Stories of Hope
Hope is an amazing thing. It’s not possible to work in child and family well-being in any capacity and not understand that hope changes the trajectory of a life. We all hear the stories about one person making a difference in someone’s life, as a role model, a teacher, a parental figure, trusted neighbor. Our research has shown that a trusting relationship with one person makes THE difference for a child who is struggling.
It’s easy to talk about the work done at Saint Francis Ministries and other organizations like ours as “difficult.” “Tough.” “Heartbreaking.” We know that it also earns many other adjectives.
Inspiring. Hopeful. Heartwarming. Energizing. Restoring.
We share stories of hope here, of people who saw amazing transformations, who found their way through trauma to understand the gift of resiliency and compassion. We share here what keeps us going, what brings us to work, and what feeds our souls.
Adoption grows and heals: ‘Everyone knew we would be the ones to step up’
With three daughters grown and long gone from the house, Joseph and Tonya Sanchez had adjusted nicely to their empty nest. Spontaneous by nature, Joseph especially enjoyed taking off on a quick adventure without a
Former St. Francis boy builds a life on horseback; pays it forward
JT Burnley’s father once beat him so badly, he broke JT’s arm. When the vice principal at his south Louisiana high school saw the 15-year-old’s swollen, purple limb, he must have made a call. Shortly
‘Because that’s what sunflowers do’: Independent living services support teenager
It was the last overdose that prompted Kelsey’s grandparents to say “Enough!” Realizing they could no longer handle her, the couple contacted the Kansas Department for Children and Families, and Kelsey entered state custody 10
Saint Francis Leader Learns Daily From His Clients
When Jason Kirkland joined Saint Francis Ministries 17 years ago, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He had never worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, although he’d spent his career serving those with
Trauma Speaks but Love, Presence Win
Kristi and Michael are foster parents, experiencing the ups and downs in their household as children try to adapt when they're living in a place of trauma and upset. No matter what has happened in
Kansas Business Supports Refugees, Earns Excellent Employees
In Wichita, Kansas, a large employer has connected with Saint Francis Ministries as they offer jobs to refugees who have settled in the central Kansas city. Martin Interconnect Services and Martin Training & Staffing Solutions