Answering the call – Adapting to the need

The Responsive Services Dept provides a variety of critical needs to Baltimore City communities to promote self-sufficiency and independence.

Hours of Operation: The Franciscan Center Responsive Services Department is open Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and is located on the 2nd floor of the center.

What We Offer

Baby Items

The Franciscan Center (FC) assists with children’s items, clothing, and formula. In partnership with Sharebaby, the FC helps on the 3rd Monday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the FC. Clients must register with the FC and may be asked to provide testimonials and photos. Assistance is available while supplies last.

Birth Certificate

The Franciscan Center (FC) assists with birth certificates in the United States. In partnership with the Identity Access Project (IAP), the FC assists clients with birth certificates. To receive assistance with birth certificates, clients must register with the FC and IAP and provide proper verifying documents. Clients can receive birth certificate services on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the FC. This service is available once in a lifetime with the FC and IAP.

Children's Library

The Mary Lacy Fetting Children’s Library is available Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the FC. The library is a kid-friendly space for children to read, draw, and play. Books are donated and free for children and adults to take home.

Clothing & Toiletries

Coming Soon (February/March 2024)

Court-Ordered Eviction

The Franciscan Center (FC) provides $250 of financial assistance with Baltimore City court-ordered evictions. To receive financial aid with Baltimore City court-ordered evictions, clients must register with the FC, provide the original typed version of the Baltimore City court-ordered eviction (photocopies will not be accepted), the client must be on the lease, provide photo ID and receipts and promissory notes, as the FC assists with the final payment of $250. Verification of bill payment during the period of court-ordered eviction must be authenticated before financial assistance is provided. Assistance is available once in a lifetime, and funding lasts.

Dental Care

Limited to emergency dental care such as extractions–not routine cleaning or dentures. Referral given to Baltimore City Health Department dental clinic.

Dental Referral

The FC assists with Dental Referrals. In partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) dental program, the FC offers clients dental referrals for dental extractions. The FC will pay for up to two dental extractions per year. Subject to change pending funding allocation. To receive dental referral assistance, clients must register with the FC and schedule an appointment with the BCHD dental program. Clients can receive assistance Monday – Thursday on the 2nd floor of the FC from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Department of Social Services Food Boxes

The Franciscan Center (FC) assists with DSS Food Boxes. In partnership with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Maryland Food Bank (MFB), the FC offers clients bi-weekly distribution boxes. To receive a DSS Food Box, clients must enroll with the FC, DHS, and Link 2 Feed. Clients can pick up DSS Boxes on the 2nd floor of the FC Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Mail Services

The Franciscan Center (FC) assists with mail services. In partnership with the United States Postal Service (USPS), the FC provides clients with mailbox storage and address services. To receive mail services, clients must register with the FC, provide a USPS “Change of Mailing Address” from any post office, and check their mailbox once a month. Clients can receive mail services Monday – Thursday on the 2nd floor from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Maryland State IDs

The Franciscan Center (FC) assists with Maryland State IDs. In partnership with the Identity Access Project (IAP), assists clients with Maryland State IDs. To receive Maryland State ID assistance, clients must register with the FC and IAP and provide proof of an original birth certificate, original social security card, and two pieces of mail. Clients can receive assistance with Maryland State IDs on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the FC. This service is available once in a lifetime.

Prescription Voucher

The FC assists with the Prescription Vouchers. In partnership with Gardenville Pharmacy, the FC offers financial help for select prescription medications for clients who receive Medicaid and Medicare and have private insurance. The FC and insurance companies must approve prescriptions. Clients can receive assistance Monday – Thursday on the 2nd floor of the FC from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

SNAP Benefit Applications

The FC assists with SNAP Benefit Applications and Recertifications. In partnership with the Department of Human Services (DHS), the FC offers navigation assistance for online applications. To receive assistance, clients must provide proper documentation, proof of residency rec, certification letter, and a PIN (if applicable). Clients can receive assistance Monday – Thursday on the 2nd floor of the FC from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Vision Referral

The FC assists with Vision Referrals. In partnership with Affordable Optics, the FC offers clients vision referral assistance for up to $70.00 per year. To receive assistance, clients must register with the FC, schedule an appointment with Affordable Optics, pay any outstanding balance, and return the receipt to the FC for a final payment of $70.00. Before the eye exam visit, clients must receive prior approval if Affordable Optics is not the location of choice. Clients can receive assistance Monday – Thursday on the 2nd floor from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This service is available once a year.

The Franciscan Center partners with Identity Access Project to help those we serve obtain state identification and birth certificates so they can access benefits, housing, and other services.

birth certificates*

Identification Assistance*

Baby Items Distributed*

Evictions Prevented*

*numbers are based on our fiscal year | 9/1/2023 – 8/31/2024 | and are updated monthly

What people are saying

Cindy and Jerod

“Miss Judy and Miss Sabrinia helping us get our birth certificate, our social security card, our ID – all the services that they have we needed, we desperately needed. Miss Judy and Miss Sabrinia helping us get our birth certificate, our social security card, our ID – all the services that they have we needed, we desperately needed.”

Chrystal and Roosevelt

“So, it’s kind of a crazy story. We were down on our luck. Bills were due. We were facing eviction. We got this number (at the Franciscan Center) from 211. We didn’t know what to expect. We met Sabrinia. We met Rosslyn. They helped us so, so much. We left out of here just open-minded.”

Meet The Team

Pat O’Brien – Intake Analyst
Carm Dorsey – Community Impact Support Staff
Brother Duffy – Community Impact Support Staff
Tracy Robinson – Office Manager
Herman “James” Paxton – Office Administrator

John Eckhart – Community Impact Support Staff
Rosslyn Green – Community Navigator
Sharelle Harris – Program Coordinator/ Social Work
Marilyn Waxter – Community Impact Support Staff
Sabrinia Gay – Director of Responsive Services

Partnerships

Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS)
CareFirst Blue Cross
CMDS Fayette House
City of Refuge
Greater Baybrook Alliance
SEEDCO
United Way of Central Maryland 2.1.1.
DAB Building Communities
Paul’s Place
Baltimore City Health Department
Gardenville Pharmacy

SafeLink
Sharebaby
Fresh Food Farms
Little Portion Farms
MedStar Harbor Hospital
Church/Faith-based organizations
Daniel Carl Torsch Foundation
People Encouraging People (PEP)
Downtown Partnership
More partnerships are forthcoming! 😊

Responsive Services