About Our Values

The mission of our program is lived out by program members through the following shared values:

Service
Walk together with the poor and examine the complexity of injustices faced by the poor in our society. The work of program members ranges from direct service with the poor to working for structural change. Through these experiences, a lasting impact takes shape for a member and it often becomes a lifelong commitment to service as the values of compassion, justice, love and peace become part of the culture of those who participate in our program.

Community
Members live together in community in the Franciscan spirit of mutuality and simplicity. It is the members themselves who design and create their community, ultimately gaining increased respect for others who may think or act differently from themselves. In sharing the joys and sorrows of their daily life experiences as program memebers, as well as necessary “house” chores such as shopping, cooking and cleaning, many members are called to challenge themselves to form honest, open relationships and gain lifelong communication skills. 

Simple Lifestyle
Living simply is meant to help members define a lifestyle always conscious of the poor. The commitment is more than attempting to live within a monthly budget; it is more a shift in focus. Spending a year centered on less money and consumption as promoted by our American culture can free members to appreciate the value found in simple pleasures, conversations and their own creativity.  

Spirituality
Following in the footsteps of St. Francis, members integrate their faith through their service with the poor and through their communal, simple lifestyle. Members are encouraged to deepen their own spirituality through reflection, group prayer, retreats and the opportunity for spiritual direction. While the majority of program members may be people of faith, this is not a requirement.