• Match Madness returns to Saint Francis

    March 7, 2024 · Forward in Hope

    Yes, a full year has passed, and here at Saint Francis Ministries, we’re gearing up for the 13th Match Madness event in Salina, Kansas, on March 21. Sponsored by the Greater Salina Community Foundation (GSCF), Match Madness generates gifts to endowment funds for local charities for long-term support. Saint Francis Ministries has participated for the last several years, using the funds to support essential programs.


    Our CEO on Employee Appreciation Day

    March 1, 2024 · Organization News

    Welcome to the month of March. The third month of the year brings Springtime, usually a bit of rain, March Madness, and a special period of time where we pause to thank those who make our organization such a special place. As we begin the month of March, just a quick note to personally say “Thank you,” to each and every member of our Saint Francis Ministries team - for all that you do for children, families, and Saint Francis. Your efforts make a difference!


    What kind of world do you want?

    February 15, 2024 · Forward in Hope

    Yesterday, individuals with guns opened fire during Kansas City’s celebration of the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl victory, killing one and injuring 20. At this point, police believe the shootings resulted from a personal dispute among several people. At least two of the suspects are juveniles, and more than half of the injured are children.


    Lent, journey to the heart of God

    February 14, 2024 · Forward in Hope

    Here we are right on the cusp of the season of Lent (also, as many will note, today is Valentine’s Day!). Once again, we are presented with the opportunity to make ourselves ready over the course of the coming 40 days to receive the Easter gift of new life and new hope in the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.


    African American children are overrepresented in foster care

    February 2, 2024 · Forward in Hope

    As we honor Black History Month, I recall visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture a few years ago. I vividly remember my feelings of grief as I walked through the museum, viewing pictures, artifacts, sculptures, and numerous writings about slavery and the horrific traumas African Americans suffered during that period.


    Saint Francis celebrates three recent retirements representing 105 years of combined service in child welfare

    January 26, 2024 · Mission Brief

    Saint Francis Ministries considers ourselves fortunate to have leaders so committed to children, families, and the mission to bring them healing and hope. Multiple members of the Senior Leadership Team have served with Saint Francis for decades, providing a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experience to the work we do. Last year, we bid adieu to three of them, as they retired after a combined 105 years in child welfare.


    Saint Francis restructures senior leadership positions

    January 26, 2024 · Mission Brief

    Former Chief Operating Officer Trish Bryant will retire this year, after nearly three decades of service with Saint Francis Ministries. She began as a youth service worker at the Salina West residential campus. Trish’s impending departure has prompted an organizational restructuring of senior executive staff and departments.


    SFM teams with Scheels for ‘Shop with a Cop’

    January 26, 2024 · Mission Brief

    Saint Francis Ministries partnered with Scheels® Wichita last month to give several youth in foster care a special Christmas. As part of the “Shop with a Cop” event, Scheels gave 10 pre-selected teens a $500 gift card which they used to shop before the store opened on December 10. Each teen was also teamed with a law enforcement officer during their shopping spree.