Saint Francis Community Services began as the vision of a western Kansas Episcopal minister, Father Robert Mize, Jr., or “Father Bob”, as staff and youth alike knew him. During the early days of his ministry, Father Bob witnessed young men being termed juvenile delinquents and becoming lost in a system of institutions, reformatories, and jail. His vision was to create an alternative, one that would allow these young men to reclaim their potential.

Ellsworth Facility, 1946

Through Father Bob’s tireless efforts the residential facility in Ellsworth, Kansas, known as St. Francis Boys’ Home, opened its doors in 1945 to a dozen uncertain, unruly young men in search of a better tomorrow.

Today Saint Francis provides a range of services in Kansas from family preservation, reintegration/foster care, foster care homes, residential services, drug and alcohol services, outpatient behavioral health services, and community-based support services, and serves over 4,000 children and families in 77 counties in communities that are rural, frontier, semi-urban, and urban.

First Group of Boys at Bavaria Facility w/ Staff, 1948

In addition, we provide child welfare services in Oklahoma, Nebraska and development disabilities services in Mississippi.

Saint Francis Community Services is a donor-supported child welfare ministry embracing the Episcopal tradition of service. Throughout every service and program, our mission remains unchanged since 1945; to be an instrument of healing for children, youths, and families in spirit, mind and body, so they live responsibly and productively with purpose and hope.

Elm Street Administrative Campus, Salina, 2011