As the Kansas legislative session winds down, activity across both chambers has intensified as lawmakers push to finalize key legislation. Saint Francis Ministries remains actively engaged on priority issues, with both the juvenile justice bills and tort reform continuing to advance. We are working to ensure the child welfare perspective is represented through the final stages.
With midterm elections approaching, we also anticipate leadership transitions at both the elected and agency levels that could influence policy direction and relationships across the states where we operate. Throughout these changes, our advocacy team will remain closely aligned and continue advancing priorities that support better outcomes for children and families.
In Texas, although the legislature is not currently in session, we continue to monitor the expansion of Community-Based Care and prepare for upcoming procurement opportunities, with requests for proposals expected soon.
In Mississippi, staff, residents, and family members recently participated in a “Day at the Capitol,” meeting directly with legislators advocating for themselves and the services that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring those most directly impacted have a voice in shaping policy.
For more information about SFM’s advocacy approach or issues affecting our mission, contact Matt Stephens, Vice President of Advocacy, at matt.stephens@st-francis.org.
SFM Turns Blue in April
Every spring, Saint Francis Ministries turns blue. Visitors can see the color in full bloom, painting our office spaces and grounds in azure signage and pinwheels – all to raise awareness about Child Abuse Prevention.
Designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983, April is the time when child welfare organizations and other advocates raise awareness and inspire collective action so that our country’s children can lead their best lives. Part of that effort involves “planting” pinwheels and wearing blue.
Indeed, the WPOC (Workplace of Choice) Committee invites all employees to wear blue every Friday in April to show our commitment to creating safe, healthy environments for children and families. Community participation helps spark conversations, raise awareness, and remind our communities that prevention starts with all of us.
Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign in 2008 to draw attention to child abuse. Their research indicated that people respond positively to pinwheels, “which represent childlike whimsy and lightheartedness and our vision for a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities.”
Child abuse prevention is deeply related to the mission and ministry of SFM, so it’s important that we do our part in raising awareness on behalf of the children and teens we serve. That’s why blue pinwheels pop up annually at Saint Francis offices in Salina and Wichita, Kansas, and at Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas.
Child Abuse Prevention Month 2026 is already over, but you can learn all about child abuse prevention by visiting the Child Welfare Information Gateway Prevent Child Abuse America also has great information. Their theme this year is: “Every day, we help positive childhood experiences take root!”
SFM Chili Team Claims the Bronze
Saint Francis Ministries – Oklahoma recently participated in the Child Advocacy Chili Cook-Off at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Sponsored by the Institute for Child Advocacy, the competition featured 34 entries, including the Saint Francis team, whose smoked tri-tip chili placed third.
And we know they earned it because State Supreme Court Justices judged the competition in a blind taste test.
Established in 1983, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy provides a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk.
The annual Chili Cook-Off enables advocates to interact face-to-face with legislators and policy leaders while enjoying some of the best chili in Oklahoma. This was the first year Saint Francis participated.
“Beyond the competition, Valerie (Leon, Vice President of Foster Care Homes) and I had the opportunity to connect with other businesses and agencies dedicated to serving children across Oklahoma,” said Kerri Henderson, Foster Care Homes Director. “We also spoke with lawmakers, sharing the mission of Saint Francis Ministries and our commitment to bringing healing and hope to children and families.”
Henderson added that the SFM team is already looking forward to returning next year to compete for first place.
Bridgeway Team Takes Part in “IDD Day”
Staff, residents, and parents from across Mississippi gathered at the state Capitol in March for “IDD Day”, an annual event hosted by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) to promote awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Among them were staff and residents from SFM’s Bridgeway and Adult Day Services programs in Picayune and Carriere. Saint Francis provides residential, supported employment, and job discovery services to adults with IDD in the Magnolia State.
The gathering brought together a broad coalition of advocates who came to the Capitol to make their voices heard. Participants engaged in grassroots advocacy efforts aimed at underscoring the need for continued investment in IDD services statewide, meeting with legislators, and raising awareness about the challenges and needs of the IDD community.
“IDD Day was an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Dreydan Doss, Bridgeway Residential Executive Director. “Our goal was to highlight the importance of continued support and access to services for Mississippians with IDD that help individuals live meaningful lives.”
During the event, Governor Tate Reeves also signed a proclamation recognizing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Mississippi, highlighting the importance of awareness, inclusion, and community support for individuals with IDD across the state.
“This day is about raising awareness and celebrating the contributions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Wendy Bailey, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. “By coming together at the Capitol, we demonstrate our commitment to creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Learn more about Bridgeway and SFM’s work in Mississippi at: www.saintfrancisministries.org/mississippi/bridgeway.
