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Saint Francis Celebrates Second Chances

October 2023 · Forward in Hope

Fr. Robert Mize Jr. founded Saint Francis Ministries 78 years ago because he believed in second chances. He had grown tired of watching troubled boys disappear forever into the criminal justice system and losing everything, including their chance for a meaningful and fulfilling life. Fr. Bob believed in both hope and the power of redemption.

Today, we still believe in that power – and not just for those we serve. October is National Substance Use Prevention Month and a good time to talk about SFM’s alcohol and drug counseling services. We don’t use a one-size-fits-all treatment approach to treatment. We provide outpatient and intensive outpatient evidence-based, family-oriented substance use programs. We offer help to:

  • Pre-adolescents and adolescents struggling with substance use.
  • Adults seeking permanent solutions to addiction, who need a healing environment in which to focus on recovery in body, mind, and spirit.
  • Families impacted by substance use.

Our outpatient services in Great Bend and Salina, Kansas, help families involved in our Foster Care Reintegration programs. The substance use program at our Residential Treatment Facility at Salina West serves youth ages 6-18, so they can successfully transition back into their home communities.

All outpatient programs feature:

  • Prevention
  • Assessment
  • Referral
  • Substance use education
  • Individual, group, and family counseling

According to the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration, we know that early intervention is vital for youth. Every year that substance use is delayed while the adolescent brain develops, the risks of addiction and substance misuse decrease.

Potential signs of substance use include:

  • Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
  • Mood swings
  • Dropping old friends for a new group
  • Acting despondent, aggressive or angry
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Breaking rules
  • Exhibiting physical changes like sudden weight loss, frequent nosebleeds, bloody or watery eyes, or shakes and tremors

Help is available if someone you know is using substances.

This month, it’s also appropriate to acknowledge those in recovery, as well as children, parents, family, and friends supporting them. There is no shame in seeking help.

Is there room in your life to help others find treatment? Is there room in your life to help others heal?

Learn more about SFM behavioral health services by visiting https://saintfrancisministries.org/behavioral-health/.

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