In the spirit of Father Brady, the Brady Faith Center (BFC) strives to serve as an ‘Oasis for Peace, Hope, and Justice’ in the south side of Syracuse. Over the years, the programs of the Brady Center has evolved to greater serve and support the needs of the surrounding community. Sometimes, the best way to understand the impact of an organization’s mission is through the telling of stories. On this page, we periodically add new stories to share with our site visitors. Some stories may be conveyed through video like the ones below. Other stories may be told simply in text, or even in pictures. We hope you enjoy learning more about us through this site.
Watch the video below to preview much of what we do and who we are:
BRADY STAFF:
Father John Schopfer
Father John Schopfer is the Pastoral Director for the Brady Faith Center. He has served in this position for many years to meet the spiritual needs of individuals and families in the neighborhoods of Syracuse’s South West Community.
Kevin Frank Ktfrankbfc@gmail.com
Kevin Frank joined Brady Faith Center as the Executive Director on May 3, 2010. Formerly the pastoral associate at St. Lucy’s Church, Mr. Frank brings extensive experience working in the urban community to this position. Please view a video interview with Kevin Frank to learn more about his background and the journey that brought him to the Brady Faith Center.
Trevor Williams trevoratbfc@gmail.com
Trevor Williams joined Brady Faith Center as the Center Coordinator June, 2011. He brings to his current position extensiveadministrative and programming experience and a calling to serve those who are in need.
Keith Cieplicki jailministry@gmail.com
Keith Cieplick became the Coordinator of Jail Ministry in the summer of 2012. About 10 years ago, Keith moved with his family to work at Syracuse University. From there he was called by Jesus to a life of service and worked at Catholic Charities for the Oxford Street Inn Homeless Shelter. Keith is inspired by the Gospel, Mother Theresa and the Catholic Worker Movement.
Emily Nisco-Frank eniscofrank@aol.com
Emily Nisco-Frank joined the Brady Faith Center as Program Coordinator in 2011. In a half-time role she coordinates numerous ministries and programs combining her multiple passions and gifts into a tapestry of celebration, loving relationships and service. Emily also leads the Sunday morning 9:00 am music ministry at St. Lucy’s Church.
Emmanuel Flowers eceflowersbfc@gmail.com
Emmanuel Flowers joined the Brady Faith Center as a Lead Instructor in the Summer Program- Vacation Bible School July, 2012. In September, 2012 he was promoted to the position of Program Assistant. He currently works with children in the Youth and Family Outreach and Faith Formation. He is a disabled veteran with three years of college, and certified in: Emotive Therapy, Structural Learning Therapy, and Conflict Resolution.
ZaKeem Rutledge
Maintenance and Driver
Ella DiGiovanni elladigiovanni.bfc@gmail.org
Ella DiGiovanni joined the staff in 2018 working within the ministries of youth & teen programming, Summer Servants, Come & See, and public relations. She’s excited to be a part of such a dynamic organization and to take on a multifaceted role that reflects her diverse interests!
Jessi Lyons jlyonsbfc@gmail.com
Jessi Lyons joined Brady Faith as the urban farm coordinator in January 2016. Jessi brings a background in community gardens and program coordination, a passion for food justice and growing community through food.
Personal Memories of Father Brady
As the window of opportunity for Father Brady’s stories begin to dwindle, we’ve decided to contact close friends of Father Brady. In this video, we encounter many stories of Father Brady and his legacy in the community as well as how he touched the lives of many individuals. The intent of this video is to receive engaging and powerful personal memories of Father Brady and making it possible for others to see the mission and vision of Father Brady.
Introducing Kevin Frank’s Journey to the Brady Faith Center
This video introduces Kevin Frank as the incoming executive director of the Brady Faith Center in Summer 2010.
Who We Are
Brady Faith Center operates with a small staff and a large network of volunteers. Featured below are just some of the people who make Brady Faith Center programming possible.
Staff
Father John Schopfer
Pastoral Director
Kevin Frank
Executive Director
Trevor Williams
Center Coordinator
Keith Cieplicki
Jail Ministry Coordinator
Emily Nisco-Frank
Program Coordinator
Ella DiGiovanni
Come and See Retreat Coordinator
P.R. Specialist
Teen Co-Coordinator
Emmanuel Flowers
Youth & Teen Co-Coordinator
ZaKeem Rutledge
Maintenance and Driver
Jessi Lyons
Urban Farm Coordinator
Board Officers
Randy Wolken
Chair
Robert J. Street
Vice-Chair
Linda F. McHugh
Treasurer
Tim McCarthy
Secretary
Mark F. Cass
At-Large
Board Members
JoAnn Adjei
Rev. Cliff Auth
Jim Barry
Eileen M. Clinton
Dr. James Duah-Ageyman
Andrew S. Lunetta
Rev. David McCallum S.J.
Nancy McCoy
Louise Poindexter
Dan Queri
Joe Casper
Andriy Troyanovych
Zakeem Rutledge
Volunteers
The Brady Faith Center is able to carry out its mission with the support of more than 200 wonderful parent, youth, and community volunteers. We are grateful to all of the volunteers who bless us with their time and energy in support of Brady Faith Center programming.
