Posted by: Amy @ 5:01 pm
On Wednesday, March 3rd, the United Methodist Children’s Home donated unused furniture to Global Impact, Inc., a locally-run international humanitarian relief organization. Located in Prattville,
In this case, Global Impact partnered with Chaplain Curtis Browder and the Montgomery Rescue Mission Faith Crusades/Haiti. Chaplain Browder has 144 children under his care in
Global Impact stores donations like this one locally in donated semi-trailers until the items can be shipped. To transport such large donations, Global Impact works with the Denton Program, which provides free shipping on
For more information on Global Impact, Inc., call Pat Boles, Secretary, at (334) 358-8580 or visit http://www.goglobalimpact.com/index.html. For more information on the Montgomery Rescue Mission and Faith Crusades/Haiti visit http://www.montgomeryrescuemission.org/ or email Chaplain Browder at chaplaincb@yahoo.com.
Chaplain Curtis Browder and the Montgomery Rescue Mission Faith Crusades crew are pictured below with Pat Boles, Secretary of Global Impact, Inc., and Steve Hubbard, President & CEO of the United Methodist Children’s Home.
Posted by: Amy @ 12:54 pm
Tenecia, a beloved alumnus of the United Methodist Children’s Home, passed away on February 10th, after complications from an illness. A bright student with a beautiful smile, Tenecia will be missed by her family and many, many friends.
Tenecia participated in the Early College High School Program for two years before she graduated from
At UMCH’s Awards Days she received the Becky Castardo Award for Excellence in Math, the Bryan and Sharon Casey Award for Best All-Around Girl, and the Bert Pribbenow Award for Scholarship, Leadership, and Christian Endeavor.
After graduating high school, she was a student at
On a UMCH trip to
“Tenecia said, ‘I’m going for it. I don’t want to miss a thing.’”
LuAnne recalled, “And when we returned to the
Posted by: Amy @ 3:52 pm
Jerry Maygarden is one of the newest additions to our Board of Directors. He is a resident of Pensacola,
“I’ve been a Methodist my entire life, and I’ve been aware of the United Methodist Children’s Home for a long time, but not too long ago I started sending a small check, and I got on the mailing list. I contacted Jane Robertson and let her know that I was interested about what’s going on in the ministry. Next thing I knew, Steve (UMCH President/CEO) came down to
His life is quite a busy one. He is currently working with the Baptist Healthcare Corporation. He serves as the president of the Baptist Healthcare Foundation and owns his own consulting business called Capitol Hill Group, which conducts government lobbying and operates out of
He enjoys spending his free time with his family. He has been married to his wife Rhonda for 32 years, and they have two children and one granddaughter. Their son Trip is a local attorney, and their daughter Morgan is married to Timothy Gleason, a lieutenant in the Navy. Morgan and Timothy live in
We are so excited to have Mr. Maygarden on our Board of Directors. Please pray that God would give him wisdom as he seeks to help steer our ministry in the right direction for the future.
Posted by: Jill @ 3:49 pm
If you missed last year’s benefit luncheon for Birmingham Babies First, you are in luck! The dedicated North Alabama Clergy Spouses are currently planning this year’s luncheon for Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 11:30am-1:30pm at Asbury UMC in
Babies First is a residential program in
“Mothers and babies are among God’s greatest gifts,” said Patsy Willimon, who is leading the effort in planning the event. “Unfortunately in our state, too many young girls become mothers too soon.”
Please send a check for $15 to your District Superintendent’s spouse by March 19 for each reservation. Make your checks payable to North Alabama Conference of the UMC. You can also read about the event and download a flier from the Conference website by clicking here.
Posted by: Amy @ 4:59 pm
Stephen and Carla Dixon were originally licensed as foster parents in July, 2008. Stephen is part-owner of Dixon Kazek Construction. In the beginning of their foster parenting experience Carla worked part time at the construction company, but has since become a stay at home mom. Carla has a BS degree in Human Development and is licensed to teach K-8 in Special Education.
Carla and Stephen were involved in starting the Calvary Chapel of Gulf Breeze. Carla says she has less energy at the end of the day after keeping up with two small children, but she loves being able to devote her time and energy to her foster children. They have only fostered two children and are in the process of adopting them.
When asked how the children have changed their lives, Carla and Stephen said that, “It has definitely changed our lives for the better. What an awesome responsibility and privilege it has been! I think we find ourselves more often than not being like toddlers, because they make it so much more fun being like them. We are so blessed to have them with us. It is so awesome to have little ones around us all the time. They are so innocent and so precious and have made our house a home. We couldn’t imagine life without them. We sometimes think, ‘Oh, what we would have missed out on if we had said no when we got the call from Tammie about placement.’”
The
On Thursday, December 10th, two boys from the Tuscaloosa group home performed in the Alabama Blues Project’s Christmas open house event. Josh and Keierrik attended the ABP’s Fall After-School Blues Camp where kids between the ages of eight and 17 were given instruction on their choice of guitar, harmonica, vocals and drums, and learned about blues history. Josh, a keyboard player, and Keierrik, a harmonica player, participated in the camp’s end-of-semester show that included blues veteran Eddie Kirkland and over 70 ABP students in beginner, intermediate, and advanced bands. The December performance was held at the First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa which also provides the space for the camp’s sessions each semester. The Alabama Blues Project After-School Blues Camp begins again in February. Keierrik and Josh, we are so proud of you!
Posted by: Jill @ 12:37 pm
Our boys’ home in Headland, AL (near Dothan), was blessed by the National United Methodist Campers, when this group traveled to their home and built a much-needed wheelchair ramp for the home.
“It’s the biggest one we’ve ever built,” said the group’s president, Dave Stein. “We were very happy to do it, and hope it’s a benefit to the home.”
Organized in Connecticut in 1975, the National United Methodist Campers, Inc. enjoys the great outdoors in Christian fellowship while assisting others in need through Christian service.
We are very grateful that this loving group chose our ministry for part of their service in Christ’s name. Thank you!
Pictured below is the group standing on their handiwork!
Posted by: Jill @ 10:59 am
With the temperatures dipping into the teens lately, the Birmingham Babies First home experienced the harsh consequences of the cold weather.
Staff arrived at the home on January 5th to find the pipes had burst due to the frigid conditions. Water covered the floors in multiple rooms at the home, nearly ruining the new resident bedroom just recently renovated.
“The fire sprinkler pipes froze and burst, dumping 300 gallons of water,” said Elise Smith, group home supervisor.
Carpet, baseboards, paint, ceiling and flooring will need to be replaced due to the damage. Tiles that make up the flooring of the hallway, kitchen and dining area have shifted in some areas causing gaps in the flooring
“The ceilings in the laundry room and new resident bedroom have caved in,” said Kristin Webb, Northern Region Director. “Water pooled in the attic before coming down through the vents and light fixtures.”
At this time, all of the water is up and the repair process has begun. “The health department will require special mold inspections and tests once the repairs are complete,” said Webb.
She adds that it will probably be at least three weeks before the home can begin taking residents.
Fortunately, insurance will cover the repairs and much of the equipment and furniture was saved thanks to the fast-thinking UMCH staff members who were there at the time. At this point, no donations of items are needed, but monetary gifts would help go toward the insurance deductibles and make any replacements of equipment & furnishings that were severely damaged.
We ask mostly for prayers that the home is repaired quickly as there are four moms & babies waiting to move in.
Pictured below is the ceiling in the laundry room where the water busted through.
Posted by: Jill @ 10:54 am
From our family to yours … we wish you a very, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
(UMCH President & CEO, Steve Hubbard, is one of Santa’s helpers this year!)
Posted by: Jill @ 8:53 am
We have just been inundated with reports of the swine flu – where to get the shots, how many people have it, what to do to prevent it. It is highly contagious and can be very serious, if not deadly.
However, there is one church in the Northwest District of the North Alabama Conference that also has something contagious. It is absolutely spreading like wild fire and can grab you in an instant. When you enter Brandon New Vision, get ready because you will probably catch it.
“The contagious thing here is love,” said Senior Pastor Greg Reynolds.
This new congregation is the church home for the boys at the Florence Group Home and they have certainly taken the boys under their wings. One of the boys was just recently baptized.
“The boys wanted to become members of our church so they all took church membership classes,” said Pastor Reynolds. “The boys are all active and some are involved in the Christmas play.”
Brandon New Vision has opened their doors as well as their hearts to this group of young men. The church is also raising money for the boys’ Christmas and treat each one like a member of the family.
As we enter this Christmas season with joyful and blessed hearts, let us remember how truly contagious love really is. This is one “bug’ that I hope we all catch!
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
– John 15:12
Posted by: Jill @ 10:50 am
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! …” Isaiah 43:18-19
Dear Friend of our Children,
You are a part of our family in Christ through your prayers and support … and for that we are forever grateful. You’ve known how well we care for children who cannot live in their own homes. But what if we could help heal a family BEFORE the child must be removed?
We Can …
Hundreds of families across Alabama and West Florida are struggling with issues that threaten to pull them apart. Substance abuse, financial stress, divorce, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, illness, disability, death of a parent …
When it gets so bad at home, the children have to be removed. Imagine the added trauma that causes in these young lives. What if that could be prevented?
It Can …
With your help, the United Methodist Children’s Home rescues families who find themselves on the brink of disaster by teaching them how to find positive solutions for the problems they encounter. Because of the gifts you give … we can help keep families together and nurture a healthier home for all God’s children.
Cody is a teen with special needs. His family didn’t understand exactly how to help him. He was becoming increasingly aggressive and they didn’t know what to do. That’s when his family was referred to our FOCUS program.
Christy, one of our family support workers, began to work with the family. By connecting Cody and his parents to the right resources, and advocating for Cody to get special services, this family was able to stay together.
Another family was referred to us when a parent became frighteningly addicted to pain medication. Because of the dangers this posed in the home, their three beautiful daughters were almost taken from them. Through our Family Preservation program, these parents got the help they needed to be free from addiction, and they learned new parenting skills to help keep them together.
Can you help us make a difference in the lives of many struggling families?
You Can …
In the midst of seemingly hopeless situations, Christ longs to use you as His means of grace and restoration in the lives of children and families.
Today is the day of wholeness and healing for so many! Please consider putting your love into action through a generous donation. Your gifts will be used to care for our children who cannot live at home … as well as to help keep families together. Let the healing in our communities begin!
We look forward to ringing in the New Year with your support and prayers,
Steve Hubbard
President & CEO
P.S. God is doing new and exciting things in His ministry to children. While we continue to care for His children in over ten group homes, and many more foster homes, He is moving us closer to more families … so through us He can heal and save them! Your gift today is a part of His plan for this ministry’s future. God bless your prompt response … and have faith He is “doing a new thing!” (Give Hope Today online at www.umch.net)
Posted by: Jill @ 9:58 am
Constant rain and cold temperatures could not stop the fun and fellowship at Caldwell Park in Scottsboro, Alabama. The local community came together for a cookout to benefit the Scottsboro Group Home on Sunday, October 4, 2009.
“We had nearly 100 people come by to take part in this wonderful day,” said Melissa Bynum, group home supervisor.
Cooks for Christ from Tuscaloosa First UMC donated their time and grilling talents to provide the great food. Music was provided by Scottsboro First UMC as well as Randall’s Chapel UMC.
An open house also took place at the home, located across the street from the park. Donations of food items, toiletries and cleaning supplies were given. The home also received over $630.00 for the girls.
The United Methodist Children’s Home thanks all who attended and donated to the home. Your prayers and support are a blessing to all of us!
Posted by: Jill @ 12:29 pm
Just ask the members of Cox Chapel UMC in Maplesville, AL. On Sunday, November 15th, this small congregation of about 15 members presented an incredible $1,000 check to UMCH!
After hosting several yard sales, craft sales and bake sales in their community, they were able to provide this very generous gift to our ministry. Sheree Mayfield and her mother-in-law Faye Mayfield did most of the work coordinating the various sales. Faye even provided beautiful hand-made crafts to sell, including hand-painted glassware, woodwork items and even clever Auburn vs. Alabama checkerboard sets!
The outstanding efforts, and big hearts of the members of Cox Chapel inspire us all! Thank you so much for remembering our children in your mission work.
To see photos from one of the Sales, click here to visit our Gallery Online.
Posted by: Jill @ 10:47 am
Our teenagers in Crestview really wanted to attend their high school’s Homecoming dance. But they had nothing to wear!
So a very kind group, the Mary & Martha Sunday School group from Crestview First UMC, purchased clothing and dress shoes for the kids who needed them. They also purchased jewelry for both girls and made arrangements for a local hair salon to do the girls’ hair.
As their way of saying “thank you” to the group for thier kindness, the children volunteered at FUMC on Friday night 11/13/09. They helped to set-up for the church’s “Salt & Light” Sharing Experience. This is where the church was giving away donated items to the community.
Pictured below (as soon as we have their consent*) will be our beautifully dressed kids; Brendan, Mary, Adryn, Kayla, & Jack.
*(For the protection of our kids, we will not publish their photo images without the appropriate consent.)
Posted by: Jill @ 10:37 am
Every year, a convoy of motorcycles roars into Selma, Alabama, bringing toys and a very generous contribution for our children. Well … they did it again on Saturday, November 7th!
As you can see from the photo below, it was very well attended. The motorcycle enthusiasts with the Christian Motorcycle Association took the kids on rides, spent quality time with them, and fed them very well at a picnic lunch.
Also pictured in the bottom photo is Kerry Cox and his faithful riding dog, Robbie. Robbie and Kerry have given rides to children who were interested for the past two years. They are pictured with two children — Faith (a UMCH resident) and Hayden (daughter of Steve Hubbard, UMCH President/CEO) — then later sent them each a toy ‘Robbie’ of their own!
Thanks so much for all that you do for our kids, and we hope you will continue to be connected with our ministry long into the future!
Posted by: Jill @ 5:36 pm
Two of our girls were selected to represent their grade at their recent Homecoming, and we couldn’t be more proud! One of the girls, pictured below, asked our President/CEO, Steve Hubbard, to escort her during the halftime presentation at the Homecoming game. Steve was very honored to have been asked, and is pictured standing with her. It was like a true family event as the girls prepared to dress in their gowns. The child care workers and other girls in the home helped with makeup and hair, and took lots of pictures for our ‘family’ album!
Pictured; Tomekia, 8th Grade, with escort Steve Hubbard. Pictured bottom photo; (left - right) Cassandra, Jimeka, Tomekia, Steve, Faith, Renesha, and Easter.)
Posted by: Jill @ 7:21 pm
Pictured below wonderful ladies from Trinity United Methodist Church in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. They took their time, their talents and resources to decorate one of the children’s rooms. These loving volunteers bought the furniture and the decorations for this room out of money a compassionate lady from their women’s group left in her will to be spent on children. Even after Peggy Williams moved on to the next life, she continues to make a difference here … helping comfort God’s children.
We are so grateful for those who in life, and long after, continue to bless our ministry!
Pictured left - right; Jean Rivard, Crestview Home Supervisor Mae Knox, Susan Kuhn, and Nora Doss.
Posted by: Jill @ 7:51 pm
Joe and Katie McKinney are two of our newest foster parents! They completed MAPP classes in September and are currently in the process of being licensed.
Joe and Katie are new to the Jay area, moving from Jackson, Alabama, in June of this year. Katie is a full-time mother and Joe is the pastor of the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Jay.
Joe was ordained as a Methodist minister in 1998. Prior to coming to Mt. Carmel, he was the pastor at McCann’s UMC in Jackson, Alabama, for three years.
Katie is a former kindergarten teacher and has worked with children for three years in Bay Minnette. She enjoys music and reading.
Although Joe and Katie do not have children of their own as yet, they have hosted a foreign exchange student from Korea for one year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Both McKinneys bring a wealth of experience and love to the table. They stated that foster parenting is “taking care of children who are in a situation where parents can’t care for them.” Although the goal is typically reunification, they are willing to give them a safe and loving home until the issues that caused them to enter foster care are resolved.
They are realistic in their expectation that foster parenting can be a “roller coaster ride.”
“We are looking forward to becoming foster parents as well as all the blessings and challenges it will bring,” said Joe.
If you are interested in becoming a foster family, contact us today! 800-239-3575. FIND ANSWERS HERE to frequently asked questions about becoming a foster parent.
In July, a storm blew through Selma leaving the Chapel on campus with damage. A large tree broke off at the base, fell across the iron gate along Broad Street toppling over a brick pillar, and landing on the Chapel roof.
The damage was limited to the roof, visibly leaving several holes where the large branches punched through. The stained glass windows were spared, and only minimal damage was done to the interior of the Chapel from falling debris.
Repair work began on September 17th, and will take about 5 weeks to complete. There was a slight delay in getting final approval from the insurance adjuster. Now the work proceed to repair the roof and restore the Chapel.
Thanks to all of you who have sent us your prayers.
Posted by: Jill @ 5:33 pm
Foster Parents Have Strong Commitments
Written by Jane Treadwell - Published in the Troy Messenger, September 12, 2009
They’re often called “Saints on Earth,” these people who take therapeutic foster children into their homes and into their hearts.
But “these people” shun that title, saying only that they have big, soft hearts and a lot of love to give.
Being a therapeutic foster parents isn’t easy. In fact, it’s most often a difficult undertaking and one that takes a special kind of person, said Renee Daughtry, therapeutic foster care case worker for the United Methodist Children’s Home. “Being a therapeutic foster parent is not something that anyone can do or everyone wants to do. It takes a special person with special skills to be a therapeutic foster parent.
“These children have suffered abuse, neglect, abandonment – some form of trauma – for more than one time. They come to us with a behavior diagnosis. They have special needs. So, yes, the people who step forward and become therapeutic foster parents are ‘Saints on Earth’”
Daughtry said she can’t answer the question that is asked of so many therapeutic foster parents.
“Why?”
“There are many different reasons people become therapeutic foster parents,” she said. “But, each one loves children and wants to do what they can to stop a child from hurting.”
Patsy Liveoak, program supervisor of the Southeast Region Therapeutic Foster Care with the United Methodist Children’s Home, said there are about 40 children currently in the UMCH program with about 25 of those in the South East Region.
“We need people to who are willing to become therapeutic foster parents, and we need people who will be tutors, mentors and those who will commit to respite care. There are so many needs and those who fill those needs are special people.”
Children come to the program at different ages and with different behavior diagnosis and Daughtry and Liveoak admitted that being a therapeutic foster parent is commitment that is not made easily or lightly.
It’s a strong commitment and one that invites change and stress and some heartbreak into one’s life but one that gives hope for a better life to a child who is hurting.
Patricia Brooks’ life had taken a sharp turn since she began taking therapeutic foster children into her home.
She had been a foster parent and knew the heartbreak that one feels when she has to let a child go.
The goal is that a therapeutic foster child can “step down” to traditional foster care and then be returned to his or her biological parent or parents or to be adopted.
Brooks’ belief that being a therapeutic foster parent was her ministry and that it stopped there. But siblings, a boy and girl, in her care had other ideas.
“When we learned that they would not be going home, it was right before spring break, and I want to wait until then,” Brooks said. “For children to hear news like that can be traumatic and you just don’t know how it will affect them – how they will react.”
When the children were told that they would not be going home, the young boy looked a Brooks and asked her “Will you please keep us?”
“I had to do some really hard thinking,” Brooks said. “I had never thought about adoption. I didn’t want to adopt but I did, and I’m thankful that I did.”
Brooks’ adult son was the reason behind her decision.
“He said, ‘Mama, if you don’t adopt them, you’ll worry me to death worrying about them, where they are and what’s happening to them, so you might as well go ahead,’” Brooks said, laughing.
His encouragement was all she needed and now she has a house full of love.
The children have been with Brooks for seven years, three as foster children and four “as mine.”
“These children are so appreciative,” Brooks said.
“Even the smallest things are big to them. I love to see their eyes light up, and it’s so wonderful to see the positive changes in their attitudes and behaviors. And, I think, ‘What if I had not done this? Where would they be?’ And, I’m so thankful for this opportunity and these children.”
Wendy Rouse is a therapeutic foster mom to a 16-year-old girl for one year and two months and it hasn’t been an easy road to travel but they’re now enjoying the ride.
Rouse worked with youth groups at her church and knew that she had a way with young people, especially the girls. So, becoming a therapeutic foster mom seemed to be the logical next step.
“But she when she came to me, she was hard and she put up a wall that I couldn’t get over or through,” Rouse said.
“Oh, we had a time,” Rouse said. “She was a handful. She’d try to run away and I was trying to sit up all night to make sure she didn’t get away and it was wearing me out. So, one day, I went and bought some cactus and planed one under each window and put a buzzer on the door and went to sleep at night.” Little by little, Rouse could take a single brick out of the wall, talk to her foster daughter and then put the brick back.
“We’d still have disagreements and one big one, she packed her bags and got ready for me to have her picked up,” Rouse said.
“She’d had that happen so many times, but I wasn’t going to give up on her.
“She waited and waited and, when no one came, she unpacked her bag. She asked me why nobody came, and I told her she was there to stay.”
Rouse said she and her foster daughter take trips together and are often like college roommates.
“She has learned that she has value and can make something of her life,” Rouse said.
“She knows others care about her and are there to help her. It has made a difference. The wall is coming down. And, she’s welcome to stay with me through college.”
Rebecca Mauldin has three children of her own, ages 8, 10 and 11, and has a 14-year-old therapeutic foster daughter who has been with the family for eight months.
“My husband grew up with a Kool-Aid mom who always had children around,” Mauldin said and added laughing. “He always wanted foster children, but it has taken him 21 years to talk me into it.”
Mauldin said the decision to become therapeutic foster parents was a family one.
“We talked with children and made sure they understood there would be changes,” she said. “We weren’t going to ask them to give up anything but things would be different.”
For Mauldin the decision was not difficult.
“I believe that God gives us gifts and, if we don’t use them, we are denying God,” she said. “This was an opportunity for us to do something to help someone turn her life around.”
Having a therapeutic foster daughter has helped the Mauldin children more understanding and caring people.
“It has increased their humanity and empathy,” she said.
“It has been good for all of us. And, of all of us, I enjoy having our foster daughter around the most. We have a good relationship, and I can see changes in her that are very positive and I feel good about her future.”
The therapeutic foster parents said those whose hearts are being tugged toward caring for children who don’t think they are worthy of love should listen to their hearts and “Just Do It.”
And, they have the answer to why they are therapeutic foster parents, “Because God is so good and He has blessed us.”