Many of you know I am the Director of the Franciscan Center for Social Concern at St. Bonaventure University. My position challenges me everyday and at the same time is one of the most fulfilling positions I have ever held. I love assisting St. Bonaventure students as they run the Warming House, what we believe to be the oldest student run soup kitchen in the country, offer hope and friendship to children through Bona Buddies, our youth mentoring program and the SBU Food Pantry. Our students form relationships with older men and women in Silver Wolves and offer weekly trips to the local walking dogs, petting cats through SBU@SPCA.

Not only do we get students involved in service while they are students at SBU, but while serving others, they are learning important leadership skills. It is students who actually run a small not for profit in the Warming House. Bona Buddies, the largest youth mentoring program in Cattaraugus county is lead and run by Bona students - they recruit, navigate parent and school relationships and offer quality and fun programming week after week for the 80 buddies that come to campus each week.

Will you please help us help others during these difficult days? Each gift is so greatly appreciated and needed. I can promise you, we will use your gift well as we continue to reach out to those in need.

Keep living your Good Journey and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and all good,

Alice