THE CARING FUND
in honor of Sister Kathleen Osbelt
This endowment fund was created in 2011 by Sister Kathleen Osbelt to honor her vision that Francis House could offset the cost of care for those with financial need for years to come.
Francis House was created from the love Sister Kathleen had for those most in need in our community. For 31 years, Sister Kathleen was a true servant leader, working side by side with volunteers and staff caring for residents, bringing our message and mission into the community. Sister Kathleen served as an active board member and, until her passing on May 4, 2022, was fully involved in nurturing the mission and ministry of Francis House.
Sister Kathleen’s favorite scripture reads, “Glory to Him whose power at work in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20). The 3,600 individuals whom we have been blessed to care for at Francis House, along with their family members and loved ones, are a testament to these words.
Francis House today is a fulfillment of Sister Kathleen’s vision–a private care facility unwavering in its commitment to provide unconditional love to all our residents, regardless of faith, ethnicity or financial means.
To ensure The Caring Fund fulfills its purpose, we invite you to inquire about making a contribution. Please contact Peggy Northrup, Director of Development, at 315-475-5422 or pnorthrup@francishouseny.org.
Sally Whaley, Francis House caregiver, shares a laugh with resident Marlene K.
“Becoming aware of what is inside Francis House—love, friendship, compassion—moved my husband and me to make a living promise. Funding makes this unique home possible. The Caring Fund will make this home available to others in the future. Those who come here as residents are respected, loved and cared for in a truly comforting and compassionate manner. Francis House is truly a home, a comfort during the most trying time. Nothing is better than that.”
Helen Day, former Francis House volunteer and resident; letter written by her son, Phil Ramsey
“Our family has been twice blessed by Francis House and we are proud to be part of the Francis House family. My father and my mother were active volunteers in the ministry’s early days. I have vivid memories of my mother, my wife and our children visiting with my father in the original house. It was wonderful for him and for our family to share his passing in a home that had brought him and my mother so much joy and happiness.”
Sister Colette Walter, Francis House Coordinator of Mission Integration, hugging a family member
“I am so blessed to spend time with every resident. When it is time for them to move on, I say ‘there are 2,000 wonderful people who were here at Francis House that are waiting to welcome you into Heaven.’”
Gen Saya, former president of the Francis House Board of Directors, speaks with Francis House volunteer Sue Riley
“I gave to The Caring Fund because I care. I believe in this ministry. This endowment will help us continue to fulfill our mission of caring and providing home for those who come to us. There are so many places demanding every person’s resources, but when you give to Francis House it makes a difference in people’s lives. Every gift is important. Gifts combine to make a huge impact. I’ll never forget the family member of a resident who told me, ‘Francis House is the foyer to Heaven, filled with angels.’”
Rena Gianquitti, one of the friendly voices you hear when you call Francis House
“I love Francis House and it is one of the most important things in my life. Every morning I say my Francis House prayer and I think of all the people here—residents, family, volunteers, staff and donors. If I can help by volunteering and donating I will always do it. I’m not a financial person, so the idea of an endowment was new to me. But when I learned that The Caring Fund will help Francis House for the future, I wanted to help. Francis House needs to be here, forever.”
Maureen Drescher, longtime volunteer, friend and benefactor of Francis House
“I have always believed in the mission of Francis House. For the past 11 years, I have eagerly volunteered to support this ministry in any way I could. I’ve sold pins, served on the Auxiliary Board and Board of Directors, served on the event committee. But everything changed this year when my mother-in-law became a resident. I saw Francis House from the other side of the bed. I cannot express the care and compassion that was given to my entire family. Now I see even more why Francis House must be here and why The Caring Fund is so essential. What happens here is amazing and every person deserves to spend their final days in comfort and feeling so loved.”
