This month marks the International Day of Protection of Children (June 1), a global reminder that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves to be safe, loved, and given the chance to thrive. This notion is central to everything Saint Francis does.
Since 1945, Saint Francis Ministries has been a voice for the vulnerable, with a mission to provide healing and hope to children and families. What began as a small home for 12 troubled teen boys in Ellsworth, Kansas, has grown into a multi-state ministry serving boys and girls, as well as their families. Today, we serve six states and more than 12,000 people through foster care and family support programs.
Established in 1949 and now celebrated in more than 40 countries, the International Day of Protection of Children is dedicated to advocating for children’s rights, ending child labor, ensuring equal access to education, and protecting youth from abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. It invites the world to stand up against abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children everywhere.
Over the last 80 years, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization.
As a faith-based organization, Saint Francis Ministries (we’re 80 years old, too) is also dedicated to the protection, nurturing, and healing of children. Through foster care, adoption, residential care, family preservation, and behavioral health services, our teams walk alongside children and families in their hardest moments.
Protecting children, however, happens more than one day a year. Whether through fostering, volunteering, providing financial support, or simply raising awareness, you can help ensure that every child has a safe place to land. Learn how you can Join Our Mission here.
