The Franciscan Center, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Sally Ley and Jean Kelly as a homeless shelter and sack lunch program. The Center is not officially affiliated with any religious organization. The worldwide Secular Franciscan Order, however, was founded over 800 years ago by St. Francis of Assisi, and was the inspiration for the St. Charles Fraternity in Fort Wayne to create the Franciscan Center. The group based the organization upon the spirit of St. Francis, including Poverty, Humility and Love for the disadvantaged.

Over the years the Franciscan Center has changed to serve the needs of the community. While starting as a homeless shelter for the deinstitutionalized, the organization has transformed into four distinct programs that serve the Fort Wayne community: St. Peter’s Sack Lunch program; the St. Anthony’s Food Pantry; Feed My Sheep Ministry; and the St. Joseph’s Assistance Ministry.

The Franciscan Center, Inc. is located in the old Sacred Heart Catholic School at 4643 Gaywood Drive in Fort Wayne, Indiana.