Franciscan Center Ministries
Sharing Hope, Changing Lives
Local Community Impact
Supporting families across Fort Wayne.
Faith Driven Support
Serving others through purpose.
Volunteer Powered Mission
Community members creating change.
Our Ministries
Where Faith Meets Meaningful Service
At The Franciscan Center, our ministries are rooted in compassion, dignity, and a commitment to serving those in need. Through food assistance programs, essential resources, and community-driven outreach, we work to ensure individuals and families throughout Fort Wayne have access to the support they need.
Whether you are seeking assistance, looking for ways to give back, or interested in volunteering, our ministries provide opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Sack Lunch Program
Delivering Hope One Meal At A Time
Every Saturday, more than 1,200 sack lunches are distributed to individuals experiencing hunger throughout the community. This ministry relies on the dedication of more than 30 volunteers who contribute over 75 hours each week to prepare, organize, and distribute meals.
Lunches are delivered to designated service areas throughout the community, and walk-up assistance is also available for those outside of the delivery route.
Need Assistance?
Call our office to learn more about eligibility and distribution locations.
Want To Help?
Join our volunteer team and help prepare or distribute meals.
Food Pantry Program
Providing Food, Support & Encouragement
Our Food Pantry serves hundreds of local families each month by providing groceries and essential food items in a welcoming and supportive environment. Through the generosity of volunteers and donors, we help ensure families have access to nutritious food during difficult times.
More than 800 families receive support through this program each month, powered by over 350 volunteer hours dedicated to serving our neighbors.
Pantry Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Requirements:
- Valid Photo ID
- Piece of Mail with Address
- One Visit Per Family Per Month
Medicine Cabinet Program
Essential Items For Everyday Living
Many personal care and over-the-counter health products are not covered by food assistance programs, leaving many families without access to everyday necessities. The Medicine Cabinet Program helps fill that gap by providing toiletries, hygiene products, and basic over-the-counter medications to families in need.
In just a few hours each month, this ministry serves more than 400 families, helping provide resources that contribute to health, dignity, and well-being.
Program Hours:
Wednesdays
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Requirements:
- Valid Photo ID
- Piece of Mail with Address
- One Visit Per Family Per Month
Feed My Sheep
Organizing Community Food Drives
The Feed My Sheep ministry empowers churches, schools, businesses, neighborhood associations, and community groups to organize food drives that directly support the Franciscan Center Food Pantry.
Participants receive tools, resources, and branded collection bags to make organizing a food drive simple and successful. Donations collected through this ministry help keep shelves stocked and ensure families have access to the food they need throughout the year.
Host A Food Drive
Bring your community together to support local families
Want To Participate?
Contact us to learn how your organization can become involved.
Give Today & Help End Hunger!
“42 Cents Funds A Sack Lunch, 15 Dollars Provides a Turkey, Your Prayers & Support Will Help Provide Hope.”
The Franciscan Center
Give Your Time. Change Lives.
Contact Us
Join Us In Serving The Community
New & Used Furniture Store
500 East State Blvd.
Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm