Saint Francis-Texas recently received a $10,000 grant from the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust (H-E-B TOC) to purchase fire extinguishers for kinship foster care families in Lubbock and the Panhandle.
Foster and kinship homes need fire extinguishers to meet licensing and safety requirements. Saint Francis Foundation Development Officer Rachel Gallegos approached H-E-B for help in funding the purchase.
“We are deeply grateful to H-E-B for recognizing the everyday needs that come with opening both heart and home to a child,” said Gallegos. “For many foster and kinship homes, the cost of safety items like fire extinguishers can be an unexpected hurdle in the licensing process. These are good people doing something incredibly selfless, and if we can help ease even a small part of that burden so they can focus on welcoming a child, then we’re doing exactly what we’re called to do. Support like this from H-E-B makes a real difference and reminds our families that their community stands beside them.”
H-E-B has a history of supporting Saint Francis Ministries since 2021.
“We cannot thank Saint Francis Ministries enough for their incredible work helping some of our most vulnerable families across the South Plains. We’re proud to be able to partner together, aiding these families in their efforts to provide a safe and happy home,” said Jessicka Gonzales, H-E-B Public Affairs.
The SFM facility team is currently working to source and distribute the safety supplies to foster and kinship homes throughout the Panhandle.
Saint Francis also has a great community partnership with SCHEELS of Wichita and has recently embarked on a joint effort to support participation in sports, recreational, and extracurricular activities for children and teens in foster care. The SCHEELS Family Sports Fund will help Kansas foster families provide youth in their care with access to school and community athletic opportunities.
SCHEELS of Wichita has provided a $5,000 grant to inaugurate the Family Sports Fund, which will be used to help foster families pay for registration fees, camp fees, equipment, shoes, and other associated costs.
“We are so excited about the launch of this endeavor,” said Shaynna Brown, Saint Francis Foundation Development Officer. “We have been developing the concept of this fund with the amazing SCHEELS management team since before they opened their doors. They continue to inspire me with their generosity to our foster families and the young people in their care.”
Saint Francis Ministries serves more than 1,500 children and youth in out-of-home placements throughout Kansas. Of those, most are eligible to participate in youth programs, middle and high school athletics, or other youth sports leagues.
Since opening in Wichita in October 2023, SCHEELS has already contributed $58,904 in gifts-in-kind to support the foster care Pop-Up Shop project and $11,300 through the “Shop with a Cop” program that takes place during the Christmas season.
Both H-E-B and SCHEELS show what a strong community partnership looks like. Each serves as a reminder that it takes a village to ensure the safety, well-being, and future of the children who depend upon us.
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