Our Staff

Brother Doug Collins, OFM Executive Director Bro. Doug a member of the Sacred Heart Province, hails from Cleveland, Ohio, but had lived in St. Louis for several years before entering the Order. During his final year of formation, Bro. Doug worked here at the Franciscan Connection, helping Bro. Donald with the home repairs ministry. Before rejoining FC, he lived at Cross in the Woods Shrine in northern Michigan where he assisted with the local food pantry and other outreach ministries to the poor. Bro. Doug returns to run the emergency aid program, assisting low-income families with high utility bills. He also coordinated our recent Back-to-School Drive which equipped over 460 needy children with supplies and tools for the classroom.

Brother Donald Lachowicz, OFM Home Maintenance Coordinator Bro. Donald hails from the Back-of-the-Yards neighborhhood on the south side of Chicago.  Though his background was originally in elementary education, he finds his new niche of doing home repairs very much a "teaching" experience for all our volunteers and family members.  Bro. Donald enjoys live theatre and performs annually in the Little Flower Parish Theatre Group.

Justin Genovese Home Maintenance Assistant & Clerical Aid Justin is a recent graduate of St. Edward's University (Austin, TX) where he received a BA in theology with a minor in English writing & rhetoric. During college, Justin also co-hosted an internet talk show and performed as a stand-up comedian. He grew up in New Orleans where he attended Jesuit High. As a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Justin will split roles as a maintenance assistant in the field and clerical aid in the FC office writing grant proposals and updating the website.

 

Michael Laucello Home Maintenance Assistant & Clerical Aid Michael hails from Clinton, NY. He recently graduated from Niagara University (a Vincentian school) with a degree in psychology. Over the years, he has been involved in a variety of volunteer activities, including Habitat for Humanity where he apprecieated the tangible results of his labors. As a member of the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers, Mike will put his carpentry skills to use at our various home projects. He will also aid in fundraising efforts in the office such as grant writing and bulk mailing.

Weekly Volunteers

Former Staff & Volunteers