Saint Francis Ministries Foster Care Home Director elected FFTA Vice Chair

Saint Francis Ministries is pleased to announce that Nebraska Foster Care Homes Director Katie Linegar has been elected vice chair of the state’s Family Focused Treatment Association chapter. Since the 1980s, the FFTA has worked to advance best practices and advocate for policies that support families in their care and treatment of children.

As vice chair, she will perform all the duties and responsibilities of the chair in his or her absence and other duties assigned by the chapter chair. Her term began January 1, 2025, and will run through December 31, 2026.

“I am filled with excitement for this new opportunity and all the incredible accomplishments that lie ahead,” said Linegar. Each step forward brings the chance to grow and learn and opens up a world of possibilities for making a meaningful impact. I look forward to sharing everything I learn with the foster care homes team, fostering collaboration and growth as we achieve goals together.”

Linegar earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from the University of Nebraska—Kearney. She first joined Saint Francis Ministries in 2020 as a case management supervisor and has since served as a kinship/relative licensing supervisor and human resource specialist before assuming her current position in 2023.

“Congratulations to our own Katie Linegar,” said SFM Vice President of Foster Care Homes Valerie Leon. “What an amazing accomplishment for her. In our profession, every child deserves a voice, and it is our responsibility as advocates to ensure their voices are heard and their needs met. Thank you, Katie, for your efforts.”

Saint Francis Ministries names new Executive Director of Care Center and After-Hours programs

Saint Francis Ministries has appointed Linda Street Executive Director of the Care Center and After-Hours programs. With her extensive experience in case management and deep commitment to child welfare, she is well-suited for the role.

The Saint Francis Care Center oversees admission and placement procedures for the Kansas Permanency Case Management Program. It processes referrals from the Department for Children and Families and locates child placement if the team cannot identify a relative or kinship home. The After-Hours program works with Reintegration, Adoption, and Independent Living staff throughout the West Region to ensure that youth without a long-term placement have their needs met while awaiting placement.

Street joined Saint Francis in 2000 as a reintegration case manager. For the last 24 years, she has held multiple positions, including Supervisor and Director of several SFM offices across Kansas. As executive director, she will provide direct supervision and support to directors and staff of the Care Center and After-Hours programs.

“I am honored to be presented with this opportunity for growth,” said Street. “My tenure with Saint Francis has taken me to multiple programs in all corners of the West Region. It’s been one of the

most rewarding aspects of working here. I feel blessed to be associated with an agency that values the staff and encourages professional growth. It has enabled me to learn from a wide variety of supervisors over the years.”

Street earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Fort Hays State University and her master’s from Washburn University. She officially began her new duties on October 1.

Bryant honored at Governor’s Conference

Saint Francis Ministries’ own Trish Bryant was honored in November at the 48th Annual Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, sponsored by the Kansas Children’s Service League. Trish retired over the summer after 40 years of service with Saint Francis.

Each year, the conference honors individuals and organizations that have influenced child abuse prevention work in countless ways, so Bryant received an award for “Exemplary Service to Children and Families.”

“Over the years, significant advancements in the provision of services have occurred, reflecting the transformative impact that Saint Francis and other providers in Kansas have made over the past decades partnering with the Kansas Department for Children and Families,” said Bryant. “The opportunity to witness a family’s resilience and growth is incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, it has been an honor.” Read more about Trish Bryant and her Saint Francis career at https://saintfrancisministries.org/i-think-god-led-me-here/.

Saint Francis CEO speaks at KSU commencement

Saint Francis Ministries President and CEO William Clark delivered the address during Kansas State University—Salina’s commencement program in December.

Clark served in the U.S. Army for 30 years, commanding at every level, from platoon to brigade. He spent 13 years overseas in operational deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and Bosnia. As a Cavalry Squadron Commander, Colonel Clark deployed the first Stryker Brigade Cavalry Squadron into Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was serving as Garrison Commander of Fort Riley, Kansas, when he retired from the Army in 2014.

Upon retiring from the Army, Clark served as the Chief Operating Officer for USD 475, Geary County Schools in Junction City, Kansas, for three years before assuming his role as the President of St. John’s Military School in Salina, Kansas. Upon the merger of St. John’s Military School with Saint Francis Ministries, he served as Saint Francis’ Chief of Staff before accepting his current role as President/CEO in November 2020.

A gifted speaker on the subject of leadership, Clark’s speech to K-State students centered on the concept of “carpe diem,” Latin for “seize the day.”

“I’m grateful to Kansas State University for inviting me to be part of such a terrific event and for the opportunity it provided to address the future leaders of our community and nation,” he said.