Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy
Guatamala Service Trip

Over spring break, Siena students stood with underserved neighborhoods from Charlotte to Tucson to the indigenous community of Chontala, Guatemala.

The 36-year long Guatemalan Civil War killed more than 150,000. Midway through the war, the community of Chontala was decimated by bombing. The people were already poor, now they were poorer. And many of the women were widowed by the fighting.  

A few years later, threads were donated to the community. The women had a gift for creating beautiful handmade fabrics, but they lacked the supplies. The Ruth Y Nohemi Cooperative quickly blossomed - a community of women (named after two widows from the bible) who have used their talents to turn loss and heartache into opportunity - in a place where opportunity is scarce.

On a week long immersion trip sponsored by the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy, nine Siena students and two chaperones spent a week standing with the women of Chontala. They listened to their stories, they met with children, and they visited several agricultural and sustainability community groups. 

"Not only did we learn so much about the people of Guatemala, but we also learned a lot about ourselves. I cannot wait to continue exploring and experiencing with the Siena community soon!"

Meredith McElroy '22

"There was so much strength, joy, perseverance, and resilience for us to celebrate from the Guatemalan community. I couldn’t be more thankful to immerse in such a beautiful country with such a rich culture and history." 

Meg O'Neill 21


Arizona Service trip

A group of Siena students spent a week in Arizona, but also crossed the border into Mexico, to learn about immigration, up close. Specifically, the students studied the situation along the American southern border. They came to understand how immigrants, especially from Central American countries, are treated by American authorities, including ICE and border patrol.

While in Arizona, the students also participated in direct service. They worked with an organization called Flowers and Bullets, and spent a day weeding and helping the community members prepare their gardens for planting day, which is fast approaching. 

“I’ve gone on many service trips, and after most of them, I feel content, like I made a difference. After my immersion trip to Arizona, however, I feel disgusted. I learned how much of the immigration process is hidden from us. There is a lack of awareness and love for our fellow children of God, and I feel that our country is failing these people entirely. This trip was extremely eye opening, and I am so grateful to the Franciscan Center of Service and Advocacy for allowing me to experience it."

Maura Lynch '23

“Getting to hear personal accounts and see with my own eyes what’s going on at the border was so much more impactful than any other way of learning about this could be. There were several things that we were able to witness that I will definitely never forget. These outside of the classroom learning experiences are my favorite part about Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy trips.”  

Jess Sharron '21


habitat for humanity trip north carolina

Siena students partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build houses in five cities across North Carolina and South Carolina. The Saints framed the houses, put together roof trusses, planted trees, and painted the interior of the homes. 

The students also visited Habitat Restores, independently owned stores operated by Habitat for Humanity that accept donations and sell home improvement items at a fraction of the retail price. Some of the students got to enjoy dinner with the family they're building the home for - which is a warm and unusual bonus! 

"Being able to go on a Habitat trip allowed me to partake in a sustainable approach to the housing issues in the U.S. It’s so great to see the homeowner empowered!" 

Maura Lynch '23

"I loved going on a Habitat trip because I got to try things I’ve never done before, like framing a house and constructing gables, while building relationships with Siena students I may never have met otherwise!" 

Abigail Sheridan '23