Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 12:16 pm
 Top Honors - Kristin Webb, West Florida Foster Care Program Supervisor shows off her program’s award with fellow Children’s Home staff members Susan Simonson, Southwest Regional Director, and Jim Byrum, Chief Programs Officer/Vice President. Florida’s FamiliesFirst Network recognized the Children’s Home’s West Florida Foster Care program as top performer of the quarter at a recent providers meeting. |
On February 25, 2008, The FamiliesFirst Network bestowed its Providers Award upon the United Methodist Children’s Home West Florida Foster Care program. The award recognizes this contracted agency as the highest producer in the foster care area. It notes the program’s outstanding performance and exceptional commitment to the children it serves.
Program Supervisor Kristin Webb accepted the award on behalf of West Florida Foster Care.
“The program is doing great,” Webb said. “Thanks to the tremendous support from local churches and the community, we have been able to serve over 100 children in the last year.”
The award was presented at the FamiliesFirst Network Providers Forum. The foster home program is the first provider to be recognized as The Top Performer of the Quarter.
“They have done an amazing job in recruiting and licensing homes,” FamiliesFirst Network Contract Manager, Sandra Winter said. “It is not the quantity of the homes but the quality that is provided.”
The United Methodist Children’s Home contracts with FamiliesFirst Network to provide foster care services through the West Florida Foster Care program. The program currently has 20 homes licensed with 44 beds available to foster children. “At any given time we are housing approximately 35 children,” Webb added.
In addition to placing very young abused and neglected children in caring foster homes, Children’s Home staff members at the program support and train those foster parents.
An example of this kind of support is a planned Foster Parent Appreciation Picnic. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for foster parents to share with one another and provide the kids a safe place to interact,” Webb said.
 Taking Good Care - At a recent foster care providers meeting, FamiliesFirst Network of Florida presented an award to Kristin Webb (at center), Program Supervisor of the West Florida Foster Care program of the United Methodist Children’s Home. Pictured with Kristin are … (at left) and … (at right). |
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 4:16 pm
Click here for more about Birmingham Babies First.
Click here to order “Hope to Be…” materials.
On Sunday, April 13, 2008, representatives from six churches gathered at The Genesis Church in Leeds, Alabama, to kick off the United Methodist Children’s Home “Hope to Be…” Campaign. The campaign will benefit the ministry’s Birmingham Babies First home.
“This campaign was a great first step in igniting the support this ministry needs for the mothers and babies we serve through this ministry,” said Jill West, Children’s Home Director of Development. “Thanks to the involvement of the area churches, we will be able to help these young families grow emotionally as well as spiritually.”
Mission-minded volunteers and church staffers attended the event to help spread the word about the new home and obtain fundraising ideas for their churches.
“Even more churches are now ordering materials and requesting information packets about the home,” said Ashley Anderson, the agency’s Development Specialist who is coordinating much of the outreach.
A total of 25 churches have shown interest in supporting the program or have already made donations.
Babies First is a home for young mothers who are either pregnant or have a baby, and who wish to raise their child. Money raised through the “Hope to Be…” campaign will provide food, clothes, shelter and supportive resources for the mother and baby.
Those church representatives attending the kickoff were able to return to their churches with various fundraising ideas to help initiate ongoing support for this ministry.
Ideas for outreach include baby bottle banks to display at the churches or to be used with the youth and children’s ministries through Sunday school, Vacation Bible School or general church collections. These banks can be kept and used year-round to collect regular contributions for Babies First.
Another event idea presented was the Rock-a-Bye Babython. Volunteers enlist sponsors who pledge dollars per hour of rocking with a baby doll.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for youth groups to get involved with something fun, raising needed funds and awareness, while also learning the importance of abstinence before marriage,” said Anderson. The Children’s Home has sponsorship forms available for rockers.
“We are providing copies of a Babies First DVD as a great way to communicate a personal side to this vital ministry,” said West. This three-minute video shares with its audience the struggles and successes of young mothers in the program.
All campaign and promotional materials are available for any church or group that wants to get involved. There is no charge for the materials and the Children’s Home will also pay for any shipping costs.
Since the Birmingham program receives no government financing, local church outreach and private donations are imperative for long-term stability. The goal is to reach $300,000 by October 1, 2008. The ministry has already reached one third of that goal, West adds, thanks to the generosity of the area churches.
“The local churches have shown such support to our moms and babies,” said Elise Smith, Group Home Supervisor of the Birmingham Babies First Home. “Many churches are providing mentoring and hosting baby showers to get involved in this wonderful program.”
Those interested can contact the United Methodist Children’s Home Public Relations & Development Office for more information and to order promotional and fundraising materials. The Children’s Home can provide speakers for churches, Sunday school classes, or other groups. Call 205-951-1978 to order the materials mentioned or visit www.umch.net to see additional items.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 3:06 pm
Who: All are invited to play
What: Cokesbury United Methodist Church Golf Tournament
Where: Solutia Golf Club, 2365 Old Chemstrand Rd., Cantonment, Florida
When: May 17, 2008, 1:00 PM Shotgun Start
Contact: To register call Cokesbury UMC in Pensacola at 850-476-5818. For more information contact Jim MacNeil at 850-478-4789 or Chris Washler at 850-937-0458.
Click here to download the registration form for this event.
Cokesbury United Methodist Church is inviting all golfers to participate in a tournament on May 17, 2008, to benefit the United Methodist Children’s Home. Golfers will compete at the Solutia Golf Club in Cantonment, Florida.
“This will be the second time we have had a golf tournament to raise money for the United Methodist Children’s Home in Milton,” said Jim MacNeil, member of Cokesbury’s golf committee. MacNeil is referring to the agency’s Gulf Coast Group Home for girls. “We decided on that because they certainly have a need, and it is a local need.”
The committee has been planning golf outings for the last five years but never charged more than cost. Last year they decided to charge a little extra and give it to a good cause. “It is not any more trouble to do this and everyone wins,” MacNeil added.
Last year, 24 golfers participated in the golf scramble. MacNeil hopes to double the participation this year.
Registration fee is $50.00 and the deadline is May 11. There will be a shotgun start at 1:00 PM. Those interested can download a registration form at www.umch.net, or call Cokesbury UMC at 850-476-5818.
The original tournament date of April 5 was rescheduled due to inclement weather. For more information, please contact Jim MacNeil at 850-478-4789 or Chris Washler at 850-937-0458.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 3:40 pm
 Years Remembered - Pictured is Bernice McFarland on the left, her sister Bertrand “Berchie” McFarland Fischer on the right, and Brian Fischer, Berchie’s son. Bernice and Berchie were residents of the United Methodist Children’s Home in the years up to 1943. This picture was taken in 1955. Brian contacted us when, during his mother’s recovery from a stroke, he learned that she had been a resident. |
Submitted by Brian Fischer, son of alumni Bertrand McFarland, who was at the Children’s Home for several years up to 1943 with her sister, Bernice.
My mother and her sister were residents of, as I am told, the Methodist Orphanage in Selma. Their names then were Bernice & Bertrand McFarland.
Bertrand being my mother, we, to date, were only told of them being the daughters of a coal miner who was killed in a rock slide back in 1923 some months prior to my mother’s birth on June 9, 1923. We have no clue of her mother. I believe her maiden name might have been Orange.
My father passed in 2001, and this year, Mom, due to strokes, had to be placed in a rehabilitation home. She is doing better, thank God, and is safe and comfortable in her state of mind.
Folks being of her generation have always seemed to keep quiet about the past. But last week, Mom, my wife and I were reminiscing through Mom’s 1942 Albert G. Parrish High School yearbook, when she mentions how each morning some students would come to their home for services.
I asked about what home and what services. It was then for the first time that she told us of she and Bernice living at the Methodist Orphanage since they were little until they graduated from high school.
Well Sandi, my wife, and I once again were amazed at another unknown piece of the past that popped out. Tonight I found this postcard on eBay and purchased it hoping it’s the correct place and might jog Mom’s memory.
If possible I would like to know any info about Mom to assist in her rehabilitation. She seems to glow when we talk of Selma in a way I’ve never heard her tell stories before.
Her father was named Bertrand, whom she’s named after. He is listed in an Alabama Miners Log as Bertram killed at a Coal Mine rock slide in Roebuck, Ala. 1923. There were 3 children, Charles, Bernice, Bertrand (Berchie is Mom’s nickname).
Brian was able to make contact with other alumni from his mother and aunt’s time at the Children’s Home. Sadly, since he originally contacted us, Brian’s Aunt Bernice passed away on February 23, 2008. Just before she died and was going into Hospice, Brian wrote to us, “I am afraid or should I be happy another chapter member of the Orphanage Alumni is about to graduate to the next level where I’m sure she will find great joy and peace.”
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 2:07 pm
The Baypines District has postponed its April 15 Spring Banquet until further notice. We’ll let you know once it is rescheduled.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 1:33 pm
|
Submitted by Dr. Judy Manning, Central Regional Director of the United Methodist Children’s Home.
Who: All are invited
What: The Silver Ring Thing
Where: Crosspoint Christian Church, 1710 West Dallas Avenue, Selma, Alabama
When: April 2, 2008, from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM (There is a special session for parents in the older sanctuary at 6:30 PM. Then, parents will join their child(ren) for the duration of the concert. Doors open at 5:45)
Contact: SRT@umch.net
For more information and to register online for the event, go to silverringthing.com and click on the “Selma, AL” link.
About eleven months ago, a small group of concerned citizens got together to discuss the latest sad statistic about Dallas County, Alabama, where the Children’s Home Headquarters and campus of cottages is located. Through my work with the Dallas County Children’s Policy Council, we discovered that the county has the second WORST rate of teen pregnancy in the entire State of Alabama (Bullock County rates as the highest).
Judge Bob Armstrong is head of our Children’s Policy Council. He charged our group, the Health Committee, to find ways to combat this trend. While we looked at many items and issues, we wanted something that would make a HIGH impact on our community. After looking at several options, we discovered Silver Ring Thing.
Silver Ring Thing (SRT) is a 2 ½ hour FREE live concert with pyrotechnics, water hazers, and huge speakers to capture the teen’s attention. The message is simple and based on 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. It is an abstinence program based on what God has to say about sexual morality. It also reminds teens that God’s grace is abundant and allows for second chances. It is never too late to do what God wants you to do!
Children’s Home Chaplain Reverend LuAnne Wages-Smith and I talked very seriously about how we could raise the $5,500 needed to bring SRT to our small town. After much prayer, we approached Alabama-West Florida Conference Bishop Larry Goodpaster and his Cabinet via a letter that Children’s Home Board Member and Baypines District Superintendent Frederick Outlaw shared.
The Conference Cabinet was gracious and offered to pay $4,000 out of the Conference budget and $1,500 out of the budget of the Montgomery-Prattville District, the United Methodist district that includes Dallas County. This would bring the much-needed event into the Black Belt!
Since then, it has been a whirlwind of adventure as we have prayerfully prepared our community. Our group of about 15 have laid the groundwork to spread the word through approximately 180 churches and throughout our two public and numerous private schools.
We hope that every child, in grades 6 – 12, will hear the message and have the opportunity to attend and then make a personal decision in his or her life about what God wants for each person’s sexual life.
The SRT group is a very dynamic and special group of twelve adults. We are thrilled to have them headed our way!
We will welcome them to the United Methodist’s Children’s Home on April 1. Our children and Child Care Workers are already beginning to prepare special welcome bags, goodies, and FOOD for their brief two-day stay in our Namaste Christian Retreat Center.
Please be in prayer for our children to receive God’s message, for the Silver Ring Thing Crew to be at their best so that God’s Word will come through loud and clear, and for our entire community that we may be blessed by God’s presence.
Among other things, Dr. Manning oversees the
programs at the Children’s Village in Selma. These include two Babies
First cottages, homes for very young mothers and their babies. You can contact her at jmanning@umch.net.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 5:08 pm
Are you coordinating efforts at your church to support the Birmingham Babies First home? Click here to order materials.
 The “Hope To Be…” campaign is unique to Birmingham Babies First. Your attendance at this kick-off is so important. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this event for this vital ministry. |
WHO: All are invited
WHAT: Kickoff for “Hope To Be…” Campaign benefiting the United Methodst Children’s Home Birmingham Babies First program
WHEN: Sunday, April 13, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
WHERE: Genesis United Methodist Church, 6396 Zeiglar Rd., Leeds, Alabama
CONTACT: Ashley Anderson, Children’s Home Development Specialist, 205-951-1978, toll-free 877-729-8624, aanderson@umch.net, and go to www.umch.net/birmingham for more information about this program.
Thanks to the generosity of area churches, the Birmingham Babies First program of the United Methodist Children’s Home is off the ground. Now, through the Hope To Be campaign, the United Methodist community is looking to raise ongoing support for this ministry to struggling young mothers and their babies.
On Sunday, April 13th, 2008, from 1:00-2:30pm, The Genesis Church at 6396 Zeiglar Rd. in Leeds, Alabama, will host the Hope To Be kickoff event. Refreshments will be served. All are invited to attend.
“We have received such an outpouring of gifts,” said Elise Smith, Group Home Supervisor of the Birmingham Babies First home. “It is amazing what a show of support the churches have made to our moms and babies. It is truly a blessing.”
Smith says that there are many challenges that face young mothers today, especially single moms who have no safe, healthy place to grow into their new responsibilities.
“Thanks to the generosity of area churches and private donations,” says Smith, “we are able to provide a loving and nurturing atmosphere to these young families.”
“Hope To Be…” is a campaign to aid the Birmingham Babies First ministry in continuing this ministry.
Babies First is a home for young mothers who are either pregnant or have a baby, and who wish to raise their child. Money raised through the “Hope To Be…” campaign will provide food, clothes and shelter for the mother and baby.
In addition, donor gifts will provide parenting education, counseling, job training and help with school. These resources empower the mother to be able to support her family after she leaves the program.
“This campaign gives us an opportunity to share in a very important mission with our family in Christ,” said Jill West, Children’s Home Director of Development. “The ability for us to come together and help these young families grow in their faith is an awesome gift.”
West adds, “We hope to see someone from every United Methodist Church in the Greater Birmingham area and beyond at this important event.”
The Children’s Home hopes to reach a $300,000 goal for the program by October 1, 2008. West says that thanks to such a giving nature of the area churches, the agency has already hit nearly one third of that goal.
Many of the area churches are providing mentoring to the young mothers, hosting baby showers and helping with landscaping projects. West says that becoming a Local Church Representative (LCR) for the Children’s Home is yet another way to support the program.
“Our LCRs share the stories of those that we serve with their congregations,” says West, “and are vital to keeping the Children’s Home mission alive in the faith community.”
Call (205) 951-1978 or e-mail info@umch.net for directions and more information about the “Hope To Be…” kickoff event.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 2:31 pm
Click here to download a flyer about this event.
The United Methodist Men’s Softball Teams on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay will once again host a softball tournament benefiting the United Methodist Children’s Home. Teams from two United Methodist conferences are invited to compete in the Eighth Annual Men’s Softball Tournament on Saturday, May 31, 2008.
The tournament will be at the Al Trione Sports Complex in Daphne, Alabama, a few miles south of Interstate 10 across the bay from Mobile.
Tony Caminiti, coordinator of the event, says that any help they can get from church members identifying new and established teams would be helpful. The Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama conferences do not have a centralized office that coordinates church sports groups. It can be challenging to identify churches who have teams and invite them to play.
“I hope people can think of the softball players they know and get them to spread the word,” says Caminiti. “It’s a fun time, but we’re serious about competitive softball, and it really helps the kids at the Children’s Home.”
Caminiti says that each year, the teams enjoy the fellowship, enjoy the competition and have a good time.
“If churches have a softball team at all,” said Caminiti, “or just want to to start up a team just to play in this tournament, they can.”
The double-elimination tournament is sanctioned by the Amateur Softball Association. Registration fees are $300 per team, and the registration deadline is May 23, 2008. Checks should be made out to “Fairhope Church Softball” and mailed to Tony Caminiti, 108 Volanta Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532.
Those interested can call Caminiti at 251-928-0529 or 251-591-8007 for more information or to reserve a spot in the tournament. His e-mail address is stcaminiti@gmail.com.
Click here for the story on last year’s tournament.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 5:15 pm
 Birdies for Charity is a fun way to support the United Methodist Children’s Home. |
Birdies for Charity, a fundraiser hosted by the Regions Charity Classic Foundation, lets donors pledge a dollar amount per-birdie for charities like the United Methodist Children’s Home. Participants can also compete for big prizes in a “Guess the Birdies” contest.
Steven Hubbard, President and CEO of the Children’s Home, said, “Every dollar we raise through this benefit will go to help our young mothers and babies living in our Birmingham home.”
Called Birmingham Babies First, the program provides a nurturing home to young mothers and pregnant young women, age 19-24, with no where else to turn. It helps them learn to be good parents by meeting basic needs and encouraging self-sufficiency through higher education and independent living training.
According to the Regions Charity Classic website, “participants who
commit to a minimum pledge or donation or a completed official pledge
form are eligible to guess the number of birdies that will be made by
Champions Tour players Friday through Sunday of the Regions Charity
Classic. A pledge or donation is not necessary to play ‘Guess the
Birdies’ Contest.”
Organizers of the fundraiser have assigned charity number 52 to the United Methodist Children’s Home. Gifts are tax-deductible. Donors can make pledges and gifts online at www.regionscharityclassic.com.
Those wanting pledge forms for their Sunday school classes or other groups should contact the Children’s Home toll-free at 877-729-8624. Those interested can also e-mail orders@umch.net and specify how many pledge cards they want and where to send them.
The “Guess the Birdies” contest will allow donors to win valuable prizes. Possible winnings include a cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line, a trip to World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, a weekend at Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, golf packages and more.
The website states, “100% of all collected pledges will go directly to
the organization securing the pledge. No pledge funds will be used for
overhead, program administration or prizes.”
A birdie is a score of one stroke better than par for a given golf hole. Par is the normal expected score of a professional golfer on that hole.
In a separate gesture, the Regions Charity Classic Foundation awarded $1,000 to the United Methodist Children’s Home in December for its Birmingham Babies First home. The award was based on a competitive grant application.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 11:33 am
 Throw me somethin’ - A young girl celebrates Mardi Gras at the Children’s Village a campus of residential cottages in Selma, Alabama. |
Submitted by Dr. Judy Manning, Central Region Director
“Oh When the Saints Go Come Marching In” blared through the telephone speakers at each house and at each desk as our Chapel service kicked off! Fat Tuesday frolicking was all the rage at the Children’s Village on Tuesday, February 5th.
Since we couldn’t travel to New Orleans or Mobile, a special Chapel service was held with our children to share the spiritual importance of this holiday. Reverend LuAnne Wages-Smith shared how Mardi Gras ties in with the Lenten Season. Then she spoke of how Lent leads us into Easter.
She went ahead and noted that our Ash Wednesday service for Wednesday morning tied in with this celebration. While Mardi Gras is indeed a celebration and a time for having fun, the kids also learned how this special holiday brings us back to the sacrifices Christ made for each of us.
After Chapel, the children were treated to a Mardi Gras meal complete with fresh King Cake delivered overnight from the heart of New Orleans. The King Cake, (complete with a delicious strawberry cream filling), symbolizes the three wise men who traveled and brought gifts to baby Jesus.
Our kids looked high and low for the Baby Jesus in each cake but who would have guessed that all THREE of the cakes’ babies would be found by staff! Of course, tradition says that just means they will have to “host” next year’s party!
Of course, the kids seemed to have the MOST fun when a few hundred strands of assorted purple, green, and gold beads were scattered and tossed. They learned to love and SHOUT the phrase, “Throw ME something Mister!” An hour or so later, we ended our celebration the way we started, with everyone dancing out while singing, “Oh when the Saints Go Marching In.”
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 4:22 pm
 Home Update - Cottage 38 is a flexible residential program on campus at the Children’s Village in Selma, Alabama. Its most recent transition has updated it into a Moderate Residential Group Care program for girls. |
|
In an effort to respond to the changing needs of children in Alabama, the United Methodist Children’s Home has realigned one of its programs in Selma, Alabama. The Assessment Center at the Children’s Village has made way for a regular group home for girls with mid-level behavioral and emotional problems.
The group home, named Cottage 38, has seen a number of changes over the past decade. Children in emergency situations came to it when it was an Emergency Shelter. It served as the learning center for Back to BASICS, a behavior modification program. Most recently, it was an Assessment Center for children across the state of Alabama.
Dr. Judy Manning is the agency’s Central Region Director who oversees the programs at the Children’s Village in Selma. About Cottage 38’s most recent change, Manning said, “While we helped a number of children find the best placement through our thorough assessment of their strengths and needs, more and more children in Alabama needed more intensive services.” She said that the Children’s Home is committed to its mission and to helping “the least of these.”
In the world of residential care for abused and neglected children, there are a variety of forms that a group home can take. Depending on the types of problems children face in a particular community, group homes will serve different purposes.
Most of the ministry’s homes have kept the same function for years. A recent exception is the creation of the Babies First program for young mothers. In the past six years, three regular group homes in Selma and Mobile have become Babies First programs. A new program in Birmingham cares for young women, 19-24, in similar situations.
“The need for homes for adolescent mothers was critical in Alabama, and still is, really,” said Dr. Manning. “We thought it was important enough to make such a big change.”
In the case of Cottage 38, enrollment or placement in its recent programs has been short-term. This has allowed the Children’s Home to occasionally change the cottage’s function without disrupting the lives of its residents. It is a flexible tool that the agency uses to respond quickly to changes in the needs of the area’s children.
The new Moderate Residential Group Care program is not designed to be a permanent or even long-term home for children.
“Most children will complete the structured program in about six months, though some may stay up to a year,” said Manning. “The goal is to help children learn to manage their own behavior and to move to a less restrictive placement.”
This process, referred to as stepping down, could result in a child going home to be her birth family. It could also mean moving to Basic group home care or regular foster care.
Past abuses and a failure to thrive or bond with others can devastate a child to the point where they cannot easily bounce back. Some of these are the children who come to the agency’s Moderate group homes.
“We were already successfully serving boys in that category both in our Tuscaloosa and Dothan programs,” said Manning. “However, we had no such program for girls.”
Jennifer Reese has seen the needs of children change over the years. Reese is a twenty-six year veteran of the agency and Supervisor of the Cottage 38 programs.
“There has been a drastic change in children’s behavior in the last five years particularly,” said Reese. She thinks this change constitutes a need for the new programming.
To address these more intense behaviors, staff are specially trained to provide a nurturing home in a very structured environment. A Levels Program gives privileges to the children in stages based on their behavior.
On a daily basis, the children do two character-building devotions, a Levels Program review, and meet in a psycho-educational group. The group focuses on rotating topics of stress management, anger management, self-esteem, decision making, trust and communication. It also has a values and feelings component.
For more information or to refer a child to this program, contact Angela Sullivan at (334) 875-7283, ext. 237, or e-mail asullivan@umch.net.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 4:29 pm
The Mobile Car Show, an annual open charity car show, will be held again this year at Christ United Methodist Church on March 1 from 9 AM to 3 PM. For the second year in a row, event organizers have chosen the United Methodist Children’s Home as its charity partner.
“In 2007, the show attracted over 160 registered show vehicles including some of the finest, one of a kind, restored and original show vehicles ever assembled along the gulf coast,” said Bob Joyce, one of the show’s planners. Joyce said antique cars, trucks, motorcycles, high performance cars, hot rods and specialty vehicles were on display.
The show will be held on the west parking lots of Christ Church United Methodist Church at 6101 Grelot Rd. in Mobile. Admission and parking are free.
In 2007, show cars from five different states were represented. “In addition, over three thousand visitors attended the show and many were introduced to our beautiful campus for the first time,” said Joyce, referring to the facilities of Christ Church.
This year’s show will include a show-opening parachute jump team, a Coast Guard rescue helicopter on display throughout the day, and a precision, safe-riding motorcycle demonstration. Joyce says there will be entertainment for children and “great food at very affordable pricing and a fun day for all.”
The lead corporate sponsor of the event will be Marshall Auto painting and collision. Again this year, Bridgestone/Firestone Off-Road Tire Company,VDL fuel systems, Christ Church’s Men of the Word Sunday school class and the church’s grounds ministry will also sponsor the car show.
“A generous corporate sponsorship from Sunrise Solutions will help us to support our partner charity, United Methodist Children’s Home right here in Mobile,” said Joyce.
Babies First is a residential program of the United Methodist
Children’s Home that provides a home to young mothers who are pregnant
or who have recently had a baby. The Children’s Home runs a Babies First program in Mobile at the agency’s Mobile
Delchamps Group Home. Children at this local home will benefit from proceeds of the car show.
A silent auction featuring gifts and valuable prizes will also be a part of this year’s event.
For more information, contact Ricky Bell at 251-402-5197 or Bob Joyce at 251-709-1309.
 Brightening Lives - Above is a childhood picture of Jerry L. Horne. He was a resident at the United Methodist Children’s Home from 1948 to 1950. He lives a life of service to others, and has created a legacy of caring to his family. |
Submitted by Athena Horne Johnson, daughter of, Jerry L. Horne, a past resident of the United Methodist Children’s Home. Athena lives in Phenix City, Alabama.
Click here to view a photo gallery from this article.
Jerry L. Horne, Sr. is my dad and he is an alumnus of the Children’s home, he lived there 1948 - 1950. His story is one of success.
He survived much in his young life - both parents deceased before he was 10 years of age and no one in the extended family was able to take him or his brother William Rickey Horne who spent only a short time at the Children’s Home because he was deaf.
My dad was born in Phenix City in the days when it was called sin city before the clean-up. He was a ward of the state, being removed from the care of his dad who was unable to care for him or his brother.
In 1950, after the death of his father, Clara White Puckett, my dad’s aunt took him in. She was the sister to his deceased mother. At age 15, Aunt Clara encouraged my dad to join the US Air Force. She signed paperwork stating that he was 16 years of age.
My daddy served in the USAF where he learned his job as a firefighter. He worked for the Phenix City Fire Dept for over 20 years. Before retiring he served as District Chief. He earned a degree in Fire Science at Chattahoochee Valley Community College and taught EMT (Emergency Medical Treatment) classes. Through the years he has worked with a Boy Scout troop, and growing up I recall him always serving others.
He then moved on to work at Pratt & Whitney in Columbus, GA for 10 years. He then retired from there and served a few years as deputy sheriff in Marion County, Georgia. He has worked as director of Georgia Emergency Management Agency in Marion County/Buena Vista, Georgia, as well.
He is an active member of the Masonic Lodge and has always worked hard to provide for his family. As a child it was hard for me to understand the force that drove him to work so hard, but now that I am grown with grandchildren of my own, it’s easy to see.
I’m sure I’ve left something out as to his accomplishments, because there are many. I believe that the love and kindness he was shown by Mr. & Mrs. Kilgo, house parents at the Children’s Home, and others who helped take care of him had a positive impact on his life and helped him to become the man he is today.
No one could ask for a more loving and devoted daddy, grandpa and great grandpa. He’s also a devoted and loving husband to my step-mom, JoAnn.
Blessings to you and all of those you at the UMCH have helped and continue to help.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 11:56 am
Submitted by Dr. Judy Manning, Central Region Director
While the kids from the Children’s Village were at Zoo Lights in Montgomery on December 26, they also had a small meal at the café there. During the meal, one of the kids apparently said the following:
“Do you know how much I like ketchup? As much as God loves me!”
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 3:32 pm
 Ready to Party - Pictured is one of the youngest new residents of the Birmingham Babies First program. Over 120 visitors, staff and volunteers celebrated the opening of this new program for young mothers and their babies. |
We are continually amazed at how quickly support has grown for our Birmingham Babies First program. As recently as May, we were still hammering out the details of the program and had not hired any staff. Churches, volunteers, Sunday school classes and chruch groups have come together with supplies, money and moral support. Elise Smith, our new group home supervisor is passionate about this home. She is the perfect person for the job, and has worked tirelessly to build a staff and make a loving home for these young mothers.
The open house on Dec. 9 for our new Birmingham Babies First was a great success. 120 people signed the guest book. The blessing program was so nice. Guests got to meet the two young mothers in our program and their boys. One of the girls has already begun earning a certificate in massage therapy. The other is looking into cosmetology school. The two babies, ages 4 months and 8 months, are beautiful and developmentally on track. The 8-month old just stood up, so we may be in for a wild ride. Get some gates!!
Our thanks and Christmas prayers go out to everyone who has helped make this a success!
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 3:18 pm
|
“Every fall, for almost 80 years now, we’ve sent out invitations to churches to order print materials and invite speakers to promote the White Christmas Offering,” says Jill West, the agency’s Director of Development. “And every year, there is a tremendous response.”
Hundreds of churches from North Alabama to Northwest Florida hold banquets, barbecues, concerts, Christmas Eve collections and any number of other events to raise money. West estimates that the offering brings in almost half of the contributions needed to care for the kids that come to the group homes and other programs.
Volunteers are key to coordinating White Christmas events in their local churches. They are called Local Church Representatives, or LCRs. They are the first link in the chain that connects churches in mission across the region.
“Sometimes the LCR is a church staff member,” says West. “But more often it’s a lay person. Someone who is looking for a way to serve and has a passion for helping children.”
Judy Hammond of Steele United Methodist Church in Steele, Alabama, is one such LCR. Hammond says that her fellow church members joke about her efforts encouraging them to give.
“They say, ‘we’re afraid not to because she’ll get us,’” laughs Hammond. She actually coordinates Steele’s offering in October to coincide with the Children’s Sabbath.
The Children’s Home sets a goal of $10/member per church. In 1997, Steele church gave around $1/member, and every year since has increased its giving. This year, it will top $25 per member.
“I was so proud of them,” Hammond says of her fellow congregants who she says are just like a family.
She says that the church, led by Rev. Phillip Battles (“one of the most wonderful pastors,” says Hammond), is mission-minded and supports several other ministries. It gives $500 per year from its yearly budget, but also gives its members the opportunity to participate in the White Christmas Offering.
Another church, First United Methodist in Niceville, Florida, topped $25/member in its 2006 giving to the Children’s Home. This is unprecedented in a church this size—over 2,700 on the books—and reveals much about its members.
“Our congregation never ceases to amaze me,” says Sondra Dutram, the church’s Minister to Children and LCR for the Children’s Home. She says that the leadership of the church and its senior pastor, Rev. Rurel Ausley, are a hundred percent behind children.
In addition to a month of publicizing the White Christmas offering through church bulletins and newsletters, Rev. Ausley personally sends a letter to his church’s active members. In it, he explains the mission of the Children’s Home and encourages financial gifts.
Then, on Christmas Eve, the full collection at all five services is designated for the Children’s Home.
“This senior pastor and leadership are missions-oriented, outreach-oriented, and children-focused,” she says. Dutram feels that this makes it easy for the congregation to get behind a ministry like the Children’s Home.
The Children’s Home itself becomes the next link in the connectional chain. It identifies children needing critical care and begins providing the services.
And those services might be given some distance from where the money is raised. In the case of Steele UMC, the closest Children’s Home program is almost 50 miles away in Birmingham.
But children anywhere in the area of the two United Methodist Conferences the agency serves can get help if they are eligible.
For instance, a girl who was sexually abused by a close relative might need to be moved away for safety’s sake. Churches from the girl’s community that participate in White Christmas will be supporting her, but not only her.
Gifts to the Children’s Home also provide opportunities for people in other communities to be involved in missions.
“From the moment a child arrives at one of our programs, the ministry of the local church steps in,” says Rev. LuAnne Wages-Smith, Chaplain at the Children’s Home.
She says that a church’s youth groups, worship services, pastoral care and any number of other programs become available to children living in group homes and foster homes all over the region.
Children’s Home staff facilitates that relationship between the child and the church—they open the door. But ultimately it is the children who decide to walk through that door. Then it is the church members who welcome them into the church’s programs.
This becomes the next step in the connectional circle. The church members get involved in the ministry, their stories get told, and someone gets inspired to hold a bazaar or send a letter out to church members asking for volunteers, prayers and financial support.
And it starts again with someone new just like it did with Judy Hammond. She says that she was asked to serve, and so she read more about the ministry. “I learned that there is more to it than just a few abandoned children,” says Hammond.
Money raised from the White Christmas offering goes to provide basic needs like shelter, food and clothing to abused and neglected kids. It also provides transportation, psychological and spiritual help, access to medical and dental care, allowances, education and all the things any family provides to take care of its children.
“We’re not talking about making ourselves feel good,” says Hammond. “We’re talking about helping those who can’t help themselves. I feel that there’s not a one of us that can’t give back.”
Of her church in Niceville, Dutram says, “As a whole, our congregation, they just want to reach outside the boundaries of our church.” And thanks to the connectional nature of the United Methodist Church, they are able to do that.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 2:31 pm
 Faithful Fundraiser - Preston Bryant of Gandys Cove UMC inspires us all to give to the children at Christmastime. |
Submitted by Dana Ruth Schrimsher, Wife of Max D. Schrimsher, Children’s Home Local Church Representative for Gandys Cove United Methodist Church
There’s a very small United Methodist Church nestled in the rural part of North Alabama called Gandys Cove, and in that small but fine church (the oldest church in Morgan County, Alabama) is a little boy named Preston Maxwell Bryant who has had a compassionate and tender heart larger than most adults from the time he was small.
In 2005, Gandys Cove near Falkville, Alabama, was given a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional giving to the United Methodist Children’s Home—$11.44 per member. Preston and his family discussed how they were going to share and give the next year. His father Christopher (our Missions Chairman), his mother Lisa, his sisters Alaina and Camellia, and Preston had a family discussion and came to a decision.
Instead of giving just one sum at Christmastime which they had done in previous years, they decided it would be much easier to try to give about $5 every week throughout year. This idea thrilled little six-year-old Preston, who was in the Kids for Christ class at the time. He had seen the cardboard folders that held quarters so he preferred those to the envelopes.
I was blest to be Preston’s Sunday school teacher during this time. Almost every Sunday, he would come to the class smiling with the little folder in hand with his name on the back full of money, mostly quarters. Sometimes all the quarters didn’t come from just his family. He was allowed to ask others for quarters like the country store owner, his uncle, and others. But his father Chris made sure that Preston could give an explanation of why and how the money would be used.
So in his child-like, heart-felt way, he explained how some children didn’t have a loving home like his. It really disturbed Preston that there were some children who were treated badly or neglected. He and I had discussed this in class periodically.
Because of Preston’s efforts, by the end of 2006, the Chris Bryant family had given about four or five times what some others of us had given once at Christmas.
However, the Bryant family is of the quality of Christian that believes you can get a lot done if you don’t care who gets the credit. If, indeed, we had more adults with the heart of Preston, more could be done for the cause of Christ everywhere.
Isaiah 11:6 reads in part, “… and a little child shall lead them.” Proverbs 20:11 reads, “Even a child is known by his doings whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Preston’s work is “pure” and “right.”
You probably guessed that this plan worked so well that the Bryants are continuing to do this in 2007, and to God be the glory.
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 4:32 pm
Submitted by Susan Simonson, Southwest Region Director, United Methodist Children’s Home
As the Southwest Region Director, my job is to supervise some of the programs in the Alabama-West Florida Conference. As I toured the Children’s Neighborhood yesterday, and spoke with officials regarding license requirements, I could not help but rejoice in my heart at the work this community has done for the sake of its children.
It seems like just yesterday this idea was conceived in the eyes of God’s servants, supported by the churches, and now we have the physical manifestations of their hopes and dreams. What a blessing and witness of what God’s people can do when they partner with one another focusing on a common goal–to provide for children.
The Susanna Wesley House and The Blessings House are nearing completion and are soon to be opened. Thank you so much for each and everyone’s support and the many long hours donated to this goal.
God’s continued blessing to everyone as they have given to “take care of His children”.
In His Service,
Susan R. Simonson, LPC
SW Regional Director
United Methodist Children’s Home
 Coming Home - Steven R. Hubbard will be the new President & CEO of the United Methodist Children’s Home. A native of the South, Hubbard will be returning from his position leading the Sheriffs Youth Programs of Minnesota. |
After many months of seeking and interviewing several excellent candidates, the United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) will have a new Chief Executive Officer on January 14, 2008.
Steven R. Hubbard has accepted the President & CEO position, and the UMCH Board of Directors is very confident that he will bring excellent leadership to this historic and very vital ministry.
Steve is following the great work that has been done by recently retired Interim President, Rev. Joseph (Joe) W. Lisenby, and the timing for the change in leadership is just right for a smooth transition.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead UMCH with its rich and cherished tradition,” Steve said. “I believe in the commitment to serve children and their families, and am proud to be a part of that commitment through the United Methodist Church.”
Steve brings with him a long history and a wealth of valuable experience working with children and youth. Since 2000, he has served as the President/CEO of the Sheriffs Youth Programs of Minnesota, where he led this community-based agency serving children and families in nine sites throughout the state.
Among the many services provided by the Sheriffs Youth Programs, Steve’s professional oversight included residential and group care for children, shelter services, family foster care, and in-home family services.
Prior to moving up north, Steve served as both the Director of Community Services and Director of Residential Services for the United Methodist Children’s Home of North Georgia.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Bellarmine College in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Masters degree (M.S.S.W.) in Social work from the University of Louisville, with specialization in Administration, Organization and Community Development.
Included among his long list of professional accomplishments, Steve was appointed by Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty to serve on the Minnesota Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee from 2007 – 2009. He is also a team leader, peer reviewer and serves as Regional Commissioner for the Council on Accreditation.
“His education and years of experience really speak for themselves,” said UMCH Board Chairman Don Johnston. “But more than that, Steve really has a passion for serving children in need and for leading this Christian ministry to grow and expand. We are very excited to have Steve taking the helm at this time as we face many changes and growth for the future of this ministry.”
Steve is married to Betty, and they have eight children–the youngest are five and 11–and two grandchildren. Betty is close to finishing her Ph.D. in education from the University of Georgia.
Three of their children are adopted, and all of their children and grandchildren live in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
As if their family wasn’t big enough, Steve and Betty also have two dogs, a Black Lab named Bella, and Alaska, a Great Pyrenees.
“I am looking forward to returning home to the South,” Steve said. “I’ve missed exciting college sports, and I’m an avid Braves baseball fan.
“My wife is also looking forward to leaving the cold and the snow, and once again enjoying the sunny warmth of the Southeast.”
Posted by: Patrick McCurry @ 3:47 pm
The West Florida Foster Care Program would like to extend a sincere thank you for all of the support our program has received.
Our program was contracted to license 30 foster home beds by December 31, 2007. With the support of our local churches and community, we have been able to accomplish our goal 2 months early! We currently have 32 licensed foster home beds in 14 foster homes.
Since May of 2006, two of our families have adopted a total of four children, providing them with a loving home forever. We have served 91 children from Northwest Florida who have been abused and neglected.
We would like to thank those who have donated toys, baby items, school supplies, and clothing as well as those who have assisted us in spreading the word about our program through allowing placement of our yard signs, handing out bulletin inserts, or allowing us to speak to your church or civic group.
We purchased a shed over the summer. We have begun filling it with cribs, car seats, baby items, toys, school supplies, and other items to provide to foster parents as they receive new children into their home.
Your continued support is needed as we continue to grow and develop our program. If you are interested in having us speak to your church or small group, becoming a foster parent, donating items to be utilized by our foster homes, or are interested in becoming a sitter for foster parents, please contact us at 850-995-9600 or toll free at 1-877-286-2432.
Submitted by Kristin Webb
Program Supervisor
West Florida Foster Care
e-mail: wffc@umch.net