Lubbock “Community Gathering” postponed
A winter storm forecast for the week of January 6 prompted the postponement of Saint Francis Ministries’ planned Community Gathering at SFM’s Brentwood Campus in Lubbock. The event was scheduled to take place on January 9.
Senior leadership decided on the move as a precaution since many attendees, especially those driving in from other states, would be forced to deal with the challenges of inclement weather.
“Our priority is always to ensure the safety of our clients, employees, and community partners,” said Chief Program Officer Cristian Garcia. “We look forward to hosting the event when weather conditions are more amenable.”
The Saint Francis Ministries Community Gathering will be postponed to Friday, April 4, at 129 N. Brentwood Avenue.
The Marketing and Communications team produced two videos highlighting client success stories to be featured during the event. We’re waiting to unveil them in their entirety in April, but for now, here’s a quick peek.
Match Madness returns March 13
Saint Francis Ministries will again participate in the Greater Salina Community Foundation’s annual Match Madness event on March 13 in Salina, Kansas.
Sponsored by the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF), Match Madness generates gifts to endow funds to local charities for long-term support. GSCF matches gifts up to 50 percent in the form of an instant cash grant from a $300,000 match pool to the charity to use for current needs. All gifts are matched at 50 percent up to $5,000 per charity. Donations raised over $5,000 will be matched proportionally up to 50 percent.
Saint Francis Ministries has participated for several years, using the funds to support essential programs. Half the money raised will support the endowment fund, with the matching funds supporting the Outdoor Playscape Project at the Salina West residential facility. Visit SFM’s Match Madness page at https://www.matchmadnessgscf.org/nonprofits/SaintFrancisMinistries.
Outdoor Playscape Project planned for Salina West
Saint Francis Ministries’ Salina West leadership team approached the organization’s senior leadership last summer to propose constructing a play area on the campus for youth receiving residential treatment. Since then, they have been working with the Saint Francis Ministries Foundation to bring the vision to fruition.
Located in the tranquil rolling hills of central Kansas, SFM’s state-of-the-art residential care campus, Salina West, provides a nurturing, rural environment for young people aged 6-18 to heal and begin anew. Through a wide range of traditional and innovative services, including equine therapy and art therapy, staff at the facility help youth overcome severe mental and behavioral
health challenges, enabling them to return to their families and communities for a healthier life. The playscape will support residents’ healing from trauma and other behavioral challenges.
The project has been designed in three main phases, with the finished product including playground equipment, sports fields/courts, concrete paths, shaded visiting areas, and storage. Special care was taken in design so that the finished project would meet the unique needs of residents.
“The inspiration for proposing this outdoor playscape project stems from a deep understanding of the transformative power of nature and play in the healing process,” said Director of Medical Services Stephanie Slaight. “Children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and face multiple co-existing mental health conditions often struggle with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. Traditional therapeutic settings, while beneficial, sometimes lack the dynamic and holistic environment that outdoor play can provide. The idea is to create a safe, engaging, and therapeutic space where these young individuals can reconnect with their innate sense of joy, curiosity, and resilience.” To learn more or to contribute to the project, contact the Foundation at Foundation@st-francis.org.
