Like many cities, Syracuse has many residents who lack the most basic requirements to survive, such as food, clothing, medical care, and in many cases, simple compassion. Over the past several decades, Syracuse's North Side has faded from it's once illustrious eclectic community atmosphere, and fallen into a state of poverty and despair.

 In 1998, in response to worsening conditions, Syracuse Bishop James Moynihan asked the Conventual Franciscan Friars to intensify their presence in the Syracuse Diocese in order to address some of its growing problems. The Friars, whose history in Syracuse dates back more than 150 years, responded by collaborating with the Sisters of the Third Franciscan Order in Syracuse. Together, they facilitated the re-designation of the Franciscan Church of the Assumption to Conventual Church status. This change allowed for the creation of Franciscan Collaborative Ministries as the Church's vessel for enacting change and restoring peace and reconciliation to the North Side of Syracuse.

Since then, Franciscan Collaborative Ministries has grown to encompass a wide range of programs and ministries, each dedicated to fulfilling varying needs of the underprivileged in order to improve the quality of life for the people of the City.  Franciscan Collaborative Ministries is a spiritually-oriented non-profit community renewal organization undertaking various social entrepreneurship initiatives in an effort to revitalize the North Side of the City of Syracuse.  Their mission is to live lives of service to the most neglected members of Syracuse’s society; the marginalized, hungry, elderly, troubled teens and immigrants.  They strive to be living signs for hope, peace and reconciliation.

At FCM, they believe in the teachings of St. Francis – that every person has value and that every person deserves respect. It is this theme that is driving their work in Syracuse. FCM is a group of Friars, Sisters and lay people, many of whom are volunteers. Together, they are striving to incorporate the Franciscan charisma with a variety of ministries that serve our community.  They have tremendous energy, a range of talents, and a commitment to the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi in bringing peace to Syracuse.  Their approach to community revitalization is multi-faceted, and just like the spectrum of people they minister to, the programs and services they offer are very diverse.