In 1987, a group of seniors at Siena College interested in volunteering for a year were surprised to find that there weren’t any service organizations where they could continue growing and learning in the Franciscan charism. Their desire to serve and grow in the Franciscan way led to the creation of Franciscan Volunteer Ministry.
In 1987-1988, a group of recent Siena graduates served and lived in Boston. In 1989, the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry was officially incorporated. The purpose of Franciscan Volunteer Ministry is to provide a setting for lay
volunteers to grow in faith, love, and hope by serving the poor and marginalized and working for social justice through ministries sponsored by the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province.
Today, more than 240 people have served as FVMs in eight service sites. They have come from many states, schools, and backgrounds but are all united through their desire to love and serve the poor and marginalized. Our alumni have gone on to careers in education, medicine, social work, business, and more.