life-changing services to people in poverty.
Meet the Friars who help move people out of poverty through education, counseling, drug rehabilitation services, job coaching and more.
100% of your donations goes directly to ministries providing services to the poor. Each program addresses
a specific, pressing need in our communities.
Together they are helping to break the cycle of poverty.
Over 400,000 people benefit from counseling services provided by Friars Support each year. This includes family support services, legal referral programs and senior outreach assistance from places like the Franciscan Community Center.
learn moreImmigrants are a fast-growing segment of those in poverty. Friars provide English Second Language courses and access to free legals services though support programs and migrant centers.
learn moreMeet the diverse group of Friars and volunteers who provide life-changing services to people in poverty.