This month, Saint Francis Ministries invites our friends and partners to honor our past and invest in a future of healing and hope. In 1945, The Reverend Robert Mize Jr. (Father Bob) opened Saint Francis Boys’ Home with a simple but powerful belief: no child should ever be defined by their past. From just 12 boys in Ellsworth, Kansas, Saint Francis Ministries has grown over 80 years to serve thousands of children, youth, and families.
On February 4, Father Bob’s birthday, Saint Francis Ministries will mark this legacy with the launch of our inaugural Founder’s Day campaign. This special day invites supporters to reflect on our history, champion our mission, and invest in the future of children and families we serve.
“One of our roles at the Foundation is to invite people to walk alongside Saint Francis Ministries by supporting our mission financially,” said Ginny Ellis, Executive Director of Development. “Founder’s Day is an opportunity for individuals who have been touched by our ministry or who are called by a commitment to support children and families to offer financial support that sustains our work.”
As Saint Francis Ministries celebrates its 80th anniversary, reflection on the organization’s journey has also brought renewed clarity about what fuels its impact.
“One of the things that stands out is how Saint Francis Ministries is continually ready to meet the next need and adapt for the good of those we serve,” Ellis shared. “Innovation is one of our core values. The work of refining practices through continuous improvement and evidence-based research often happens outside of contracts. That work relies on the generous support of individuals who share our vision to transform lives and systems.”
Founder’s Day is also a time to honor the spiritual roots of SFM’s ministry and the enduring legacy of its founder.
“In 1945, Father Bob looked at his community and – motivated by his faith – determined that there had to be a better way to help youth who were struggling,” said Father Andrew O’Connor, Executive Officer for Mission & Ministry. “On Founder’s Day, we remember his commitment to service as we carry forward our mission of providing healing and hope to children and families in 2026 and beyond.”
Ways to Participate in Founder’s Day
Supporters are invited to give at a level that is meaningful to them, including:
- $19.45 — A symbolic gift honoring the year Saint Francis Ministries was founded
- $80 — $1 for each year of healing and hope
- $160 — Double your commitment to transforming lives and systems
- $400 — $50 for each decade of expanded services
- $1,945 — Honor Father Bob’s legacy and the future he envisioned
- GEM Level: $19.45/month — Sustain care through monthly giving
Gifts may be made online or by mail to:
Saint Francis Ministries
Attn: Foundation
110 W. Otis
Salina, KS 67401
To speak with someone at the Foundation, email foundation@st-francis.org or call 785-416-1506.
Founder’s Day is more than a moment of remembrance. It is an invitation to stand with Saint Francis Ministries as we continue to meet emerging needs, strengthen families, and ensure every child has the opportunity for healing and hope.
Thanks to our partners, Father Bob’s vision lives on – transforming lives and systems today and for generations to come.
