(September 2026) TOPEKA, KS – Frank Phifer is a child welfare worker who exemplifies the purpose that drives professionals to go above-and-beyond for children every day.
Phifer is the Director of Residential Services at Pathway Family Services, a residential treatment facility in Topeka, Kan. That serves youth in foster care who need additional support.
September is Child Welfare Workforce Month and while the impact of child welfare work is often measured through outcomes and services, people like Phifer are the heart of the profession.
Frank’s Background
Before his work in child welfare, Phifer had an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing professional basketball. Phifer spent time playing in China, Spain, Austria, France and England where he spent some of his most memorable years. When his basketball career came to an end, he wanted to work with youth to give them the types of opportunities he had at their age.
“I wanted to show youth that if I can turn my life around, they sure can too with the right person in their life,” said Phifer.
Frank’s Defining Moment
After building a career working with youth, Phifer received an opportunity to return overseas to play basketball professionally once again, however when he told the youth he worked with, one of them asked him, “Mr. Frank, if you leave, who’s going to look out for me?”
“We both started crying,” Phifer said, recalling the moment. “I told him, ‘I want to stay here and make sure your life is complete because mine already is.’ That student ended up graduating from the program, graduating high school, getting a college degree, and still keeps in contact with me today.” More than 15 years later, he continues to help youth build skills, find stability and successfully graduate from the treatment program.
Frank’s Purpose
Phifer has now spent more than 17 years working in child welfare, helping dozens of youth navigate some of the most difficult times of their lives. Phifer said one of the most rewarding parts of his work is the relationships he has built with the youth over the years. Each day he walks into the building and is greeted by a youth asking, “Mr. Frank can you help me with this?” “Mr. Frank, can I hang out with you today?” challenging him to a game of basketball. Frank jokes that he is undefeated against both staff and youth in basketball games at the facility and that he keeps a spare pair of shoes in his trunk just in case someone challenges him to a game.
Each of these interactions reaffirms for him that he’s living out his purpose, to help youth achieve better outcomes. ”I didn’t sign up for this job for a paycheck.” said Phifer. “I signed up for this job to be there for these kids to help them be successful in the community. I was lucky enough to have a talent to help me be successful, so I wanted to show them if I can make it, you can make it too.”. He said that if he can show up for even one youth and serve as an example of what they can achieve, then he knows he has made a difference.
“Frank leads with purpose every day,” said Erin Lee-Harrison, Administrator of Residential & Treatment Services at Pathway Family Services. “He understands many of the challenges our youth face because of his own experiences, and he uses that understanding to build trust, create meaningful connections, and help young people believe in their potential. The impact he has on their lives extends far beyond their time in our program.”
Phifer’s story is just one of the many impactful examples of the difference child welfare professionals have on families and children across Kansas every day. Whether supporting families, advocating for children, coordinating services, or building community connections, these professionals help create pathways toward stability, safety and hope.
If you’re interested in a meaningful career serving communities or helping children and families in need, visit Employment – Pathway Family Services.
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