FrancisEmma, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization. Our mission is to protect the land and the life systems supported by this land, to preserve the history and culture of the people who have lived and worked on this site throughout its history, to educate learners of all ages about the beauty and interrelatedness of all creation, and to promote and assist the ministry of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Francis/ St. Emma is beginning a new chapter in its story. In December 2006, the first 1000 acres of land were formally placed under conservation easement. The Sisters made a binding contract for its preservation in perpetuity. This gift to the future life of the land is significant and sacrificial to their religious congregation, The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Unlike some land owners and many developers, the Sisters do not have money to finance the vision. But they have stepped out on faith, knowing that God’s Holy Providence will provide people to join with them.

That is just the beginning. Come and visit. Join with us and help according to your own gifts.
All donations made to FrancisEmma, Inc. go directly to the renovation, upkeep and development of programs to support all the varied endeavors on the land. The Sisters rely on donations. They plan on a limited lease and use of some areas of the property. They manage wisely and frugally the income from donors and from any of the activities on the property.

If you share our vision and passion for Ecojustice and social justice, please help us to endow this venture so that present and future generations may continue to benefit from “this sacred space, this holy place along the James River in the heart of Virginia” and in the hands of God.

We welcome your help in finding funds to help preserve and protect this beautiful eco-refuge. We invite your ideas about creating opportunities here for all people to experience God’s life-giving Presence through the flowers, fields, trees streams, river, plants, animals, birds, bugs, insects, and rich human history that populate this land.

We are now inviting other people to help us in the work of preservation, protection of the earth and in the challenge of surfacing funds and opportunities to enable all people to learn and to experience God’s life giving Presence.

Join with us! Come and visit. This venture is just beginning. Share your time, your talent and your treasure in support of this adventure that has already received so many blessings of growth and natural wealth. We want it to emerge here in Powhatan County as a place of peace, of prayer, of opportunity, of refuge, and a true sign of unity and interrelatedness of all Creation.

WHAT GIFTS CAN YOU SHARE?
  • Volunteer your skill, your time, your talent
  • Get on our mailing list and email list and talk to us
  • Donate (Donations are tax deductible)
  • Inquire about Board/ Advisory Council membership
  • Contact others with similar values
  • Help us establish an endowment, a gift that keeps giving!
  • Be alert to tell us about funding opportunities that match our mission
  • Consider including FrancisEmma, Inc. in your will
  • Talk to your financial planner about the advantages of an annuity or planned gift
  • Above all: Pray for our growth and success in involving many people-- people who believe with us. The Earth itself holds many life lessons for a peacefilled world.

HOW CAN YOU DONATE FINANCIALLY?
  • By check made out to FrancisEmma, Inc.
  • By cash or money order.
  • By credit card or e-check on this website through PayPal.
  • By a planned gift, annuity, bequest or foundation grant.
  • By a matching gift from your employer or business.
  • By a gift of stock.
  • By in kind gift of services or products that reduce any budget expense.
  • By direct deposit on regular basis.
  • By designating FrancisEmma, Inc as your nonprofit of choice through United Way.
  • By helping us to create and grow an endowment!
All gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. FrancisEmma, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any gift proffered if it cannot be used to promote the mission of FrancisEmma, Inc. Likewise, FrancisEmma, Inc reserves the right to refuse any proffered gift to which is attached any actual or implied condition(s) that might compromise its mission.

HOW CAN YOU DESIGNATE A SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR YOUR DONATION?
That is a simple one! At the time of your donation, simply write your intention and enclose it with your check. Email Sr. Maureen and ask about your donations.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PRIORITY NEEDS OF FrancisEmma, Inc.?
Right now, the priority needs are concentrated on repair and preservation of the buildings. They are a major worry to us and need to be rejuvenated for service as soon as possible.

THE BELMEAD MANSION, OUR NEXT PRIORITY: Although the roofs have been repaired, there is still much to be done in the mansion in order to keep the deterioration at a minimum. Painting both the outside and inside of the entire building; window repair according to the standards of historic renovation; air conditioners in some rooms; electrical upgrading; heating system repaired and/or upgraded; ceiling repaired; elevator restored for the use of our handicapped guests. We really need immediate assistance in renovating the kitchen.

THE GRANARY: STABILIZATION IS COMPLETE! This historic site has been stabilized. The Granary is the oldest building on the property. The Belmead Planning Circle has worked to save this building. Built in the 1840’s, this building has tremendous historic value. It holds the history of a proud African American family, still live in the area, who worked on this site throughout its varied phases from pre-Civil War, through the 85 years as instructors and workers at St. Emma and St. Francis schools. Some members of the Morris Family of Powhatan County are working with the Sisters to memorialize its significance and story. In April 2009, a celebration of the completion of this first phase of renovation was celebrated. The vision is that this building will become an eco-spiritual center.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, “THE CASTLE”: At this present time, FrancisEmma, Inc. is actively seeking organizations, groups, foundations who are interested in restoring a noble historic building. Constructed in the 1890’s by St. Katharine Drexel for African American young woman.

For more information on how to support this venture, email us at Information@FrancisEmma.org.

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