Associates are men and women, married and single, who choose to share in the life and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. They do this in various countries and in a variety of ways.

In 1981, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor (SFP) became one of the first religious congregations in the United States to begin an Associate Community for those laypeople, both Catholic and non-Catholic, interested in sharing in the Sisters’ charism in a more active way. This diverse group now includes local communities in Brazil, Italy, Senegal, and the United States. They participate in the mission of the Sisters by serving others in collaboration with the Sisters.

Associates share the Sisters’ charism, and are called to share it with the world. However, they live out the charism within the context of their own vocations. Associates are married and single, live in their own homes and carry out their own professions in the world. They come together periodically with other Associates and with Sisters for prayer, sharing in ministry and life, and for mutual support.