Posted by: Amy @ 2:48 pm
After several months of detailed discussions and negotiations, the United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) has reached an agreement with Concordia College on the 35-acre property located on Broad Street in Selma, Alabama. The two entities closed on the deal August 12th, and will immediately begin transitioning the property for use by the college.
“We are so excited for the city of Selma, and for the future of our ministry,” said Steve Hubbard, UMCH President & CEO. “To have this deal consummated means that we have a greater ability to continue our expansion of services to children and families, and that Concordia College will be able to make excellent use of the property to serve its growing student body.”
This deal between UMCH and Concordia College has been described as a “win-win” by several Selma city leaders, as it will help UMCH and the college to grow and expand their services, while bringing greater economic growth opportunities to the city of Selma as the young adult population increases on the college campus.
Dr. Tilahun Mendedo, President of Concordia College Selma, outlined the college’s short and long term plans for expansion and use of the property: “Concordia will continue advancing its call of higher education in the 21st century of America. As ‘a pride of Selma,’ Concordia will promote the city’s history and economic advancement by opening more residential dormitories to accommodate 200 students, a public book shop, a public coffee shop, Selma’s scholastic cultural preservation center, and day care program for the community. This will open job opportunities and provide advancement for many Selmians.”
The UMCH Board of Directors began researching in 2006 the need to close its Selma campus in order to better serve the needs of children and families today. This resulted in the decision to sell the property and move its headquarters to the Montgomery area.
“The sale of the Selma property will help put the investments made into our ministry toward serving more children and expanding in more areas in the future,” explained Hubbard. “We will continue to operate eight group homes throughout Alabama and northwest Florida, to recruit and train more foster parents so that more children can be placed in their loving homes, and to work with children still living in their own homes with hopes that their families can stay together.”
“We are grateful to the city of Selma, where thousands of children’s lives were transformed over our 99 years serving here,” Hubbard said. “While it’s sad to move on, we celebrate with Concordia College this important transition for the future of all our young people.”
Selma citizens will begin to see a lot of activity at 1712 Broad Street, as Concordia College begins preparing for its incoming students for the fall semester. Renovations to the buildings are already underway in order to house students as soon as possible.
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 @ 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 @ 10:54 am
From our family to yours … we wish you a very, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
(UMCH President & CEO, Steve Hubbard, is one of Santa’s helpers this year!)
Posted by: Jill @ 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 @ 7:22 pm
We are happy to invite you to the 2009 Alumni Reunion! This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 8th and Friday, October 9th.
Click here for more info and to find a list of suggested hotels in Selma.
We have arranged for a dinner at the Tally Ho Restaurant for Thursday night. Dinner cost is $20.00 per person. If you are bringing a spouse/guest to the 2009 Alumni Reunion, please add an additional $20.00 per person for the Thursday evening dinner and note your guest(s) name(s) on the Registration Form.
Please plan to arrive by 1:30 pm on Thursday, October 8th at the United Methodist Children’s Home Ministry Headquarters on the Selma Campus. We will have a welcome in the conference room followed by a detailed discussion of the United Methodist Children’s Home’s ministry and its future, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm.
Friday morning will begin with continental breakfast at Headquarters, followed by a tour of cottages and the “white house”. We will end with a picnic on the grounds at 11:30 am.
We ask that you R.S.V.P. to Jayra Smith (1-800-239-3575, ext. 249 or jayra@umch.net) as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, October 2, 2009.
We are looking forward to visiting with you all!!
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: Jill @ 8:32 am
On October 20th Debbie Dobbins, LMSW will join UMCH as Chief Programs Officer/Vice President becoming the first woman to fill this key leadership position. Debbie will be responsible for planning, directing and providing oversight for all aspects of UMCH’s programs.
Debbie comes highly recommended and brings a variety of experience, education and knowledge to UMCH. A Master’s of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas; a Master’s of Education from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Relations from Lubbock Christian University combined with a distinguished history of social service experience make her uniquely qualified for this position.
For many years Debbie has worked in various positions having served as a Missionary in Ireland and in various leadership positions including Chief of Social Work at Georgia Regional Hospital Rome, Georgia; Admissions Supervisor and Marketing Coordinator at Kids Peace (Georgia); Assistant Administrator at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch (Texas); and the Director of Foster Care at the United Methodist Children’s Home of Waco (Texas). Debbie is a licensed social worker and former elementary school teacher.
During her tenure at the United Methodist Children’s Home in Texas, Debbie actively participated in the preparation for their COA accreditation visit. This experience will allow Debbie to help us in our preparation for national accreditation in the months ahead.
Posted by: Jill @ 10:14 am
In our From the President feature, our President & CEO, Steve Hubbard, shares his insight and experience.
The United Methodist Children’s Home has embarked on a new beginning! While embracing our rich tradition, the agency is planning for the future – evolving to continue giving the best possible care to all God’s children.
Within the next year, UMCH will apply for national accreditation and place an emphasis on accountability and empirical evidence. UMCH will improve with technology, utilizing a web-based system that will allow us to better document case management and report our results to our staff and supporters.
As we move forward, our Board of Directors approved a new Mission Statement that would succinctly reflect our work within a mission-driven, Christian environment. The Vision and Values better state how dedicated staff will serve all God’s children.
Below are the renewed mission, vision and values of the United Methodist Children’s Home.
To follow the example of Christ by embracing all God’s children…
One child, one family at a time
Vision
Safe Sanctuary
Life Changing
Values
Dedication
Empathy
Integrity
Unconditional Love
Everything we do, and every decision we make for the future of the children entrusted to our care will be driven by our Mission, our Vision and our Values. Please continue to pray for this vital ministry, and join us in our Mission!
Steve Hubbard
President & CEO
Posted by: Jill @ 4:49 pm
The Mission of a Child - Mary Hannah Higgs is pictured with some of the donations that she collected for the United Methodist Children’s Home as part of an enrichment project for school.
In our From the President feature, our President & CEO, Steve Hubbard, shares his insight and experience.
Click here for a photo gallery of this story.
A few weeks ago, Mary Hannah (age 10) started writing via email. She retrieved it off our website. She was working on a school project (4th grade). Her project involved the issues of adoption and foster care.
She chose to specifically earmark UMCH as the subject of her project and the recipient of any donations. She wrote me a number of times and told me that she was adopted. I wrote her back and told her that she was very special to have parents that “chose” her to be their very own.
I also shared with her that I have two young girls that also were adopted and I understood what she was experiencing. I invited her to visit and then didn’t hear from her for a few weeks.
In late April, she wrote me and asked if she could visit the Selma Campus on Friday, May 2. She shared with me that her parents were United Methodist ministers. Mom, Rev. Lonna Higgs, is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Hoover and her father, Rev. Lawton Higgs, is the Associate Pastor at Bluff Park UMC.
Mary Hannah and her mom arrived for a tour of the Selma Campus that Friday. She wore a special dress and carried her pink notebook to write about her experiences. She toured a girls’ cottage, the Chapel, and one of our Babies First cottages.
She brought with her a number of donations that included stuffed animals, clothing, and toys. She and her mom took pictures and then I took the two of them to lunch to learn more about her commitment to her project. She had received special permission to miss school that day in order to complete her project.
We produced a special certificate for Mary Hannah that highlights her dedication to the children and families that we serve. She said that it was a great surprise when her enrichment teacher, Mrs. Ingleright, presented it to her before the school.
She is a very special little girl with a heart for those that we serve and a supporting family that understands the ministry of the Church.
Steve
 Moving Up - Outgoing Interim President & CEO Rev. Joe Lisenby holds up two fishing store gift cards at a farewell lunch in Selma on November 6, 2007. He’ll be returning to retirement after fifteen months as Children’s Home leader, but considers his new job as supporter maybe even more important. |
The past fifteen months have seen this superb ministry continue its good work throughout the area of these two Annual Conferences of United Methodism. In fact, it has expanded!
Before 2007 ends we will be receiving young mothers into the newest Babies First home in Birmingham. We are still hopeful that we can also begin the operation of the Group Home and the Shelter Home on the Children in Crisis campus in Fort Walton Beach by current year end. These are exciting new ministry opportunities that are the culmination of long, long planning processes.
Our leadership team has completed the 2008 operating budget and it has received final approval from the Board of Directors. This budget calls for the expenditure of nearly $10 million to operate the ministry in the next year.
In order for us to spend this much, we have to receive this much!
This budget is based on the United Methodist churches and people of Alabama and Northwest Florida contributing at least $2.6 million in the coming year. We must have that much just to operate all ministries we are committed to operate.
But if we wish to expand what we do, we must exceed that amount. This is our challenge!
As I return to the pew and the full-time task of doing what retired folk do, I will count myself among you who have the responsibility to ensure the continued success of the United Methodist Children’s Home.
| Click here to make an online donation to the Children’s Home…right now. |
We are blessed to have one of the most talented and competent groups of employees that exists in non-profit agencies committed to serving those in need of care and nurture. This outstanding ministry to children, youth and families rests firmly in the powerful tradition of Methodism in Alabama and Northwest Florida.
I invite and urge you to join me in supporting this ministry as it continues forward into the future.
May God continue to bless our effort!
Faithfully,
Joe W. Lisenby
 Among Friends - Rev. Joe Lisenby (front row, center) poses with fellow United Methodist Children’s Home administrative staff outside Grumbles Alley restaurant in Selma. He came out of retirement to serve the ministry as Interim President & CEO for fifteen months. His last day was November 9, 2007. |
Greetings to you from the Children’s Home Headquarters, Selma.
A few weeks ago, I was at home in Greenville, Alabama, enjoying retirement, grandchildren, and doing only those things I really wanted to do, when I wanted to do them. Then came this call from those in charge of the ministry to children and families through this wonderful institution known as the Children’s Home. The best I can determine, “they” knew of my love and passion for this effort to care for those who need help. Having served on the Board of Directors for seven years, and honored to be chairperson of that Board for four of those years, I just couldn’t say “no thanks!”.
So…Here I am, studying budgets for 2007, sorting through files to become half-way knowledgeable about all the good things that the Children’s Home does, trying very hard to plug in to new ministry opportunities, studying the new Board organization, and looking at contracts and more contracts. In the midst of all this, I am meeting and getting to know staff members new to the ministry since my departure four years ago.
What a way to interrupt the peace and calm of retirement!
I am impressed and awed by the ongoing excellence of caring ministry through this institution. I offer thanksgiving each day for the commitment and faithfulness of the employees of the Children’s Home.
My thanks to you for your interest and concern for this excellent effort to be in ministry. I know you are concerned, otherwise you would not be at this site reading this message. I pledge to you that I shall make every effort to make sure we don’t miss any opportunity to be the Spirit of the Living Christ in the lives of children and families in need with whom we have an opportunity to serve. My goal is to ensure that our effort moves forward smoothly so the newly found and hired CEO can come aboard in “smooth seas with good sailing conditions”.
Please pray for us, and support the children and families in our care in every way you possibly can!
Keeping God’s Children First,
Joseph W. Lisenby
Some of you, like Myra and I, walk early in the morning to get in some daily exercise. It is quiet at six in the morning, not many people out and about, often getting to see the sunrise. This morning was a little different. As Christy (my dog) and I made our second trip around the Selma Campus, I saw a little boy, dressed for school, standing by the side of the road watching me as I approached him. Christy was the attraction, not me.
I introduced Christy to Thomas, one of our new boys, about waist high to me. He knelt down to pat Christy and spoke to her, hesitant until he saw her wag her tail in a friendly way. Isn’t it amazing how a dog can be a great conversation starter! Thomas was all dressed for school and had just returned from placing the trash bag in the outdoor can, his morning chore this week.
As we drifted apart, he to his “home”, Christy and I to complete our morning exercise, Thomas turned to me and said, “Do you live here too?”
“Yes,” I replied, “in the house in the curve,” as I pointed toward my home.
How so fortunate we are that we can take for granted such things as where we live. Jesus told several unnamed persons he met on a road: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head.” Later, He told some disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you…” Where? “In my Father’s house…”
We should never forget how blessed we are that Rev. S. P. West of the North Alabama Conference had a vision for a home for children who had none. Quickly joined by clergy of both Conferences, this Children’s Home has been a refuge for thousands of children like thomas. Some came from the streets or only lived in a “house” before coming to our “Home.”
Keeping God’s Children First,
Mike Galloway, President & CEO