This fall, Epiphany Center had the honor of welcoming Sister Françoise Petit, Superioress General of the Daughters of Charity, who visited to witness firsthand the ongoing work of the Center - a powerful reminder that the spirit of service that founded the Daughters nearly 400 years ago continues to thrive today.
In 2021, Daughters of Charity leaders throughout the world, gathered in their General Assembly held at the Mother House in Paris, and elected Sister Françoise Petit as Superioress General. Sister Françoise is responsible for the Daughters of Charity worldwide. Today, there are more than 12,000 Daughters of Charity ministering in 97 countries.
The Daughters of Charity were founded in 1633 in Paris, France, by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. Unlike other religious communities at the time, these young women committed to live among those in need, serving Christ through acts of charity, humility, and compassion. Their innovative approach—living and working alongside the poor rather than cloistered in convents—set the foundation for a legacy of service that spans centuries.
In the 19th century, inspired by the original Daughters, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton sought to have her Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph join the Daughters. This hope became a reality in 1850 when they joined the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Pioneering Sisters came to San Francisco in 1852 establishing the orphanage that became Mount St. Joseph-St. Elizabeth (Epiphany Center).
Sister Françoise Petit’s visit highlighted how this tradition of living and serving alongside those in greatest need remains at the heart of Epiphany Center’s work. Sister Françoise, and Sister Julie Kubasak, the General Council’s liaison to all of the English-speaking countries, met with the Epiphany department directors, toured the residential, outreach, and early education programs and had lunch with the women and staff. The Sisters saw how Epiphany embodies the Daughters’ founding principles of compassion, respect, and devotion Sister Françoise gave a Miraculous Medal to every woman and staff member present. The Miraculous Medal was given by the Blessed Mother to the world in 1830 through St. Catherine Labourè, a Daughter of Charity.
“We are lifted by the love, courage, and hope of those who came before us.”.
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FALL 2025
Photos: 1) (L-R) Sister Estela Morales, Sister Betty Marie Dunkel, Sister Françoise Petit, Sister Julie Kubisak, Sister Christina Maggi, 2) Exploring our new Green School Yard Opening Soon, 3) Sister Françoise gifting Miraculous Medals
Dear Friends of Epiphany,
Each year I reflect with you on the many wonderful happenings that occur because of the generosity of others for the benefit of women and children: those who work here with compassion and encouragement; those who give of their time and talents through their leadership on our Board of Directors, or on the Epiphany League responsible for fundraising events and bi-annual luncheons with our women, and those many who may never come to Epiphany Center personally, but who support us knowing of the transformation of human lives that take place for women who
have had years of addiction and who have had their “Epiphany” moment and who do the hard work to heal. That is a very long sentence, but it reflects the Daughters of Charity’s 173 year presence in San Francisco and our dependence on our partnership with all those who selflessly support us at all levels from donating to parish diaper drives, to attending or sponsoring our major fundraisers to giving financial support to our Fund-a-Need or to the program and operation expenses of seven programs and a 98 year old building. I believe that list includes everyone who is reading this!
On the front page of this issue you can read of the visit of Sister Françoise to Epiphany Center. It was the first visit of our Superioress General to Epiphany
Celebrating Sister Fran December
19, 1939 – August 19, 2025
We celebrate the life of Sister Frances “Fran” Kearney (Sister Thomas Joseph), who devoted more than six decades to faith, education, and compassionate service as a Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. She was 85 and had recently marked 64 years of religious profession.
For 25 years, Sister Fran served as a beloved secondary school educator before beginning her 23-year ministry at Epiphany Center in 1986. There, she found her calling—caring for infants and supporting mothers in recovery. She served as caregiver, program director, early intervention specialist, and Director of Children’s Services, sharing her warmth and quiet strength with all.
During the 1990s, when the crack epidemic left many infants abandoned in San Francisco hospitals, Sister Fran cofounded Epiphany Center’s Infant Residential Program with Sister Estela Morales, D.C., nurse practitioner Melissa Belbhari, and psychologist Dr. Linda Perez. They created a nurturing, low-stimulation environment for medically fragile
Center in my eight years here so it was very exciting, a true privilege and honor for me personally, but also for our women with whom Sister had lunch. She is a Social Worker so she really appreciated all the wonderful work you make possible.
As our country gives thanks, I thank God for you as it is only because of you we are able to change and save lives as we do. “What you do for the least of these, you do for Me.”
God bless you and those you love,
Sister Betty Marie Dunkel, D.C. Executive Director
babies, offering specialized therapy and tender care. Even after retirement, Sister Fran continued to volunteer, teaching infant massage, first aid, and CPR to mothers and staff.
What began as an infant shelter during a time of crisis has grown into today’s Epiphany Residential Recovery Program, helping women and their children heal from substance use and build strong, self-sufficient lives.
Sister Fran’s laughter, kindness, and unwavering love left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. She especially cherished seeing the infants she once cared for grow into thriving young adults. We remember her joyful spirit—her care for children, love of community, and signature flip-flops and muumuus. Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice that she is now with the God she served so faithfully.
Sister Fran’s legacy of compassion, service, and joy will continue to shine through the lives she touched.
Stronger Together: Our Alumni Reunion
This October, our Women’s Recovery Alumni Reunion was more than a gathering — it was a celebration of strength, sisterhood, and transformation. Every woman who returned carries a story of courage: of facing pain with grace, choosing healing over hurt, and turning brokenness into beauty. Together, they are living proof that recovery is not just about moving beyond the past — it’s about creating a vibrant, purpose-filled future.
For decades, Epiphany Center has been a sanctuary where women rebuilding from substance use and trauma find renewal of mind, body, and spirit. As alumnae reconnected, laughed, and shared their journeys, one truth echoed through the room: recovery doesn’t happen alone. It grows in the bonds they’ve built, the support they offer one another, and the deep knowing that no matter where life leads, they will always have a home in this community.
Our reunions offer a moment to reflect on how far these women have come — from their first steps of vulnerability to the confidence and peace that come with living in freedom. They also shine as beacons of hope for those still finding their footing, reminding everyone that recovery is possible.
Throughout the evening, stories of perseverance and renewal filled the space. We honored women who continue to give back by mentoring others, embodying the spirit of courage, connection, and healing that defines Epiphany. Every hug, every laugh, every tear was a powerful reminder: we are stronger together.
In Sierra's Words
If there’s one thing recovery has taught me, it’s this: life can change the moment your willingness becomes stronger than your fear. I started using at 12 and didn’t stop until 19, when life forced me to face myself. I tried running from it all—fast. But willingness often appears when we feel most hopeless. For me, it came when I turned myself in to face my charges and get sober. I wasn’t brave—I was desperate.
Three stages of willingness changed me: surrender, change, and showing up daily. Surrender meant letting go of control and letting God step in. When I arrived at Epiphany Center, my willingness was small and fragile—I just had to stop pretending I could do it alone. Change wasn’t glamorous. It meant sitting with feelings, unlearning old habits, accepting guidance, and swallowing pride. I had to let go of the person I thought I was to become the person I wanted to be. Looking back, the sober, married, working mother and case manager I am today would have seemed impossible to my 16-year-old self. Showing up daily is the hardest stage. Willingness isn’t a one-time decision—it’s in the mornings you don’t want to get up, in the hard moments of motherhood and marriage, in staying aligned with the woman you’re becoming. Recovery taught me discipline. Motherhood taught me purpose. Marriage taught me teamwork. God taught me identity.Today, I help parents fight for reunification with their children— something I once thought I’d never be trusted with. Every time I sit with someone scared or unsure, I get to be living proof that change is possible. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to be willing: willing to ask for help, to try again, to let go, and to trust God with your story. I am grateful for Epiphany Center, my daughter, my husband, my recovery community, and God. Every door that opened in my life opened after I surrendered mine to Him. If willingness changed my life, it can change yours too.
Epiphany Center is committed to ensuring that our graduates transition to sober living is both smooth and safe. We recently opened, Epiphany House, our second transitional home, providing women in recovery with a safe, supportive space to rebuild their lives and strengthen their independence. Here, residents continue their healing journey surrounded by encouragement, accountability, and community. Women are provided resources to achieve economic independence and permanent housing, and they gain the confidence and stability they need to create healthy, thriving futures.
