“To everything there is season; a time for every purpose under heaven…”
                                                                                                                Ecclesiastes 3

The Wellness Center on Church Street, a partnership between the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry and Saint Joseph College, was formalized in October of 2005 with the signing of a Partnership Agreement.  Our partnership represents and celebrates the convergence of mission, vision and ministry reflecting the common values and goals of both institutions.  The  Wellness Center serves the poor, needy and underserved woman, men and children of Hartford while simultaneously enriching the educational opportunities for students and faculty of Saint Joseph College and the volunteer opportunities for the parishioners and friends of both St. Patrick- St. Anthony Church and the Franciscan Center for Urban ministry.

Our Partnership has grown through careful planning, discernment and experience into a strong and vibrant relationship reaching beyond our initial expectation and hopes. Faculty and students in Nursing, Social Work and Counseling provide on-going services to and through the following programs and ministries of the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry: Catherine’s Place and Sandwich Ministry.  Together the College and Center have moved out into the community bringing services to the MANNA MEALS PROGRAM located in downtown Hartford.  With a true sense of Partnership, the Wellness Center at the Franciscan Community Center continues to respond to the needs of the local community working with Doctors and Nurses through its involvement in the Malta House of Care Mobile Unit with screening and educational services.  Numerous people we serve in through the Franciscan Center Programs also seek the service of the Mobile Care unit, seeing a familiar face with our nurses and counselors present.

The Sandwich Ministry and Out Reach Program is a wonderful example of the service being offered through the partnership of the College and Center.  For over fifteen years woman, men and children have come daily to our doors to receive nourishment in the form of food and respect. Today our ministry is enriched and expanded through the services of the students nurses and faculty who offer conversation, blood pressure and sugar checks, health screening and education.  These services for people without health care benefits is crucial to their well being.  Parish and Center Volunteers have joined with St. Joseph College students in this seriously needed outreach program.

The Partnership between the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry and Saint Joseph College continues to grow in its vision and service to the poor and alienated and those in greatest need.  Our future also offers expanded services and on-site accredited courses for degree and non-degree students of Saint Joseph College.

         

Those involved in our ministry summon it up the best:

“To be welcomed into your home and cared for with respect is the start of my healing” (client)

“Students have the opportunity to meet the underserved where they live and grow to understand the struggles of the poor of our City” (Faculty of St. Joseph College)

“The continuing presence of faculty, staff and students at the wellness center keeps alive the promise and potential this partnership holds with the Franciscan Community Center and Saint Joseph College” (Graduate of the College)