We envision a Diocese where every person, regardless of ability, learns, prays, and serves side by side in their parish community.
HFSNF channels donor gifts into Inclusion Grants (schools) and MPD (parishes & families). One mission, two impact streams.
Inclusion Grants ensure schools can hire specialists, purchase adaptive materials, and train staff so children with disabilities can learn—and pray—beside their friends.
MPD ensures parishes and families have access to the resources they need so that every parishioner can worship, serve, and grow in faith—no matter their ability.
History of the Holy Family Special Needs Foundation
1960: A School Established
Bishop Mark Carroll requested the help of the Sisters of St. Joseph in starting a school for children with developmental disabilities. On October 10, 1960, the school opened with Sister Veronice Born as the school’s director and only teacher.
1962: School Moved & Named
The program was moved to the Cathedral grounds, where the chancery now stands. The program was named St. Mary’s Special School.
1965: School Building Purchased
To meet the needs of a growing school, the diocese purchased a building on Maize Road. The Holy Family Center was dedicated on August 29, 1965 by Bishop Leo Byrne.
1965: Holy Family Memorial Fund Established
Sr. Veronice Born, SJ and future bishops Eugene J. Gerber and Ronald Gilmore established the Holy Family Memorial Fund to support the mission of the Holy Family Center.
1969: Memorial Established
A Memorial Shrine was established to remember deceased members of family and friends. To this day, a Mass is offered in their memory.
1970: The School Grows
Contracts were drawn up between the Holy Family Center, public school districts, and special education cooperatives to accept students with more severe behavioral, emotional, and intellectual disabilities. The center was licensed as a Day Hospital Treatment Center, making it the only organization in Kansas with dual certification. Enrollment continued to increase and services were added, such as a medical director and behavioral psychologists. Speech, music, art, recreational, and physical education therapists were also added. In addition to all these services, bible studies, days of retreat, and a residential summer camp were established. A ministry with the blind and visually impaired was initiated, along with a ministry with the deaf and hard of hearing.
1985:Holy Family Center Closed
During the celebration of the Holy Family Center’s 25th Anniversary, new laws required that children with disabilities be served by the public school system. The Catholic identity of the Holy Family Center raised concerns for the contracting state agencies – it was determined that all religious symbols had to be removed and no form of religion could be taught. Due to these new regulations, the very difficult decision was made to close the program. The staff worked with the parents and schools to make sure every child had a place to go in the fall of the next school year. The Holy Family Center formally closed in the spring of 1986.
1986: The MPD Established
Bishop Gerber wanted the work with persons with disabilities to continue. He established the diocesan Ministry with Persons with Disabilities (MPD) to work with parishes and their pastors to insure their churches and services were accessible for everyone. Sr. Veronice Born served as the ministry’s first director. The Ministry continues to this day.
2003: The HFSNF Established
The Holy Family Special Needs Foundation (HFSNF) was established to monitor, raise, and distribute funds from an endowment started from the closure of the Holy Family Center. The endowment continues to serve the HFSNF and its efforts to support persons with disabilities in the Wichita diocese.
2013: Holy Family Memorial Established
The new Holy Family Memorial at Ascension Cemetery was blessed by Fr. John Lanzrath on April 7, 2013. Names from the original memorial fund and those who made qualified gifts to the endowment were added to the memorial walls. Names continue to be added to the memorial annually.
2023: Statue Added to HFSNF Memorial
A statue of the Holy Family was installed at the Holy Family Memorial in remembrance of those who graciously contributed to the creations and mission of the Holy Family Center. It stands to inspire those who continue the mission of the Holy Family Special Needs Foundation – For all those who have proclaimed that we are “wonderfully made”. The statue was blessed by Fr. Ken VanHaverbeke on November 7, 2023.
2024: New in 2024 - Trivia Night Fundraiser
The HFSNF began an in-person fundraiser to spread awareness and raise funds to support the growing needs of the inclusion grant program.
FAQs
How is HFSNF related to the Diocese of Wichita?
HFSNF is a diocesan 501(c)(3) funded by private gifts and its endowment—not parish tithing.
How is HFSNF related to the FIRE Foundation?
FIRE Foundation of Wichita is a separate nonprofit; many schools apply to both for complementary support.
Leadership
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Parker Roth
Board President
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Sarah DeVries
Board Vice President
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Rev. Clay Kimbro
Board Member
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Mary Rohleder
Board Member
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Fey Barles
Board Member
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Kate Higgins
Board Member
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Michael Wescott
Board Advisor
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Jamie Finkeldei, Ed.D
Board Advisor
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Jessie Lopez, Ed.D.
Director | Ministry with Persons with Disabilities
Contact
Holy Family Special Needs Foundation • 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202 • (316) 269-3900 • info@holyfamilywichita.org