Nearly 75 guests and staff attended the recent grand opening of Saint Francis Ministries’ new office in Waco, Texas. 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 has spent the last year learning, connecting, and researching how the organization can best serve and support SFM’s work already in progress in Texas. Those efforts have resulted in a new office and services in Central Texas, located at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco.
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 has received a Texas Home Visiting (THV) grant award from the Department of Family and Protective Services 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.
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.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve children and families in Central Texas,” said SFM Chief Program Officer Cristian Garcia. “Today is about you, it’s about the community that has come together to help celebrate this moment with us. We hope to have great fellowship as we expand our mission here in Central Texas.”
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.
