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

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.

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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