In 1945, Father Robert Mize Jr. founded Saint Francis Boys’ Home in Ellsworth, Kansas, with one principle in mind: no young person should ever be defined by their past. Every child deserves love, dignity, and the chance to heal. Known affectionately as “Father Bob,” he championed compassion and hope as the foundation for transformation.
From our humble beginnings with just 12 boys, Saint Francis Ministries has grown significantly over the last 80 years, and today, we serve thousands of children, youth, and families in seven states through a broad range of programs and services.
During our year-long 80th anniversary celebration, we are honoring Fr. Bob and his birthday on February 4 with the launch of our inaugural Founder’s Day campaign. We invite you to join us in reflecting on our history, championing our mission, and investing in the future of the children and families we serve.
- $19.45 – A symbolic gift in honor of the year of our founding.
- $80 – Give $1 for each year Saint Francis Ministries has been providing healing and hope.
- $160 – Double your commitment in support of our vision to transform lives and systems.
- $400 – Give $50 for each decade SFM has expanded services: foster care, adoption, behavioral health, residential programs, Family Centered Treatment®, independent living, and in-home prevention.
- $1,945 – Honor the legacy of Father Bob Mize by supporting the work he began in 1945, ensuring every child and youth finds a path to a hopeful future.
- GEM Level: $19.45/month ($233.40 annually) – Become a recurring GEM donor. Your monthly gift sustains foster care, adoption, behavioral health, residential, and family preservation services.
You can give online at saintfrancisministries.org/founders-day.
Every gift – large or small – carries forward Father Bob’s dream of transforming heartbreak into hope. Together, we continue his mission to bring healing and wholeness to those who need it most.
