It’s More Than a Building … It’s Belonging

When people walk into St. Francis Seraph Ministries (SFSM), they sometimes have a surprising reaction. They’re expecting an older building that’s a bit run-down, reflecting the challenges of the neighborhood where it’s located.

Instead, they find a place that is clean, well-maintained, and lovingly cared for. Property Manager Tim Grubb notices that reaction — and it makes him proud.

“The building is well taken care of so the people we serve can be well taken care of,” Tim says. “It creates a sense of safety, a sense of belonging.”

Tim began working in the building nearly 20 years ago, when it was home to St. Anthony Messenger Press, a publishing ministry sponsored by the Franciscan Friars. A pilgrimage to Assisi gave him an in-depth experience of the Franciscan charism that shapes the way he approaches his work today.

As a history buff, Tim was excited to walk in the steps of St. Francis and see how he had lived hundreds of years ago. But the experience went much deeper than that.

“It was really eye-opening for me,” Tim says. “I find myself thinking, not the cliché ‘What Would Francis Do?’ but I think about the things he said and taught and how that would correlate to what I’m doing.”

St. Francis is known for his commitment to caring for creation. His values inspired Tim to begin a recycling program in the building and create water-saving initiatives.

Our patron’s embrace of poverty and love for the poor also gave Tim greater insight into SFSM’s mission.

“It’s not just serving people meals,” he says. “It’s so much more than that.”

It’s concern and compassion. Treating people like they matter. Giving them a clean, secure space that honors their God-given dignity.

Tim went to Assisi to learn more about St. Francis. Nearly two decades into his work at SFSM, he continues to discover ways to put the humble saint’s example into practice — one well-cared-for space, and one well-cared-for person, at a time.