Change A Heart Franciscan Volunteer Program is a ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. The Change A Heart Franciscan Volunteer Program is rooted in the spirit of St. Francis and the spirit of the Sisters of St. Francis for single men and women, ages 21 through 30, who intentionally live out their service experience through Franciscan values of service, simple lifestyle, community and spirituality. This program strives to inspire and mentor young adults so they develop skills to intentionally live out lifelong Gospel values of modeling justice, peacemaking, hospitality, and caring for the earth and all creation by providing direct essential services among those who are marginalized in western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1999 by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Change A Heart strives to attract young adults to faith-filled leadership and to challenge them to support the efforts of low-income people to gain social and economic empowerment. It is a 12-month service experience that empowers young adults to live simply in community while serving a vulnerable population.
Change A Heart members are invited to accept the challenge of experiencing the power of God through relationships which empower the powerless, promote peace and transform the world around them. Change A Heart is the only program of its kind in southwestern Pennsylvania where members directly serve with those who are vulnerable, marginalized and most in need. Members serve in areas of education, health, nutrition, and other social services including but not limited to disaster relief, community outreach, case management and housing/shelter with children, youth, adults and seniors.