The Poverello Center
The Poverello Center
We are a Franciscan community called to welcome, love, and serve.
The Poverello Center is the Franciscan outreach that serves the needy and poor through Food and Wellness programs. Incorporated in 2005, the Poverello Center, Inc. is a not-for-profit agency overseen by a Board of Directors and in cooperation with other direct service agencies throughout the State of Rhode Island. The Poverello Center is supported and funded through charitable contributions from corporations and individuals. The Center enjoys a particularly productive relationship with the Knights and Dames of Malta, (www.orderofmalta.org) our most enthusiastic supporters.
- The Poverello Food Program is the largest client-choice food pantry in the State of Rhode Island and serves approximately 1900 families per month.
- The Poverello Wellness Program strives to meet the health needs of our clients through educational activities on issues of health and wellness, illness prevention, health-screening services and follow-up services.
- The Bread & Blessings Program provides hot coffee, bagged meals and fellowship to our city's homeless citizens. Food is prepared by volunteers and served three mornings per week in the downtown Chapel courtyard.
For information on volunteer opportunities contact the program director.
Elizabeth O'Dea,
Director of the Poverello Center
(401) 455-3730; eodea@stfrancischapel.com
Betty Brunero,
Director of Wellness Program
(401) 455-3730, bbrunero@stfrancischapel.com
Fr. Brice Leavins, OFM,
Director of Bread & Blessings
(401) 528-7188; bb43159@aol.com