It is common knowledge that as religious Orders diminish in numbers the institutions they have founded and operated are faced with the challenge of perpetuating their particular charism as laity assume the responsibilities of ownership and management. Think of schools and hospitals established by the Jesuits, the Ursulines, the Sisters of Mercy, etc., now completely run by lay administrations. The challenge will become more pronounced in the years ahead.
One organization that is successfully meeting it is the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service in East Harlem (www.littlesistersfamily.org). Founded in France in the 19th century, the Little Sisters came to New York in 1891. In 1958 they established their community consultation work in East Harlem. Since the organization grew and has played a major role in the social development of the neighborhood. Now, sixty some years later, the number of Sisters has reduced to a very few and the staff – including students and volunteers – continue their good work by providing annually to over 6,000 neighbors services which include food pantry, benefits assistance, afterschool tutoring, high school and college readiness, mental health and wellness programs, and the like.
A its website states: “LSA Family Health Service, founded by the Little Sisters of the Assumption, strengthens and empowers vulnerable families and children by meeting their basic needs for food, healthcare, education and a safe home, in the belief that affirming families in their own dignity improves the entire community”.
The website further enunciates the organization’s Credo which affirms its belief in:
The uniqueness and dignity of each person, the strength of families, the power of relationships, the richness of diversity, justice as a right for every person, the creativity of the human spirit, and the importance of the spiritual search.
As the laity assume the responsibilities of managing organizations founded and operated by religious Orders, there is understandably the risk of the new managers acquiescing to corporate models of non-profit management and abandoning the spirit-driven ethos that distinguished the charism of their predecessors. The Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Service in East Harlem has resisted this trend and serves as an illustrious model for other organizations faced with the same challenge. They understand the threat of statistics masking humanity.