Posted by: Amy @ 11:23 am
Each year the children living in our group homes are awarded for their progress or accomplishments in the past year at a special event. The 22nd Annual Awards Day Ceremony was held at Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery,
It began with an invocation by Rev. LuAnne Houser, as her last act as UMCH Chaplain. UMCH Chief Operating Officer Debbie Dobbins presented Rev. Houser with a plaque of appreciation for her seven years of service. Rev. Houser began her new appointment as pastor of St. Luke’s UMC in
Mr. Milton Burke was the guest speaker, and all of the children in attendance competed in a game of Bible trivia. After all of the awards were announced, everyone enjoyed a much-appreciated pizza lunch provided by St. James UMC of
All eight of the UMCH residential group homes had individual award-winning residents, who were presented with certificates as well as U.S. Savings Bonds. The Tuscaloosa Group Home received the UMCH Group Home Award because eight of their boys received a total of ten awards.
Posted by: Jill @ 4:26 pm
The
The group performed praise and worship songs while performing a wonderful skit for the home. They also provided each young mother with her own gift bag.
To top off this entertaining evening, Christ UMC provided pizzas, drinks and dessert and ate dinner with the residents and staff. We are so blessed by the talents that God has placed on the adults and youth of Christ UMC. Thanks so much to this special church from
Posted by: Amy @ 3:55 pm
Rev. Lonna Lynn Higgs has been appointed by Bishop Will Willimon to be the new Chaplain of the United Methodist Children’s Home starting in June, 2010. She is a fifth-generation United Methodist pastor and is currently serving as Pastor of Hoover First United Methodist Church in Hoover,
United Methodist Children’s Home President and CEO Steven R. Hubbard says, “We welcome Rev. Higgs to this extension ministry. As our Chaplain, she will serve as a member of our Leadership Team and be responsible for all areas of spiritual growth as it relates to the children and families we serve as well as our staff.”
Rev. Higgs says, “What a privilege to join the Children’s Home Leadership Team as a new era of ministry begins! I look forward to ministry as Chaplain for a diverse and widespread community of children, youth, and staff.”
Rev. Higgs is a graduate of
Rev. Higgs says, “In addition to my first love - ministry with children, I enjoy shaping worship experiences that blend contemporary and traditional elements, interactive teaching, and helping persons of all ages become aware of the connections between mental, physical, and spiritual health.”
Rev. Higgs’ husband, Rev. Lawton Higgs, Jr., is the pastor at
Please join us in welcoming Rev. Higgs to our United Methodist Children’s Home family.
Posted by: Jill @ 3:53 pm
On Sunday, May 2, 2010, representatives from area churches gathered at the Birmingham Babies First Home to take a tour of the newly renovated home and fellowship with friends.
New residents were also on hand to meet the representatives and share a bit about themselves. Our youngest resident, a five month-old boy, was held and played with by nearly everyone in attendance!
We extend a special thanks to the Babies First Advisory Board, Christ Church UMC and
If you, or someone you know, was unable to attend this event, please contact Ashley Anderson at the Development & PR office to schedule a tour or request materials to be sent at no charge. We are also able to set up a speaking engagement with your group to share more about this vital ministry of the United Methodist Children’s Home.
We are excited to announce the birth of a baby boy to the Birmingham Babies First Home. Mom and baby are doing wonderfully and will return to the home this week.
This addition brings the growing family to five moms and two little ones. Please continue to keep our young mothers and babies in your prayers.
Posted by: Amy @ 2:53 pm
Positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development from birth. On Thursday, May 6th, National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day will mark its fifth anniversary, as well as a first-time focus on the topic of early childhood. This is a day for everyone to promote the positive development, resilience, recovery, and health needs of youth and their families.
Communities across the country will observe the day with events, youth demonstrations, and social networking campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and increase understanding of the mental health needs of children and their families. The United Methodist Children’s Home activities for Awareness Day will include our children drawing pictures featuring the theme “My Feelings Are a Work of Art.” Some of this artwork will be shown in the 2011 UMCH calendar.
Awareness Day efforts nationwide will encourage the following: integrating mental health into every environment that impacts child development from birth; nurturing the social and emotional well-being of children from birth; and looking for and discussing milestones of a child’s social and emotional development from birth. This special day demonstrates how children’s mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery and resilience. Awareness Day also shows how children with mental health needs thrive in their communities and raises awareness of effective programs for children’s mental health needs.
Posted by: Amy @ 3:56 pm
Birmingham Babies First, a ministry of the United Methodist Children’s Home, is hosting an Open House on Sunday, May 2, 2010, from 2-4pm. Everyone interested in touring the home is invited to attend with refreshments provided.
Babies First is a home for young mothers who are either pregnant or have a baby, and who wish to raise their child. The home has been open since December, 2007.
Those who attend will be able to take back information to help initiate ongoing support for this ministry. DVDs, brochures and promotional materials will also be available.
The United Methodist Children’s Home Development & PR Office is available to provide resources to churches and groups.
You may also contact the office to schedule a speaker to talk with your church or UMW group. Call Ashley Anderson at 205.951.1978 to order materials or schedule a speaker. Materials are free and will also be shipped free of charge.
Posted by: Amy @ 10:02 am
Carrying on the UMCH tradition started by their friend C. A. “Buzz” Carter during the 1920’s or 1930’s, Clyde and Brenda Cork organized their thirty-sixth Annual Buzz Carter Easter Egg Hunt held on Easter weekend. Every UMCH group home from all over Alabama and West Florida came to participate in the festivities at Camp Sumatanga in Gallant, Alabama, making it the biggest hunt yet. Alabaster First UMC (Alabaster, AL), Christ Harbor UMC (Northport, AL), The Beacon UMC (Kimberly, AL), Henryville UMC (Guntersville, AL), and Gardendale-Mt. Vernon UMC (Gardendale, AL) all contributed funds and prizes for the weekend’s events, and dozens of volunteers from these churches also came to help out with the event. A very special guest in attendance was Clyde Carter, son of the Easter Egg Hunt’s founder Buzz Carter, who came in from Florida for the event and spoke to the group. Buzz Carter was a UMCH-Selma alumnus who, as an adult, organized the Easter Egg Hunt at the UMCH Selma Campus for over sixty years and volunteered at
The festivities kicked off Friday night with a lively performance by the Christ Harbor Praise Band.
Just Cooking, a tireless group of volunteers from Christ Harbor UMC, grilled up burgers and hotdogs for everyone, serving about 175 people in all. The sun came out as more games continued on Saturday afternoon with the youth from the attending churches and our group homes competing in events like the egg toss and three-leg relay. Winning UMCH players received pizza dinner gift certificates for their group homes, and all of our UMCH children took home new backpacks filled with toiletries too. Even the Babies First babies received backpacks filled with baby-appropriate toiletries and a stuffed bear toy. It was a fun-filled weekend, and many attendees felt this year’s event was the best one ever. Thanks to all of those who donated their time, money, and energy! Because of you this event was a huge success, and UMCH really appreciates everyone who made it happen!
Posted by: Jill @ 2:23 pm
Blue skies and beautiful weather helped pack the
Churches from all across the North Alabama Conference attended the event to help the residential group home in
In addition to a wonderful lunch, the children’s choir of Florence First UMC entertained the group with singing and hand bells with direction by Mrs. Linda May.
A special thanks is extended to the North Alabama Clergy Spouses for their dedication and hard work to make this luncheon a success. The United Methodist Children’s Home thanks everyone who had a part in this luncheon.
Posted by: Amy @ 4:37 pm
Our 2009 Satisfaction Surveys came back with excellent results!
The 2009 Resident Satisfaction Survey showed 93% of children placed with UMCH said that UMCH has helped them, and 85% said they would recommend UMCH to another child who could not live at home.
The 2009 Foster Parent Satisfaction Survey showed 100% of foster parents said they are satisfied with the level of support they received from the UMCH staff. 100% also said a UMCH staff member responds quickly when a foster parent has a problem or need, and 100% said they are satisfied with the training they received prior to the placement of a child in their home.
The 2009 Referring Worker Satisfaction Survey showed 98% of workers who referred a child or family to UMCH said they are satisfied with the services provided to that child or family, and 100% of referring workers are satisfied with the competence shown by UMCH staff.
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: 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: Ashley @ 4:24 pm
Birmingham, AL - Kaitlyn and Taylor Russell collected money for the Birmingham Babies First home, a ministry of the UMCH.
Getting the youth involved in mission work is always challenging, but it is at the same time very rewarding. For Kaitlyn and Taylor Russell it just comes naturally.
These sisters took it upon themselves to raise money for Birmingham Babies First, a ministry of the United Methodist Children’s Home. A $50.00 gift card was donated to the program by the girls.
They not only raised money, but also gave out of their allowances. Kaitlyn, who will be in 3rd grade and Taylor, who will be in 5th grade, are members of Lakeview UMC.
The blessings they have provided the Babies First program reaches far deeper than a monetary amount. This selfless act shows all of us what an impact we have on all of God’s children.
Thank you to Kaitlyn and Taylor! They are truly examples in Christ.
Posted by: Ashley @ 4:12 pm
With the heat upon us and vacations being planned, the United Methodist Children’s Home would like to extend an offer to help your church this summer!
We can provide a speaker to share about the UMCH while you are on vacation!
Just call the PR & Development office at (205) 951-1978 and provide the date and time and we will handle the rest! It is easy and it benefits a wonderful ministry!
Please call today to help us spread the word about all of God’s children who need our help.
Posted by: Ashley @ 2:56 pm
Odenville, AL - Low Gap UMC enjoyed a beautiful day at their annual yard sale to benefit the United Methodist Children’s Home.
It is the time of year for spring flowers, blooming trees and yard sales!
Members of Low Gap UMC began setting up early Saturday morning for their annual yard sale to benefit the United Methodist Children’s Home.
Peggy Vann, a member of Low Gap UMC, said although they are a small church, “in the past, we have made approximately $2,500 at this yard sale.”
It is a blessing to know how our local churches are helping to support the children year-round. Thank you to the members of Low Gap UMC!
Posted by: Ashley @ 11:39 am
Baby wipes, diapers, powder, and shampoo are just a few of the items donated to the Birmingham Babies First home. The difference in this donation to others the home has received is that this one was delivered by a rental truck!
“We cannot thank the North Alabama Conference UMW enough for such an outpouring of support,” said Ashley Anderson, Senior Development Specialist for the United Methodist Children’s Home.
The North Alabama Conference United Methodist Women chose Birmingham Babies First, a ministry of the UMCH, as its “hands-on” mission project this year. Over 180 boxes were delivered to the home.
The group met at Camp Sumatanga for the 2009 Spiritual Enrichment Retreat and were asked to donate items for the babies and mothers at the home. This year’s theme for the retreat, “Directions for Life,” could not have been more appropriate for the families that are being served at Babies First.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the retreat. Your prayers and support enable this ministry to thrive!
Posted by: Jill @ 2:47 pm
Posted by: Ashley @ 1:32 pm
Although there is still chill in the air, golfers are warming up their swings for the second annual Birdies for Charity.
The United Methodist Children’s Home is participating once again in this program through the Regions Charity Classic.
“Even if you aren’t necessarily a fan of golf, it is easy to get excited about the Children’s Home,” said Ashley Anderson, Senior Development Specialist for the UMCH.
This fundraiser allows donors to pledge a dollar amount per-birdie or a flat donation for charities.
“Friends of the UMCH may donate directly to the Birdies for Charity website and we will receive 100% of the donations generated,” said Anderson. Pledge cards are also available at the Public Relations & Development office in Birmingham.
“The top three charities will also receive bonus money from the Birdies for Charity program,” said Anderson. “It would be wonderful for the United Methodist Children’s Home to receive an additional $10,000!”
As an added incentive to donors, each person who makes a pledge will be given the opportunity to guess the total number of birdies made by the Champions Tour players during the tournament.
The grand prize this year for guessing the birdies is a getaway package at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida.
“We will also be giving away day passes to the tournament,” said Anderson. The Executive Club tickets are good for any one day of the tournament.
The tournament runs from May 13-17, 2009 at Ross Bridge in Hoover, AL. To make a donation to Birdies for Charity, Click Here For United Methodist Childrens Home
Posted by: Ashley @ 2:35 pm
The ladies of Rocky Mount UMC in Jemison, Alabama donated their time and talents to make beautiful quilts, baby clothes and booties for the residents of the Birmingham Babies First home, a ministry of the United Methodist Children’s Home.
“I started doing this about 10 years ago,” said Martha Newman, who at 83 years old, did much of the hand-sewn work. “It gives me something to do.”
Newman and her daughter, Betty Janney, were able to take a tour of the home when they recently brought all of the beautiful baby items.
Janney noted that all the ladies of Rocky Mount UMC pitched in to help. “It was a lot of fun putting all of this together.”
Thanks to the ladies of Rocky Mount UMC for all of their hard work!
Posted by: Ashley @ 10:54 am
Christmas in September - Joey Shelton, manager of the KB Toys store at The Galleria, displays the PlayStation and toys recently donated by the retail store and its customers.
“Wow!”
“Sweet!”
“Awesome!”
These are just a few of the responses from the boys at the Florence Group Home after receiving a donated PlayStation with games from KB Toys.
“The boys could not wait to hook it up and get started on it,” said Laura Manning, the home’s supervisor. “Everyone wanted to be the first.”
KB Toys contacted the United Methodist Children’s Home’s Public Relations and Development office in early May of this year to offer a donation of toys. This donation has been an ongoing effort from the retail toy store at The Galleria in Hoover, Alabama.
“We love the opportunity to help and share the generosity through different children’s programs,” said Cyndi Eaton, KB Toys district manager. “Customers of KB Toys have also played a key role in donating dollars to the store which are then added to gift cards.”
The gift cards then purchase toys and learning games for all ages of children served by the UMCH. From Barbie dolls to puzzles, all of the UMCH programs have been able to benefit from this outpouring of support.
“Birmingham Babies First is so thankful for KB Toys,” said Elise Smith, group home supervisor for the home. “They have provided our babies with so many items that keep them busy and entertained!”
We thank KB Toys and its customers for all the support and encouragement of the United Methodist Children’s Home!