78 Years of Making Room for Youth and Families

September 2023 · Forward in Hope

Saint Francis began as a boys’ home in the small Kansas town of Ellsworth, Kansas. Fr. Bob Mize Jr., an Episcopal priest, had seen too many young men get into trouble and then disappear into the criminal justice system. He believed that they – and all of us – deserve a second chance. He believed that there is room in every life for redemption.

Now, 78 years later, Saint Francis Ministries still believes in second chances and that no life is beyond saving. We believe that families can be made whole again and futures reclaimed. We believe in hope.

Much has changed. We began as a small rural boys home, and now we serve 11,000 boys, girls, and families in six states. Our work resembles that of other agencies and nonprofit organizations, yet unlike them, Saint Francis has always been first and foremost a ministry. Each program and service throughout our history has been a response to an identified need in a certain time. and place. Saint Francis has always been good at that — seeing a need and then moving in to minister to those most at risk.

Along the way, countless employees, community partners, and stakeholders have made room in their lives to help children and families find healing and hope. That room, that space has made all the difference.

We recently celebrated our birthday on Sept. 2, the day when Fr. Bob officially founded our ministry. We’re still going strong because we still care … because we see second chances change lives every day. We’re still making room in our lives to help those in our communities who need it most – children and youth in bad situations.

You can be part of it. Is there room in your life to partner with Saint Francis in this life-affirming work?

If so, explore our website to see all the different ways you can help. Then reach out and join us.