Searching for the ‘And’ Solutions: A Conversation with Board President Sofie Snauwaert

There are no easy answers to ending poverty and homelessness, but the St. Francis Seraph Ministries team does not let that get in the way, says Sofie Snauwaert, SFSM Board President.

Sofie says: “We impact more than 2,700 guests each year through 87,000 meals, as well as our Foot Care for the Souls and Sarah Center programs — so many positive touchpoints. We provide a comforting, wholesome meal, a safe place, and a warm welcome which help lighten the day-to-day burden for our guests. And for some, coming to breakfast and dinner at the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room is the first step to a brighter future.”

“It’s so hard for people to get out of poverty and being marginalized,” Sofie adds. “You need more than one thing to move forward.”

The St. Anthony Center is a hub where SFSM collaborates with Mary Magdalen House, Center for Respite Care, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health, Welcome Home Collaborative, and Haircuts from the Heart to surround our guests with services.

“Just last year, 54 people were able to lift themselves out of being unsheltered because of that collaboration,” Sofie says. “That’s exciting!”

Sofie’s journey began with SFSM began through her work with Social Venture Partners, an organization that provided business consulting for the Sarah Center’s #Stitched# program.  Impressed with what she saw, she agreed to get involved further by joining the Board, and since then her passion for SFSM has only grown stronger.

Sofie says her role as Board President is to support SFSM’s strategic goals and to empower the staff to achieve them. She’s not involved in the day-to-day operations, but she’s gotten to know the team by volunteering.

An avid cook, Sofie finds special inspiration in the dining room. She loves the way a meal can create community and bring people together. She also recognizes that while food is a hobby for her, it’s not even a daily guarantee for SFSM’s guests.

When Sofie retired from Procter & Gamble, her goals included using her business background to serve others and continuing to learn new things. She’s doing both at SFSM.

“Good fortune, being lucky or privileged — there are so many things I took for granted that have made a difference in my life compared to that of somebody who is coming to us for a meal,” Sofie says.

Looking ahead, she is focused on expanding SFSM’s impact and financial stability and helping ensure that Over-the-Rhine remains a place where progress and compassion coexist.

“Gentrification and cultural development can’t be at the expense of the people who are here, in close proximity to services they need at this point in their life,” Sofie says. “That’s one of the things I hope to learn more about: how we can collaborate with other agencies, developers, and the city to find an ‘and’ solution.”