Celebrating 80 Years of Healing and Hope
Founded in 1945 by the Rev. Robert Mize Jr. in Ellsworth, Kansas, our mission began with a small home for 12 boys in need of a second chance. What started as one priest’s vision has grown into a ministry that now serves thousands across seven states.
Over eight decades, our work has expanded to include foster care, adoption, behavioral health, residential programs, Family Centered Treatment®, HEART, independent living, and in-home prevention. Yet our mission remains the same: to bring healing and hope to children and families.
2026 Impact Report
Founded in Healing, Forward in Hope
This year’s Impact Report, Founded in Healing, Forward in Hope, honors the roots of Saint Francis Ministries while looking ahead to the lives and communities we have yet to reach. For more than 80 years, our mission has remained constant: providing healing and hope to children and families. Today, nearly 8,000 individuals across six states benefit from services designed to keep families together, help children find safe and permanent homes, and empower people to build stronger futures. As we expand our reach and deepen community partnerships, we remain grounded in the dignity and worth of every person. Thank you to our employees, partners, donors, and friends who make this work possible.
Success Stories
Matt’s Story
Matt’s journey is a powerful story of redemption, resilience, and the impact of compassionate support. After struggling with a 15-year addiction and multiple CPS cases, Matt hit rock bottom when
Brett’s Story
In this testimonial, we hear from Brett, a resident at Bridgeway, a Saint Francis Ministries program in Picayune, Mississippi that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Brett shares
David’s Story
David, a former teacher and school administrator, is now a foster parent with Saint Francis Ministries and a behavior intervention specialist. Inspired by his grandmother and a deep desire to
80 Years, 8,000 Hours
For our 80 year celebration of Saint Francis, we want to also give back to our communities and neighbors by participating in 8,000 hours of service. Learn more about our community service project here.
Our Priorities
Prevention
In-Home Services
FCT, Seeking Safety, & Family Preservation
Community Based Services
Fatherhood & Job Support Outpatient Behavioral Health
Out-of-Home
Permanency Case Management
Reintegration, Foster Care, Adoption, & Independent Living
Resource Home Sponsorship
Foster Care Homes, Kinship Homes, & Therapeutic Foster Care
Residential
Qualified Residential Treatment
Psychiatric Residential Treatment
Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities
Recent News
Halloween Safety from Saint Francis Ministries
Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids, with costumes, candy, and the thrill of knocking on doors after dark. Here at Saint Francis, we
SFM Advocacy Round-Up
Kansas In Kansas, Saint Francis Ministries continues to actively engage in advocacy efforts surrounding the upcoming elections and anticipated changes in state leadership, including the transition in the governor’s office
SOUL option thriving in Kansas
Data compiled by the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare show that, of 56 SOUL finalizations statewide from July 2024 to March 2026, Saint Francis facilitated 23. That’s about
Ready to Change a Life?
We believe that the world needs more individuals who are willing to step up, lend a helping hand, and be a beacon of hope for those in need. Join us in making a lasting impact.
