While the Fatherhood FIRE grant concluded last year, Saint Francis Ministries remains deeply committed to providing comprehensive parenting education and family support. In late 2025, Saint Francis announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families awarded the organization a $6 million federal grant to strengthen families through marriage and relationship education, parenting skills development, and job and career advancement activities.
The grant, known as HEART (Helping Every Area of Relationships Thrive), provides $1.2 million annually over five years to support programs that promote healthy marriages and stable relationships. Designed for adults ages 18 and older – both individuals and couples – the HEART program offers a suite of evidence-based workshops and services focused on communication, relationship skills, and long-term family stability. Classes are scheduled to begin in February.
“Although Saint Francis began as a ministry serving adolescent boys in need, our commitment to supporting families has always been central to our mission,” said Darrin Sewell, Vice President of Residential and Outpatient Services. “As we celebrate our 80th year of service, we continue to invest in programs for children, teens, parents, and families because we know that strong families create brighter futures for children. This HEART grant will allow Saint Francis to equip parents with the communication and parenting skills necessary to build strong marriages and nurture healthy, positive relationships with their children.”
The HEART program is provided at no cost to participants and includes a minimum of 12 hours of curriculum-based, skills-focused workshops delivered over multiple sessions spanning two or more weeks. Services will be available to individuals and families in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas.
To learn more about the HEART program, visit www.saintfrancisministries.org/project-heart.
