In August of 1992, Sister M. Johnna Ciezobka and Sister M. Susanne Dziedzic arrived in Kingstree, South Carolina to begin a Mission on behalf of the Congregation of Felician Sisters. The two Sisters shared a common vision, mission and passion instilled in them by God to serve their brothers and sisters in Christ. They chose to live in the neighborhood that they would serve to be totally available to the people, as was their Foundress Blessed M. Angela a century ago.  With no plan on what God was calling them to do, they heeded the advice of two sisters, Sister Colie Stokes and Sister Margaret Donner, who had been in the south, and told them to “Fall in love with the people and the people will call forth from you what they need.” Within three days there were five children on the back porch of the convent doing homework. So began St. Ann Catholic Outreach Center’s After School Program. It was the start of a journey of what was to become a multi-faceted ministry that would expand to include not just new programs to meet the needs of the people, but would also become a wonderful ecumenical collaboration of churches in Williamsburg County.

       Throughout this time the ministry continued to grow and change with the additional assistance of Sister Clarence Borkowski and Sister Adrian Jumbelic. The ministry grew to include not only an after-school program, but a clothing closet, family programs, emergency food and health assistance to those in need in the community. Dedicated neighbors, Miss Jeanette Burgess and Miss Flora Burgess, helped the Sisters in many ways. A multitude of NY and PA high school and college groups volunteered their spring breaks to help repair homes and become “big brothers and sisters” to the children of the Center. In addition, local area churches provided an ecumenical presence in volunteer efforts with the sisters.

       By 2010, the ministry had grown by leaps and bounds. On February 10, 2010, the entity known as St. Ann Catholic Outreach Center was incorporated under the new name of Felician Center Inc. The new center opened in July of the same year housing St. Felix Food Pantry, St. Clare Clothing Closet, Blessed Angela Dining Hall and offices. The original center was remodeled in 2013. It was renamed the Learning Center and contains a computer center, arts and crafts room, and tutoring areas.

       The two founders, Sister Johnna and Sister Susanne, truly believe that the Divine Providence of God, faithfulness to prayer and love of neighbor as exemplified by Blessed Angela, truly nurtured and grew this mission to what it is today. The sisters who shared and continue to share in this ministry, along with the entire Felician Sisters of North America Province, rejoice in God’s goodness and generosity toward his poor ones.