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 six states.
Over eight decades, our work has expanded to include foster care, adoption, behavioral health, residential programs, Family Centered Treatment®, Fatherhood FIRE, independent living, and in-home prevention. Yet our mission remains the same: to bring healing and hope to children and families.
Our History
1945
St. Francis Boys’ Home opens in the dilapidated former “Old Folks Home” in Ellsworth, Kansas.
1963
“Father Bob and his Boys” published by Emily Gardiner Neal.
1970
Saint Francis becomes a Kansas Licensed Child Placing Agency.
1974
Saint Francis receives its first accreditation from The Joint Commission.
1996
Family Preservation services begin in 53 Kansas counties.
2016
Saint Francis creates The Saint Francis Foundation.
2019
Community-Based Care starts in Texas Region 1.
2023
Saint Francis purchases the Buckner International campus in Lubbock.
80 Years, 800 Hours
For our 80 year celebration of Saint Francis, we want to also give back to our communities and neighbors by participating in 800 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
Conversations | Ep. 06
In this episode of the Saint Francis Ministries “Conversations” podcast, Father Andrew O’Connor sits down with Ginny Ellis, Executive Director of Development, to talk about the critical role philanthropy plays
Keeping kids safe – to learn, to grow, to thrive
As summer winds down and students return to classrooms in the six states where Saint Francis Ministries serves, our thoughts naturally turn to keeping kids safe. Parents, teachers, and communities
Saint Francis Ministries names new Kansas President of Child Welfare
Saint Francis Ministries is pleased to announce that Holly Osborne has been named the nonprofit child and family services organization’s President of Kansas, Child Welfare. Osborne joined Saint Francis more
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.
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