Welcome Communications Manager Kim

Where Kim goes, plants follow. The Franciscan Mission Service window ledges were lonely before, but now green things ranging from sprouts to stalks can be found growing on each one.

“I love plants and giving plants to others,” Kim laughs. “My large indoor garden may have been the original Franciscan impetus to find a more spiritual way of life.”

Before arriving at Franciscan Mission Service as the new Communications Manager, Kim worked in advocacy for people living with mental illness and genetic conditions, worked with those experiencing homelessness, and served a year with MercyCorps. With a passion for service, Kim also had a deep desire to integrate her Catholic faith into her work.

“I felt like I was being called in a different direction, but wasn’t sure where that was. During this time I thought a lot about St. Francis and the way of peace. It felt almost like a hand was pushing me into the unknown, but I had to discern where it was pushing me,” Kim shared.

Originally from Charlotte, Kim earned her BA in Psychology at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina. Following her desire  to work with those living with mental illness, she became a social worker at Fountain House in New York City, which provides support and services for men and women living with mental illness.

Kim reflected: “As an organization, Fountain House was very people-first, placing a high value on respecting the beauty and talents of each unique person and empowering individuals to decide what to do with their lives. I look back fondly on my time working side by side with this community, and in FMS I’ve found a similar model of service.”

As the new Communications Manager for FMS, Kim brings her vision, creative ideas, and cheerful plants to those around her in the office. She is excited to increase the scope and outreach of FMS’ programs and to learn from the missioners as they walk their journeys of service.

Fun fact: “I am an aspiring fiction writer. I am always writing something – whether that’s an ongoing novel or a journal – as a creative outlet.”

Favorite patron saint: “St. Jude has been a support in my life for many years. I felt like he was the right saint for me because I always seem to need help with  something. And you don’t have to be anyone specific or be doing a great job with your life, he’s someone you can just go and talk with.”