Sister Christina Heltsley of the St. Francis Center was inducted to the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame event on March 20th at Canada College! I was proud to nominate her, knowing that the work she does everyday in North Fair Oaks makes the community stronger, safer, and more hospitable. Since she became Executive Director of the St. Francis Center, “Sister C” as she is known, collaborated with 2nd Harvest Food Bank, showers and laundry services for the homeless, a clothing closet, and a mentoring program for parents learning English. She’s also acquired five run-down buildings, rehabbed them and rents 48 units of low and very-low income housing, a community garden, and full size, fully equipped gymnasium (the Siena Youth Center) that serves 100 kids after-school and 200 kids during the summer. The Center also has a small school on site for neighborhood children. She has a volunteer base of 170 people. Rafael Avendano, who serves on the North Fair Oaks Community Council is her youth coordinator at the Siena Center. “Sister C” is most deserving of this recognition!
Congratulations to Kellyx Nelson and Mary C. Pappas, the other 2015 Women's Hall of Fame Inductees and Beverlyn Law, who received the Young Woman of Excellence Award.
(pictured: Supervisor Don Horsley, Beverlyn Law, Kellyx Nelson, Sister Christina, Mary Pappas, Supervisor Adrienne Tissier, Supervisor Slocum)
Saturday, Mar 21, 2015
by
Carol Marks