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Saint Francis and St. Alban’s embark on partnership to serve children and families

A group of people is gathered on a stage for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with a large cross on the wall behind them. Two people in the center hold scissors to cut a ribbon. "Saint Francis Ministries" is displayed on two screens on either side of the stage.
A stylized white bird silhouette in the shape of a swift, set against a solid black background. The image is enclosed within a white circle. The bird is depicted in a streamlined, minimalist design.

Nearly 75 guests and staff attended the July grand opening of Saint Francis Ministries’ new office at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. The occasion featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from invited guests, and a special blessing and dedication followed by a light lunch.

Recognizing the need to strengthen communities in Central Texas, Saint Francis had spent the previous year learning, connecting, and researching how the organization can best serve and support the tremendous work already in progress in Texas. Those efforts have resulted in the new office and services in Central Texas.

Saint Francis’ presence in Waco will support the needs of children and families throughout Central Texas through foster care and in-home prevention services. Saint Francis Ministries was one of 15 organizations to receive a Texas Home Visiting (THV) grant award from the Department of Family and Protective Services in April 2024, and the team has already begun using the Family Check-Up® evidence-based practice in both Bell and McLennan Counties as part of the Home Visiting Program. Like Family Centered Treatment®, Family Check-Up® offers a family-centered and strengths-based approach to mindful parenting, tailored to family strengths and needs. Delivered directly in the home, it enables clinicians to directly observe families where members are most comfortable – at home.

The open house event included remarks by Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell, CEO William Clark, Board of Directors Member Heather Zdancewicz, Foster Care Homes Director Lori Fergueson, and Texas Home Visit Program Director Katherine May. The Rev. Dr. Andrew Armond of St. Alban’s offered the invocation, and The Rev. Andrew O’Connor, SFM executive officer for mission and ministry, delivered the benediction.

“We are delighted and excited to be partnering with the good people of St. Alban’s in our effort to serve children and families in the heart of Texas,” said Fr. O’Connor. “We have been warmly welcomed by this wonderful church, and we’re looking forward to developing our Gospel partnership in the years to come!”

The Rev. Robert Mize Jr., an Episcopal priest (and future bishop), founded Saint Francis Boys’ Home nearly 80 years ago in Ellsworth, Kansas. Fr. Bob had seen too many troubled young men disappear forever into the juvenile justice system, and he wanted to help them reclaim their lives and their futures. He offered those first 12 boys hope and a chance at a better future. Over the years, the scope of the Saint Francis ministry has grown to encompass a wide range of programs and services for thousands of children and families in multiple states that include – besides Texas and Kansas – Arkansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

Three people stand indoors smiling at the camera. The man on the left is wearing a suit and tie, the woman in the middle is in a black dress, and the woman on the right is in a red patterned blouse and green pants. A "Saint Francis Foster Care" banner is visible in the background.
Three women stand together, all smiling at the camera. They are indoors, with a hand sanitizer dispenser on the left and a wheeled cart at the back right. The woman on the left wears a pink dress with floral patterns, the center woman wears a white cardigan over a red dress, and the woman on the right wears a light blue blouse with a black skirt.
Two men in business attire stand next to each other, smiling, in a well-lit room with large windows in the background. One man is wearing a blue suit with a light blue shirt, while the other man is wearing a blue suit with a white shirt and yellow tie.
Two women stand behind a Saint Francis Ministries table at an event. The table displays promotional items, including mugs, brochures, and bags. A tall banner and window are in the background. Both women are smiling and wear black attire with name tags.
A man in a suit stands beside a welcome table with snacks and a Saint Francis Ministries banner. Two young girls in dresses stand near a wooden table with potted plants and a brochure holder. The setting appears to be an office or lobby area with a tiled floor.
Two men dressed in clerical collars are standing side by side in a room with grey walls and soundproof panels. The man on the left wears a black suit and smiles at the camera. The man on the right, with a name tag, wears a grey suit and also smiles. A digital clock in the background shows "11:57" and the text "St. Alban's." Various items are displayed near the window on the right.
Three women are seated at a table during an indoor event with a large window in the background. The table has flowers, notebooks, and drinks. Other attendees and a display booth are visible in the background. One woman is standing while the other two are seated.
Two women are seated at a table, smiling at the camera. One is wearing a blue and white striped dress, and the other is in a brown cardigan over a green top. Food and drinks are on the table, and other people can be seen in the background.
Three people are standing together and smiling at the camera in a room with tables and chairs. The person in the middle is wearing a red shirt, while the individuals on either side are in white tops. The background features a Saint Francis Ministries sign.
A woman in a floral-pattern dress serves herself from a large charcuterie table adorned with various cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers. Other people are also serving themselves. A sign in the background reads "Saint Francis Ministries." The setting appears to be an indoor event.
Two women are posing and smiling indoors at an event hosted by Saint Francis Ministries. The woman on the left wears a black dress, and the woman on the right wears a peach-colored dress. Other attendees are mingling in the background, and a food table is visible.
A group of people is gathered around a long food table filled with a variety of dishes at an event hosted by Saint Francis Ministries. A woman in a white blouse is standing near a promotional banner, smiling, and waving at the camera.
Two men in suits stand smiling in front of a wall with a large wooden cross mounted on it. The wall is made of light-colored bricks, and there are several chairs arranged in a row behind the men.
Three people are seated at a round table, smiling at the camera, in a room with Saint Francis Ministries banners. There are various papers, brochures, and a vase with flowers on the table. Other attendees are visible in the background, engaging in conversation.
Two women are seated at a table inside a modern building. Both are smiling at the camera. The woman on the left is wearing a black blazer and glasses, while the woman on the right is wearing a white dress with a red cardigan. Papers and a phone are on the table.
Three people sit at a round table during an event. They have plates with food and drinks in front of them and are smiling at the camera. Other attendees can be seen sitting at tables in the background. The atmosphere appears to be social and professional.
A man in a suit speaks at a podium with a "Saint Francis Ministries" banner nearby. Two women are seated on stage behind him, one wearing a red dress and the other in a blue suit. The scene appears to be a formal event or presentation.
A man in a clerical collar stands at a podium speaking with a Saint Francis Ministries sign behind him. Three people are seated to his left, two men in business attire and a woman in a red dress. A vertical banner is on the right side of the image.
A panel of six people sits on a stage in front of a room of attendees at a Saint Francis Ministries event. There is a large wooden cross on the wall behind the panel. A speaker stands at a podium addressing the audience. Two projector screens display the event's logo.
A group of seven people sit on a stage in panel discussion format. A woman stands at a podium speaking to an audience seated at round tables. Behind the stage is a stone wall with a cross and a Saint Francis Ministries logo. A banner promotes family check-ups.
A woman is speaking at a podium under a sign that reads "Saint Francis Ministries." On stage, four people are seated, including a man and three women. The venue appears to be a conference or event space with a stone wall backdrop and a candle stand beside the podium.
A group of people is standing in front of a table with a ribbon stretched out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. There is a large wooden cross on the wall behind them and two screens displaying the "Saint Francis Ministries" logo.
A man in a blue suit stands at a podium speaking to an audience at an event hosted by Saint Francis Ministries. Four people are seated behind him, and a banner with information about family check-ups is displayed nearby. A large logo is shown on a screen in the background.
A man in a suit stands on a stage shaking hands with another man at a podium in front of a large screen displaying the Saint Francis Ministries logo. Several people are seated on the stage, and an audience is visible in the foreground.
A group of nine people, consisting of six men and three women, stand in a line in front of a stone wall with a large wooden cross. They are in a room with chairs, a floor mat, and two screens displaying the Saint Francis Ministries logo.
Two women engaged in conversation stand in the center of a room set up for a conference or event. They are surrounded by empty chairs and tables adorned with pamphlets and name cards. Other attendees are mingling in the background.
People are gathered around a table with a variety of food at a Saint Francis Ministries event. They are serving themselves from a buffet that includes fruits, cheeses, and other dishes. A large informational banner about Saint Francis Ministries is displayed in the background.
Six smiling individuals pose together around a table with event materials and floral centerpieces in a modern room. Behind them is a large screen displaying the logo "Saint Francis Ministries" and a United States flag.
Two men are standing side by side and smiling. The man on the left is wearing a maroon polo shirt with a green and white name tag. The man on the right is wearing a blue polo shirt with a gold name tag. They are in a room with a white wall in the background.
Several people are engaged in conversation in a well-lit room. A man in a blue suit talks to a woman with gray hair. A display table with informational materials and flowers is in the foreground. Additional individuals are interacting in the background.
Three men in formal attire are conversing in a well-lit conference room. The room has round tables, informational brochures, and a banner display on the right side. Other attendees are seen mingling or seated in the background. An American flag stands in the corner.
People in business attire conversing in a well-lit room. Three men are standing and talking in the foreground, while others interact in the background. Large windows provide ample natural light. The atmosphere appears professional and social.
A group of people are engaged in conversation by large windows. A woman in a purple and pink dress talks to a man in a clerical collar and several other individuals facing each other. Light fixtures illuminate the room, and large windows overlook an outdoor scene.
Two women are engaged in conversation at a casual indoor gathering. One is holding a glass of water and wearing a name tag. In the background, other people are mingling and talking. The room has large windows and a bright, airy feel.
An individual in a yellow top and a blue bag talks with a religious figure in a suit and clerical collar. Both are holding plates of food and standing in a room with tables, chairs, and a window in the background. The setting looks like a casual event.
Two women are standing close together, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left has long hair and is holding a drink, while the woman on the right, wearing glasses and a red dress, carries a plate with a drink in one hand. Other people are in the background.
Four people are gathered in a room with large windows. A man in a suit is shaking hands with a woman carrying a blue bag and another bag. Two other men, also in suits, are standing in the background, holding papers and watching the interaction.
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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