For 40 years, Life Experience and Faith Sharing Associates (LEFSA) has been more than a ministry to people experiencing homelessness. It has been a community, a family, and a place where people are seen, heard, loved, and reminded of their dignity.
Created for LEFSA’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, this video shares the stories of members whose lives have been touched by LEFSA. Many experienced homelessness themselves and today use those experiences to accompany, encourage, and serve others. Their stories reveal what can happen when people are not defined by their circumstances, but welcomed for who they are and for the gifts they have to offer.
The video also celebrates the extraordinary legacy of LEFSA’s founders, Sister Dorothy Gallant, SC, and Sister Teresa Skehan, RSM, who began the ministry in 1986 in response to the homelessness crisis in New York City. They understood that food, clothing, and shelter were essential—but so were faith, belonging, dignity, friendship, and hope.
Four decades later, the community they helped create continues to walk the streets, enter shelters, build relationships, share faith, advocate, and remind people that no one should ever be invisible.
These are their stories. This is LEFSA. And this is what 40 years of love looks like.
