Inspired by St. Francis and Pope Francis, we provide a safe haven for those struggling with mental health in our community
The Franciscan Servants for Mental Health provide comprehensive care, psycho social support, and vocational skills to help our community overcome stigma and find lasting peace.
Our "Work" pillar comes to life as our Sisters fit garments made by the resilient women of our community. Through tailoring and embroidery, these women move from the margins of society to the very heart of the Parish.
Mathew 11:28 come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.
Vision
Fullness of life for the mentally sick
Mission
Informative, Educative, and Preventive care through Prayer, Work, and Therapy.
Objectives
- To provide comprehensive mental health care and promote the welfare of the community
- To be testimonies of God's healing presence at the heart of a wounded world.
- Overcome the stigma that brands mental illness and ensure that the culture of community prevails over the mentality of rejection.
Overcoming the Stigma That Brands Mental Illness
The greatest barrier to healing is not the illness itself, but the stigma that follows it. Stigma acts as a brand—a label of rejection that isolates the suffering and tells them they do not belong.
Inspired by Pope Francis’s appeal, we are dedicated to dismantling the "mentality of rejection." We believe that mental illness is not a character flaw or a source of shame, but a cross to be carried with the support of a community.
We must ensure that the culture of community prevails over the mentality of rejection. To heal the mind, we must first embrace the person
Our Pillars
Prayer
"The Giver of a Healthy Mind" Our activities are God-centered. We cultivate a culture of spiritual discipline to reconnect the broken-hearted with their Creator.
Work
"The Workshop of the Mind" We believe that an idle mind is a vulnerability. By keeping the hands busy, we shift the focus from self-pity to creativity and self-worth.
Therapy
"Restoring Inner Peace" Healing requires professional and communal intervention to process trauma, domestic violence, and addictions.
Testimonials
Sr. Itaclaria’s mission has taught our Parish that mental illness is not a curse or a shame. We are learning to overcome the stigma. When we see the beautiful Mass linens made by the residents, we see the ‘Healing Presence of God’ that the foundation talks about.
Member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish Mbuvo
I used to feel like a burden to my family because of my addiction. Through the Work Pillar, I learned how to care for the rabbits and chickens. Seeing life grow under my care helped me realize that God isn’t finished with me yet. I am learning to be positive again.
John P
After the motivational talk from the Franciscan Servants, our students started talking openly about their home lives. Many were struggling with depression due to broken families. Having the sisters provide psycho social support has improved the discipline and the heart of our school.
Teacher Josephine
I lived in the Mbuvo market for two years. People walked past me like I was a stone. Sister found me when I was sick and hungry. Today, I am not just a ‘sick person.’ I am a weaver. When I hold the needle and thread at the St. Dymphna Centre, my mind finds the peace I thought I had lost forever.