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Lubbock event celebrates community relationships

A man stands at a podium addressing a seated audience in a conference room with flags and two display screens showing a message about healing and hope for children and families. Several people stand and face the audience.
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Supporters, partners, and friends gathered on April 3 to celebrate Saint Francis Ministries and community connections at SFM’s Lubbock “Friendraiser” on the Buckner campus. Initially scheduled for last December, the event was postponed to this month due to inclement weather.

More than 30 invited guests met in the newly designed and refurbished community room to hear remarks from Board of Directors Chair Brock Slabach and CEO William Clark, along with Rachel Williams-Ehue, Vice President of Texas Permanency; Valerie Leon, Vice President of Foster Care Homes, Katherine May, Executive Director of In-Home Prevention Services in Texas, and Cristian Garcia, Chief Program Officer. The Reverend Andrew O’Connor, Executive Officer for Mission and Ministry, provided the invocation.

Saint Francis Board members and senior leadership showed up in force for the event organized to showcase SFM’s commitment to the children and families of Lubbock and the Texas Panhandle. A surprise appearance by Christy Martinez-Garcia, District 1 City Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tempore of the City of Lubbock, proved one of the highlights of the evening. She shared a story about her grandparents providing kinship care and spoke about the importance of family, children, and community.

Saint Francis was also fortunate to have The Rt. Reverend J. Scott Mayer, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas, offer the benediction.

Another highlight included the debut of two videos about two former clients and their Saint Francis workers. Each success story illustrates the importance of SFM’s redemptive work in helping those it serves heal, regain hope, and claim a brighter future. We’ve included both videos here.

“We were honored to open our doors to partners and community members in Lubbock,” said Executive Director of Development Ginny Ellis. “The community piece of community-based care is essential to our success in providing healing and hope. We invited individuals from organizations our team works with daily, community leaders, and the public who have a heart for children and families in care. We value the opportunity to share successes and also look forward to continuing the work yet to be done. We are committed to child welfare in the Panhandle and appreciate the partners walking alongside Saint Francis Ministries.”

Following the remarks, guests walked to the administration building where they enjoyed a charcuterie spread and fellowship with SFM Board members, senior leadership, and staff. The reception provided the opportunity to learn about specific programs and initiatives.

The Saint Francis Foundation has plans for another community event in late May at Equity Bank Park in Wichita.

Three men in business attire, including one wearing a clerical collar, are standing indoors having a conversation. One man gestures with his hands while the others listen. A wall-mounted defibrillator and signage are visible in the background.
A man in a blue suit jacket speaks with a woman wearing glasses and a denim jacket. Other people stand and talk in the background. An American flag and chairs are visible, along with a screen displaying images.
Four adults stand indoors, conversing and holding plates of food. A white vase with lilies is on the table in the foreground. Two women wear cardigans, while a man in a suit and a woman in red are present. Bottled water is visible.
Several people are standing and talking in a meeting room filled with white chairs. Three flags and a presentation screen with the Saint Francis Ministries logo are visible in the background.
A man in religious attire speaks at a podium with a Saint Francis Ministries logo, flanked by U.S. and Texas flags, to an audience in a conference room. Two screens display a message about hope for children and families.
A man in a suit stands at a podium with a Saint Francis Ministries banner, speaking to an audience. Two flags are displayed behind him, and a Saint Francis Ministries sign is on the wall.
A woman stands at a podium with a microphone, speaking in front of a Saint Francis Ministries sign. The Texas flag and another flag are displayed on either side of her. Several people are seated in front of her.
A woman stands at a podium with a microphone, speaking in front of a “Saint Francis Ministries” sign. Two flags are on either side of her, and several people are seated facing her.
A woman stands at a podium giving a speech in a room with Saint Francis Ministries signs, American and state flags, and an audience. A screen displays text about providing healing and hope to children and families.
A group of people sit in rows of white chairs in a conference or meeting room, facing the front. Most are dressed in business attire and are listening attentively. Posters are visible on the beige walls.
A woman speaks at a podium with a Saint Francis Ministries banner in front of an audience. Behind her are four flags, and a screen displaying a photo of three children and text about healing and hope for children and families.
A man speaks at a podium in a conference room with seated attendees. Behind him are flags and two screens displaying the text “Providing Healing and Hope to Children and Families.”.
A man stands at a podium addressing a seated audience in a conference room. Behind him are three flags, a Saint Francis Ministries sign, and a screen displaying "Providing Healing and Hope to Children and Families.
Four adults in formal attire stand in conversation in a room with tan brick walls. One man in a purple clerical shirt and cross necklace smiles at another man in glasses and a suit. Two people have their backs to the camera.
A man in a suit and tie, wearing a name badge, stands and talks with a group of people near a display board labeled "Saint Francis" and "What's Next?" The background includes other attendees and informational posters.
A group of people stands around a table filled with assorted foods, serving themselves at a buffet-style gathering in an indoor setting. A SUCCESS poster is visible on the wall in the background.
A charcuterie board arranged with crackers, cheese, chocolate, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Pieces of cheese spell out "JOY," "HEALING," and "LOVE" among the fruit in the center.
A group of adults gathers indoors near an open door. A woman in a patterned dress is talking to a man in a cap and glasses. Others stand in the foreground, some wearing name tags.
A group of adults in business attire converse in small groups in a carpeted hallway with beige walls decorated with family photos and informational posters. Some people hold bags or paper folders.
A group of adults converse in a meeting room. A woman in a floral dress stands near a poster displaying statistics. American and Texas flags are in the background along with signs and a screen showing a family photo.
A group of people in business or formal attire stand and converse in a brightly lit room with chairs arranged in rows and photos on the walls.
Two women stand talking at an indoor event, with other people visible in the background. One woman wears a floral dress and the other a tan cardigan. A poster and framed photo are seen on the wall behind them.
A man and a woman stand talking at a round, tall table in front of wooden bookshelves with glass doors. The man gestures with his hands while the woman listens and smiles. A poster is visible in the background.
Picture of Shane Schneider
Shane Schneider

Shane is the Editorial Content Manager for the Marketing and Communications Department at Saint Francis Ministries.

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