Following Francis
Happiness and respect are the birthright of every person. Following Francis draws inspiration from the life and universal values of Francis of Assisi and shares our time, energy, and resources to help children, families, and neighborhoods claim this birthright.
Founded by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, Following Francis is a non-religious service organization that offers free programs and activities to help people living on the margins of life join the mainstream.
Our Mission
To remove obstacles to happiness so that those we serve, especially children, experience joy and respect.
Our Vision
We envision a world in which service to others, treating them with love, respect, and compassion helps end hunger, poverty, marginalization, and loneliness.
COVID-19
Response
Direct Financial Support
Following Francis programs provide gifts of financial support to families in Contra Costa County, California, and Washington, DC, whose lives have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. Local school leaders refer families who cannot afford rent, food, and other life essentials.
Our Values
We're inspired by the values of Francis of Assisi and his ideal of universal brotherhood. Francis lived a life of love, service, respect, and compassion, and honored the worth of every individual.
Offers inspiring field trips for children and their families from impoverished neighborhoods and gives them gifts of quality clothes, shoes, groceries, books, educational toys, and needed supplies.
Serves children and families living in economically challenged neighborhoods, providing weekly summer outings, groceries, toiletries, beds, bikes, basic household supplies, and educational toys.
Cleans and uplifts an urban park and surrounding streets in Washington, DC, by removing trash and beautifying the area with planters and hanging baskets of flowering plants.