About Francis House
Francis House provides a home and extended family to persons with terminal illnesses so they can die with dignity surrounded by the unconditional love of God. We will use our lived experience as a resource for others.
Our Heritage
On January 28th, 1991, Francis House welcomed its first resident.
Francis House was the dream of Sister Kathleen Osbelt, OSF. Serving as a hospital chaplain in the 1980s, she realized there were few, if any, places outside of a hospital setting where individuals could spend their final days. Sister also realized there were many in our community who, due to lack of family or resources, did not have the choice to die at home. The Sisters of Saint Francis dedicated a two-family home on Syracuse’s North Side to the vision for Francis House. Community volunteers renovated the house and prepared it to welcome its first residents.
Francis House History & Highlights
1989
In 1989, leadership of the Sisters of St. Francis met with community leaders with the idea to create a home and a family where people with terminal illnesses could die
with dignity and experience unconditional love.
A small group of dedicated individuals sought support for “Project Home.” The Sisters of St. Francis designated a home at 108 Michaels Avenue.
1991
January 28, 1991 – Francis House opened its doors to the first two residents. Our family included three sisters of St. Francis and 56 volunteers. Renovations were completed that allowed Francis House to care for six residents at a time and create office space for staff members.
1992
Auxilliary of Francis House was created to raise awareness and funds to support Francis House.
1997
Francis House creates its signature event There’s No Place Like Home. With the construction of the new home, the Walkway of Blessings was created. The path is composed of etched bricks dedicated in memory and in honor of loved ones.
1998
A 7,800 square-foot building renovation and expansion project began, increasing resident bedrooms to eight. A more comfortable care environment was created.
1999
February 24, 1999 – Francis House celebrated the Open House of the J. Stanley Coyne Residence at Francis House. Residents moved into the new building on March 1, 1999.
2001
January 28, 2001 – Francis House friends, family, staff members and volunteers celebrated 10 years of caring.
2002
July 2002, Francis House Board of Directors voted to build second home.
2003
July 2002, Francis House Board of Directors voted to build second home.
2004
January 8, 2004 – Blessing and dedication of the Tommy Coyne Residence was held at Francis House (114 Michaels Avenue). February 2004 – Four residents moved into 114 Michaels Avenue.
2005
Youth Auxiliary was created to give high school students the opportunity to give hands-on support while learning leadership skills.
2006
The final bedroom in 114 Michaels Avenue was opened. Francis House celebrated its 15th anniversary.
2007
There’s No Place Like Home grew to over 2,000 attendees.
2011
As Francis House celebrates its 20th anniversary, The Caring Fund in Honor of Sister Kathleen Osbelt, Francis House’s endowment is created.
2016
Francis House celebrates 25 years of caring to over 2,500 individuals during their final days.
2020
Francis House adjusted to the realities of the pandemic, at one point consolidating to a single house, but still fulfilled its mission of providing unconditional love to those needing a home at the end of their lives. There’s No Place Like Home became a virtual event with 2,400 supporters participating online.
2021
Francis House celebrates its 30th anniversary. There’s No Place Like Home goes virtual for the 2nd year. Sr. Kathleen publishes her book “Glimpses of God in You and Me.”
2022
The Auxiliary of Francis House celebrates its 30th anniversary and There’s No Place Like Home returns to an in-person event at the Exposition Center at the State Fairgrounds.