As a community of women, we are sent to serve those in need in simplicity and compassion — from the Mission Statement, Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto

Since their arrival in Toronto, the Sisters of St. Joseph responded to social needs by founding ministries that helped create the social safety net of Toronto. Two of the many ministries they founded were the Furniture Bank and St. Michael’s Homes, both of which today are independent not for profits with Boards of Directors.

Sister Anne Schenck, pictured at right at the Furniture Bank’s 10th Anniversary, founded the Furniture Bank after seeing families new to Toronto with empty apartments. The mission is to “enable the effective transfer of gently used household furnishings from donors to families and individuals in need.”

Sister Susan Davy is Executive Director of St. Michael's Homes, a non-profit organization which provides a residential treatment program and a residential rehabilitative program in four houses in Toronto. Sister Anne Marie Carey was on the founding Board of Directors and was Executive Director for a time. Prior to 2005, five Sisters had residences within the two Matt Talbot Houses where they participated in the life of the residential community.

Many other organizations were started by the Sisters. And today, Sisters continue to offer their time and energy with numerous agencies serving those needing help. They visit shut-ins, they run breakfast programs, they counsel cancer patients, they serve on numberless committees and boards, they advocate for those who have no one else and they provide a listening ear. You will find them at adult day programs, accompanying people and working on many levels in parish ministries. And wherever they are, they are building community.