Posted by: Amy @ 9:10 am
School is about to start! Our children come to UMCH from some extremely tough situations, and we ask that you keep them in your prayers as they meet the challenges a new school year brings. We encourage our children to find their individual interests and talents through education, and we make sure they are able to participate in the activities that help them pursue personal growth. Your gifts allow them to grow and blossom into the life that God intends for them.
Keierrik is 16 and has a history of aggression, fighting, and school suspensions. But since living in our Tuscaloosa Group Home, he has learned tools for anger management and that there are consequences for his actions. By the end of the school year, Keierrik improved his grades and made the football team. He will enter the eleventh grade this fall, and everyone is amazed at his progress.
Daeisha dropped out of school in eighth grade and became pregnant at 15. She and her son Tre’Shaun live at our Mobile Babies First program. Daeisha tested so well when obtaining her GED that she was not required to take college entrance exams and was automatically able to enroll in college! Though she is still only 17, Daeisha will be starting her second year at Bishop
Keierrik and Daeisha are living proof of God’s gracious and powerful love through their talents and accomplishments. With your help, we can provide for all our children the opportunities to achieve their goals and realize the better life God has planned for them! Friends like you are essential to their success, and we truly appreciate your prayers and faithful support.
Keierrik
Posted by: Amy @ 8:54 am
A wonderful former therapeutic foster parent Ms. Minnie Richards passed away on February 2, 2010. The United Methodist Children’s Home remembers her for the tireless effort she made on behalf of children in her care. Ms. Richards was licensed by UMCH Therapeutic Foster Care on November 29, 2000. Nominated by the UMCH Southeast Therapeutic Foster Care, Ms. Richards was awarded the Alabama Association of Child Care Agencies (AACCA) Foster Parent of the Year Award on January 8, 2007 in Clanton,
She never turned down a request to take a child, and excelled in providing care for teenagers, an age group for whom it is often difficult to find a foster home. Ms. Richards was instrumental in helping children either return home or move on into independent living. She worked extensively with biological families, welcoming them into her home and teaching them basic parenting and housekeeping skills so the family could be reunited.
Ms. Richards also worked tirelessly, for numerous years, with a sibling group of teenaged sisters. She taught these girls independent living skills, but allowed them each to remain in her home until they were prepared to move out independently. Ms. Richards continued to assist these women after they left her care, and was the guardian for one of the sisters who is developmentally disabled. When she retired from taking on any new therapeutic foster children on November 24, 2008, she still had a child who had been stepped down to traditional foster care in her home.
“God makes people for different things,” Richards said. “And, if you accept His plan for you, things just fall into place. This is my place. I would recommend being a foster parent to anybody who feels that is their calling. Being a foster parent is a blessing.”
Ms. Minnie will be missed by many, and we appreciate everything she did to support and care for the children of UMCH in her many years as a foster parent.
Edited from article by Jaine Treadwell, The Messenger (
Ms. Minnie Richards
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: 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 @ 11:23 am
Sulligent High School principal Craig Weeks never dreamed that he would be on his way to becoming a foster parent. But concern for a student in his school drove him take action. Every day he is responsible for the safety and well-being of hundreds of high school students.
“I wasn’t even interested,” said Mr. Weeks. “But when I realized that Chris was going to have to leave the care of the UMCH because he didn’t have a foster family, that’s what did it for me. UMCH has done way too much for Chris and they still have a lot to offer him.”
Mr. Weeks was talking with Janice Hawkins our Northwest Therapeutic Foster Care supervisor when he asked about Chris’ long-term future plans. At that point she suggested the he take on the challenge himself and become the boy’s foster dad.
Going from being a dad with two grown children out of the house to now taking in a new son will be an adjustment, but Chris and Mr. Weeks both seem excited and ready. Chris will be making some adjustments as well. The foster family that he has been living with lives out in the country; but not Mr. Weeks.
“I live in the city right off of highway 278. His freedom will be limited a little bit, he won’t be able to roam around as much and he’ll have to learn a different way of living. Here there are different types of people…but he’ll be able to see different places and have new experiences.” said Mr. Weeks.
We are so thankful that people like Mr. Weeks put their love and concern into actions. A boy’s life will be truly changed because of the efforts of this high school principal. Becoming a mentor and a hero to a young man in need will certainly change his life as well.
“The teachers kid me that he’s already my kid because they know that I’m always taking care of him,” said Mr. Weeks with a laugh.
Posted by: Jill @ 3:51 pm
During the week of July 13th, Josh, one of the residents of the Tuscaloosa group home, invested his time learning to play the blues from local
The Alabama Blues Project is a non-profit organization which was formed in 1995. Its mission is to aid in, “the preservation of blues music as a traditional and contemporary art form through interactive programs that educate and entertain.” Johnny Shines, a deceased native
During his week at
“We’re planning on enrolling him in music lessons in the fall.” said Sasha. “We’ve got lots of local resources with the university’s
UMCH is proud that this young man is taking advantage of resources in his local community to aid him in his musical development. The ability to learn and grow from new experiences is an important character trait we strive to encourage in all of the children in our care.
Posted by: Jill @ 10:24 am
Saturday, June 13th was Awards Day for the children at the United Methodist Children’s Home. Young people from our Scottsboro,
The ceremony began at 10:30am with a prayer and opening remarks by our Chaplain Rev. Luanne Houser. Afterwards, Steve Hubbard UMCH’s President & CEO congratulated the residents on their achievements and encouraged them to embrace education as a platform for success. Mr. Milton Burke was the key note speaker. He asked the young people to really think about setting goals for themselves and working hard to meet them.
Mr. Burke encouraged everyone in attendance to, “Learn from your mistakes, learn from what you do well, learn about your passions, figure out why you believe what you believe. Everyone is responsible to learn, lead, and succeed.”
That afternoon Mr. Burke and his assistant gave away 45 awards to deserving children from all our residential care centers. Awards were given for excellence in the areas of academics, music, visual art, sportsmanship, and personal character. The Scottsboro home took home the most awards and was thus given the title of Best All-Around Home.
Every child who received an award couldn’t help but beam with pride. One boy who didn’t receive any awards this year pointed to the list of awards and said, “Next year I’m going to win this one, and this one, and this one, you just wait and see.”
Thank you St. Andrew’s UMC, you truly inspire our young people to work hard and do their best!
On Saturday April 11th teenage volunteers and their youth leaders climbed trees and crawled under rocks in an effort to make the 35th Annual Buzz Carter Easter Egg Hunt, on UMCH’s Selma campus, as challenging and fun as possible. At 10am the volunteers gathered in our chapel to receive direction and begin to hide the eggs.
By 11am the air was thick with anticipation as the campus bell was rung and young adults and children from UMCH lined up ready for the hunt. The volunteers had stuffed the eggs with spending money and the participants were already dreaming about how they would spend their cash. When the word was given they rushed out onto the lawn snatching the multi-colored eggs.
Clyde Clark, the event organizer and member of Gardendale-Mt.Vernon United Methodist Church, gave away 12 four-piece sets of luggage to children who found golden eggs. After the hunt was over Cooks for Christ grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for everyone. Over lunch several of the teenage girls from one of the Selma cottages discussed going to get their nails done with a portion of their new-found treasure. During this discussion their house mothers were quick to encourage them to put some of the money away into their savings accounts.
After lunch residents from the Settlement, the Selma cottages, and the Tuscaloosa Group Home competed in an egg toss and a relay race. They were vying for four $50 Pizza Hut gift certificates. They shared some laughs, cheered in support of their friends, and enjoyed ice cream out on the lawn.
Teenagers and adults from Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, Christ Harbor United Methodist Church, and The Beacon United Methodist Church made this spring Saturday special for our UMCH residents. They showered our residents with gifts in celebration of the resurrection of Christ. That’s eggs-traordinary!
Posted by: Jill @ 2:58 pm
Stop for a moment … and imagine you are a child again.
Imagine what it might feel like to be moved from home to home, not knowing where you might live or who will care for you? Imagine the fear and sadness of feeling unwanted … unloved.
This happens to many children today … and many of them come into our care.
It is truly amazing how God worked through many people – social workers, Children’s Home staff, and compassionate supporters like you – to bring Samuel to a loving, stable home. Through this ministry, God found a way to keep Samuel close to his siblings. He guides us to follow the example of Christ so the children can discover God’s unconditional love for them, and the comforting reassurance that someone cares for them.
At Easter, we remember the darket time in our Savior’s life on Earth. We also celebrate His overcoming the darkness … Rejoice! He lives! The children touched by our ministry can begin to understand the power Jesus has over darkness, and how He can lead His children to a greater, hope-filled future. God is … and will always be their Father. He will never leave them!
In the time he’s been with us, Samuel has really come ‘into his own’. He is much more outgoing, has played football, has taken a leadership role at school, and was selected to travel to
How awesome it would be for Samuel and his siblings to find a family to adopt them. If it is God’s will, we are faithful that He will work through the Children’s Home ministry to make that happen!
Until that time, we ask for your prayers for Samuel and the more than 250 children in our care each day. Your gifts truly keep this ministry strong, and help to bring children out of darkness … and into the light of Jesus.
We are so blessed that even during tough economic times, loving people like you continue to think of our children’s needs … and remain generously faithful to them. Thank you for your gifts! You may never meet Samuel, but in your heart you’ll know that he is showered with God’s grace because of you.
P.S. More children like Samuel are coming to live with us, and our homes rely on your gifts to minister to each of them. Send your Easter gift today … the simple act of giving transforms the life of a child! Imagine what your gifts will do!
Give online now
Posted by: Jill @ 11:00 am
Home Sweet Home - Our newest UM Children’s Home is located in Crestview, Florida and will serve up to 24 adolescent children and teens.
God continues to move and guide the United Methodist Children’s Home ministry, as He has blessed us with several incredible opportunities to expand in Florida.
In 2006, Children in Crisis, a non-profit entity founded to raise funds to construct a children’s village in Ft. Walton Beach, sought out the help of UMCH. CIC asked to contract with UMCH because of our established reputation and our proven successes in caring for abused and neglected children. UMCH agreed to help, and obtained a state license to operate an emergency shelter and group home in the newly constructed CIC facilities.
UMCH operated both programs with great success, and upon the expiration of the contract with CIC, UMCH assisted them with obtaining their own license to operate. As of Friday, February 6th, CIC is an independently-operated agency caring for young children.
This transition allows UMCH to expand even further in Florida to reach older children who are much harder to find homes for due to their age and behaviors related to trauma stemming from their childhood. Our newest home in Crestview is set to open in April, and will serve adolescents and teens suffering the pains from abuse and neglect … and in desperate need of a stable, loving and Christ-centered home.
“This will be one of our largest single homes,” said Steve Hubbard, UMCH President & CEO. “We will be able to serve up to 24 children in this home, and give the special loving care that our ministry has traditionally provided.”
The facility is located in a residential area, but very close to schools, medical care, and other services that will be needed for the children living there. Renovations are almost complete, and soon will be fully staffed to serve adolescent-age children with special emotional needs.
Area Methodist churches are already rallying their support around this home. Crestview First UMC has been hard at work, and plans to host an Open House and Shower to help provide the many needs for this home. Also, groups from this mission-minded church are planning to help provide new mattresses for the 24 twin beds needed.
Woodbine UMC is also getting involved. Its motorcycle ministry members, W.O.R.D. (Woodbine Outreach Riding Disciples), have expressed their desire to help decorate at least two of the children’s rooms! And … New Bethel UMC is planning on adopting a room as well!
UMCH is very grateful for all of the love and support we’ve received in the Pensacola District as we follow God’s lead in continuing to grow His ministry to ”the least of these among us” in the Florida region. He has always blessed this ministry through His many servants, and we are faithful that His hand will continue to move people to action in Crestview!
Keep visiting our website to follow the progress of our new home for children, and find out how you can get involved.
Posted by: Jill @ 11:50 am
The loving, Christian ladies of Crestview First United Methodist Church are planning to host a shower to help furnish and supply our newest group home in Crestview, Florida. The whole community is invited to participate — it does in fact take a village!
The shower is planned for Saturday, March 7th, from 10:00am - 12:00pm, at the location of our new facility (120 Duggan Avenue). We will be registered at Target and Walmart, so a list of needed items can be obtained and easily purchased through these two places. All items for the facility should be new. You can go to Walmart and Target websites and look up “UM Children Home Crestview” to purchase items from the regstries and have them sent directly to the home.
Or … plan to attend the shower! The new home will be open for touring, and you’ll have an opportunity to meet our staff and personally welcome them to the community.
For more information on this event, please call the Crestview First UMC office at (850) 682-2018. Members Paula Kerns and Linda Campbell are leading the efforts. Our thanks go out to them and their wonderful church family who sprung into action to help us get up and running!
Posted by: Jill @ 10:22 am
A home that radiates the transforming love of Christ, wider community impact, and witnessing life change are just a few of the things that the United Methodist Children’s Home is looking forward to seeing as we anticipate the projected opening of our newest group home in Crestview, FL on April 1st. But there is still plenty of work to be done before the home can begin housing children.
“We are working closely with the Department of Children and Families in getting the facility ready,” said Debbie Dobbins, UMCH Chief Programs Officer & Vice President.
Preparing the facility for state inspections and licensure is the next order of business. The home must meet fire and health standards so that it will be a safe and clean place for adolescents from the surrounding area to flourish.
The 12 bedrooms in this facility need to be decorated! Please contact us if your church would be interestes in sponsoring one of the rooms. With everyone in the community getting involved and surrounding this home with love … we can truly bless the children that will be brought into our care in Crestview.
Posted by: Jill @ 3:44 pm
Our children are getting very excited about this special time of year … when there is always such an outpouring of kindness and love for them from our many supporters like you.
Lillian is busy making her wish list for Santa. But her mother is already receiving her wish thanks to the “Babies First” ministry of the Children’s Home. Because of your loving support, she and her daughter live in safety. She and her beautiful daughter have hope for their future. What an amazing gift you are helping to give … to children and families you haven’t even met!
While Lillian and all of our children look upon their grace-filled lives with hope … we must let you know that right now, there is a feeling of uncertainty at the Children’s Home … and we need your help.
So many changes need to take place in order for us to continue our strong tradition of serving all God’s children. The economic downturn in our country has affected us. We ask for your prayers as we work through the needed transitions and cost reductions in order to keep this ministry strong for the 250 children we serve daily.
Also, prayerfully consider sending your end-of-the-year gift today. You are the reason we are confident that no matter what happens in these days of hardship … miracles will continue to happen for Lillian, her mother, and all of our blessed children.
We are thankful to have such strong support among our family in Christ, and we are certain that you will not forget our children and their needs … especially during these difficult times.
Posted by: Jill @ 3:13 pm
The United Methodist Children’s Home has come a very long way in its 118-year history of fostering love and providing a Christian environment for every child.
From its original location in Summerfield, Alabama to currently 15 residential group homes, four transitional living homes, and more than 70 therapeutic foster homes spread across the states of Alabama and West Florida, the Children’s Home ministry has done more than just grow…it has prospered!
The “Alabama Methodist Orphanage” was founded in 1890 by the North Alabama and Alabama-West Florida Conferences of the United
As the needs of the children change, UMCH continues to evolve right along with them. This ability gives the Children’s Home ministry its strength … to grow, expand and continue to do God’s work.
“In the last twenty years, there have been some tremendous changes in the field of child care,” said Steve Hubbard, UMCH President & CEO. “The states of
“But the children that are referred to us are truly ‘the least of these’ among us,” said Steve. “And we will do whatever it takes, no matter how difficult, to provide the safe and loving home they deserve. That is our tradition.”
Regardless of the changes, expansion or challenges that may be faced, we are certain of one thing: we will continue our strong tradition through our mission:
To follow the example of Christ
by embracing all God’s children…
one child, one family at a time.
This mission stands as a promise to those we have served in the past … and to those whom we will have the blessing of serving in the future.
(See the full article in the 2009 1st Quarter issue of the UMCH publication, HeartPrints)
Posted by: Ashley @ 3:46 pm
Selma, AL - Alumni unite to share stories and memories while learning of the growth at UMCH.
Alumni came together in Selma September 26th & 27th to reunite, and learn about the future of UMCH.
The small group of alumni gathered Friday night for dinner at the historic St. James Hotel in downtown Selma, Alabama, and enjoyed a wonderful home-cooked meal and joyful fellowship. Many of the attendees lived on the Selma campus in the 1940s - 1960s, and they shared wonderful memories with the UMCH staff of their time growing up at the Children’s Home. On Saturday, they met with the UMCH leaders to celebrate the past, and to learn about the exciting future of this ministry.
There were many stories and much laughter shared as the alumni members looked back on the time in their lives that this ministry gave them hope, love and comfort. And although the Children’s Home is much different now than it was back then, they left with the excitement of where the ministry is going.
Ultimately, the one thing that will never change is the ministry’s mission to serve children. Even if changes must be made to the programs, locations, and staff, the alumni were assured that all changes were going to strengthen this ministry to serve the children of today … and provide for them the same hope, love and comfort so that God can work through this ministry to transform their lives.
Posted by: Jill @ 1:23 pm
“Chaplain’s Corner” is a regular feature written by the Children’s Home chaplain, Rev. LuAnne Wages-Smith
If you have a few minutes, I have a survey I would like for you to take.
Don’t you just hate conversations or phone calls that begin that way? Well, if you do have a few minutes I would like for you to think about a few things with me, and maybe even answer a few questions.
Think back over your life. Ok, how many times have you moved? If I asked you to envision your childhood bedroom would you have a lot to choose from or just one to remember? As a child did you ever live with anyone who was not a family member?
When you think back over your childhood would you say you knew you were loved? At Christmas time were you ever afraid Santa couldn’t find you? And one more—when you saw pictures of Jesus with the children, were you the one in his lap or the one at the back of the crowd?
For many of the children and youth who come through our doors these are very painful questions. They have moved so many times and have lived with different families and in different settings. Their pictures aren’t on anyone’s dresser, and they are only 5 or 8 or 10 years old.
There was a family we serve that had three siblings. The youngest was 8 years of age, and they had been in 12 different places—sometimes together and other times apart. They would always tell each other goodbye whenever they went different places for fear that they would not see each other again. They live their lives as constant visitors, always searching for home and having no idea where to find it.
As their chaplain, I have learned, through the pain in their eyes, about a life where you make your own way, protect yourself with a hard shell around you, don’t hope and never allow yourself to love. They become self centered, angry and violent at times, and will tell you that they don’t need anybody in their lives—that they are fine by themselves. They are very believable until you look into their eyes. The emptiness you find stops you cold.
The message that I share with them is very simple and gentle…
“God has your name written on the palm of His hand. You are a biological child of God, not a foster child, and nothing can ever change that fact. And one more thing—Jesus’ greatest desire is to hold you in his lap, where you belong.”
Namasté and Shalom
(Namasté means, “The Christ in me recognizes the Christ in you.”)
Posted by: Jill @ 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.”
 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: Jill @ 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.