March 2026: Community in Action

This month, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we pause to honor the women whose compassion, courage, and quiet leadership have shaped CTI’s story from the very beginning.

CTI itself began with a simple act of encouragement. When Mother Teresa asked our founder, Mary Ann Finch, to return to San Francisco and serve those most in need of touch and healing, she planted a seed. Over the past four decades, that seed has grown through the hands and hearts of countless women who have carried this work forward—often quietly, often humbly, but always with deep care.

At the heart of CTI are the practitioners and volunteers who bring compassionate touch into the world every day. Many begin their journey by serving at one of our community sites—and over time, they carry the work outward into new spaces, relationships, and communities.

This ripple effect has always been at the heart of CTI’s mission: to seed service, build community, and spread healing touch wherever it is needed.

Below are two stories of two women who embody the values of CTI and reflect how our  mission and reach continues to grow in ripple effects.

Lisa, once a CTI client and now a licensed massage practitioner, provides regular care across CTI partner sites—offering a moment of caring touch to the community.

Message from Our New Board President

This month we are delighted to introduce our new Board President Vivan Clausing, who began her journey with CTI when she was trained as a practitioner seventeen years ago. As a volunteer massage therapist for about 10 years Vivian has given over three thousand free massages. Her leadership reflects the heart of CTI’s values: service rooted in compassion, experience, and community. We are grateful for her leadership as CTI continues to grow and expand its impact.

Board member Vivian Clausing provides one of her many thousands of healing foot massages to a beloved community member.

“Go and serve the poor with your hands and your spirit.” These were the words that I heard as I stood in front of the relics of St. Clare in Assisi. My great aunt and grandmother had been reiki masters so I had already been initiated into the world of healing by touch. But at that moment, I realized that I was being called to touch not just family members, but those who had no one to offer safe touch to them.

I completed CTI’s massage certification program in 2009 and began to volunteer at several of CTI’s sites offering seated chair massage, foot massage, and compassionate presence. It was a joy to be part of the CTI community and it was transformative.

During lockdown, I thought of CTI often and donated when I could. Post pandemic, I was delighted to discover that not only was CTI still in business, but it was also thriving. Through new partnerships with massage schools CTI had recruited a new generation of skilled therapists with expansive hearts. Now as one of the old timers, I am excited to serve CTI as Board Chair, as we continue to build relationships and carry our work into the future.” — Vivian Clausing, CTI Board President

Volunteer Spotlight: Sister Eileen

 Few stories capture the heart of CTI’s vision to seed service and create a ripple effect of compassion better than that of Sister Eileen Johnson.

Sister Eileen Johnson massages Foote, a longtime CTI client who has received consistent care for more than 20 years.

After retiring from religious service, Sister Eileen became a certified massage therapist and volunteered with CTI for 12 years giving over seven thousand massages to people experiencing homelessness at sites across San Francisco. Through this work, she experienced a profound shift—from initial discomfort and distance to deep empathy and genuine human connection—embodying CTI’s and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth’s shared commitment to honoring the dignity of every person.

Inspired by these experiences, Sister Eileen carried the practice back to her own community in Kansas, where she now offers massage and compassionate touch to retired and infirm Sisters in her order.

In this way, CTI’s work continues through her ministry—extending healing, relationship, and care across communities and generations.