Foster Care Homes Director
Saint Francis Ministries is pleased to announce that Lori Fergueson has been named the nonprofit child and family services organization’s Director of Foster Care Homes for Central Texas.
Recognizing the need, SFM launched an initiative aimed at identifying, recruiting, and expanding the network of available foster homes in Central Texas. For struggling families, foster care gives children a temporary place to stay and a family to provide for their emotional, educational, medical, and special behavior needs until their own families can care for them or other permanency paths become available.
Fergueson earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and brings to the position extensive social work experience earned while serving with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Most recently, she worked as a quality management program specialist with Texas Health and Human services, however, for about 16 years she has served at DFPS, holding a variety of positions that include family group conference facilitator and foster and adoption home development supervisor.
“My background and passion is child welfare,” said Fergueson. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact of involvement with the child welfare system has on children, parents, extended family members, and resource families. I strongly believe in walking alongside families during this difficult time in their lives. Families should be supported during their case and set up to succeed as parents work to make necessary changes.”
“Saint Francis is really excited to have Lori lead our foster care home program in Central Texas,” said Cristian Garcia, SFM chief program officer. “She brings lots of experience in the child welfare system as well as a passionate commitment to the children and families we serve.”
Fergueson and her Foster Care Homes team will work out of SFM’s new office at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco. She will also participate in the office grand opening scheduled for later this month.
