Posted by: Ashley @ 1:04 pm
An unused Sunday school room at Andalusia First UMC did not sit empty for long. The ladies at the church filled it up quickly with items collected for the United Methodist Children’s Home.
“The United Methodist Women have turned the room into a supply room for our ministries,” said Pam Wyche, a member of Andalusia First.
The church has collected items for the children in the Therapeutic Foster Care program in Andalusia.
“All of the children receive a “welcome kit” when they first come into the program,” said Supervisor Lyndi Collier. “They receive their own blanket, stuffed animal and toiletry kit which helps in the transition.”
The classroom collection is still in its early stages, Wyche added. School supplies, paper products, stuffed animals and toiletries are just some of the items being collected for the children.
“Currently we have small luggage bags for the kids to carry their belongings in from the different homes,” Wyche said.
The desire to help doesn’t stop there for Andalusia First.
The church has been a tremendous support to Comprehensive Family Support Services (CFSS), also in Andalusia.
“There has never been a time when a need was made known to this congregation that it was not met enthusiastically,” said Carolyn Castleberry, supervisor to CFSS.
Keron Kyzar, a member of Andalusia First, helps to organize a Christmas party for the children of the families served by the United Methodist Children’s Home.
The church provides refreshments, games, crafts and also an appearance by Santa for the foster children and their families.
“This church is one of the best examples I know of where a group of people works so hard to set a Biblical example of ministering to those in need,” Castleberry added.
From: Charles Albeck, Families First Network Team Manager for Santa Rosa County
One of my units recently had a very difficult child who displayed severe mental health behavior. We were attempting to place this child into therapeutic care, but the process can be lengthy. Because of this child’s behavior issues, placement into regular foster care was difficult. We contacted Mae Knox, Supervisor with UMCH, and explained the difficulties this child presents. Ms. Knox presented a very thorough plan that could help temporarily meet the child’s needs until we could secure a therapeutic bed for him.
Ms. Knox and her staff went above and beyond of what was expected to help this child. They were very understanding when dealing with his behavior. The staff maintained constant contact with myself and my staff, which enabled us all to work together to help this child. Most foster care providers we work with would have given up on this child, but the UMCH staff showed nothing but commitment.
Thanks to their effort, this child was able to stay in a stable placement until his therapeutic bed was secured.
My staff and I look forward to continuing a close working relationship with UMCH staff. They have demonstrated to be very caring and compassionate with the children we serve.
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.
“Chaplain’s Corner” is a regular feature written by the Children’s Home chaplain, Rev. LuAnne Wages-Smith
Take a moment and think back. Do you remember your first day of school? How old were you? Did you know what was going on?
It can be very confusing especially for the little ones. My family has the story of my Uncle Vernon who lived right down the street from his school. On his very first day of school he came home three times–at recess, at lunch, and at snack time. He told his mother, “they let me out.” Of course his mother kept taking him back to school.
But in the afternoon once school was over he didn’t come home with all the other children. When my grandmother–we called her “Mama”–arrived at the school, she found him sitting on the steps, dwarfed by the bigness of the building. When asked why he hadn’t come home he said, “Well, every time I come home you bring me back!”
It isn’t just the little ones, though, who get scared and confused that very first day of school. Several of our children graduated from high school last year, or received their GED, and many of them began college in August. But their stories are different.
Like my family, these children also buy new school clothes, get school supplies, go to orientation and then come back and pack their bags. But they don’t spend hours deciding what they want to take to college on that first day. They must take everything they have.
For most college students this is a wonderful and exciting time. They are finally on their own. But for our kids it’s just one more time to start over! This one more time, they will have a new place to hang their clothes, brush their teeth, and a new place to sleep. In most cases they will also have a new roommate–probably one they have never met and did not get to choose.
They won’t ever go back and sleep in their childhood beds again. All of that, and all those they knew are behind them, and they truly are on their own.
I stopped by to deliver some school supplies to one of our college students, and asked if they had eaten. My plans were to take them to lunch somewhere of their choice. My agenda was to let them know that they are not alone, and that we still love them.
What I discovered was that they had eaten in the cafeteria the day before, but it was so big, and they had decided to just cook some noodles and not go back that day. It was just so big and they were all alone.
But they are not alone!!!! Not now and not ever. Their name is written on the palm of God’s hand right next to our names, and our last names are “Christian,” or “Christ’s own,” and WE ARE FAMILY!!!!
I will go back and take others with me. We will invite the director of the school’s Wesley Foundation to join us for supper. We want this student–all of our students–to know that our United Methodist family is still their family.
Namasté and Shalom
LuAnne
Pictured is Hillman Hall, the Children’s Home’s administrative headquarters in Selma, AL.
The United Methodist Children’s Home is carefully making the tough decisions needed for the future of today’s children.
The UMCH Board of Directors has taken a very important and exciting step forward in the advancement of this vital ministry. After several years of comprehensive research and discussions, the Board voted unanimously in July 2008 to move the UMCH Headquarters to the Montgomery/Prattville area. It has been located on the Selma campus since the original home moved from Summerfield, Alabama in the early 1900’s.
“We in North Alabama love our United Methodist Children’s Home,” said Bishop William H. Willimon. “Over the years, we have been privileged to be a part of this ministry. Now, with the move f the Ministry Headquarters to Prattville/Montgomery, we are confident that our beloved Children’s Home will have a vibrant future of service.”
As the ministry has expanded and opened more homes to children – in many other locations across the two Conferences – it has struggled with the limitations of this location while trying to adequately meet the administrative needs in an efficient and effective way. The result of the Board’s thorough study was the determination that the UMCH headquarters would best serve the ministry in a more centralized location. The main benefits for relocating its headquarters are:
* Enhanced efficiency of administrative operations
* Centralization of operations to better connect and serve all 15 UMCH locations throughout the state of Alabama and Florida
* Strengthening the core administrative team and its connection to all UMCH programs
* Continuing the tradition of hiring quality staff by increasing access to highly qualified candidates
* Increasing opportunities for outreach, and enhancing fundraising efforts
Bishop Willimon continues, “One of the things we love about the Children’s Home is that it has kept pace with the needs of children in our state, adapting its ministries to their most pressing needs. This move shows a wonderful willingness to adapt, to change, and to move forward in ministry. We are excited about this new sense of vitality and direction as our Children’s Home embraces a bright future in ministry.”
“With our Mission as our guiding light, we are confident that this unanimous decision was made in the best interest of the children we serve,” said President & CEO, Steve Hubbard. “With change, some discomfort is inevitable. Change is sometimes necessary to maintain this ministry’s long tradition of transforming the lives of young people in need of God’s love and grace.
“Thank you for your continued support, love and prayers for our children and our staff,” said Steve. ”This ministry is far too important to make any changes without careful consideration. You can trust that your Board of Directors has done what is necessary to lead this vital ministry for all God’s children, and continue its strong, century-old tradition of changing lives – young lives that will go on to fulfill God’s great Mission.”
At the Annual Conferences this year, we set up a prayer baskets at our booths. Below are some of the notes that were left in the basket for our children. Thanks so much to all those that cared enough to encourage our children!
Dear Children of God,
Bless you … God loves you!
From the Marianna/Panama City District
Hello,
We think you all will be blessed this day. We wanted you to know we are thinking of you and we can see that smile!
From Mary Boone & Pastor Boone
Hi everyone,
I just wanted you to know that a lot of people care about you. You are in good, safe hands. God is always with you and he loves you very much. You will never be alone.
Hugs,
Corrins
Hey Kiddos!
Stay strong in your faith and in your self! May God be with you!
Love, your friend in Christ!
GOD ROCKS!
Church and God can bring a lot of fun and love into your life. If your family doesn’t go to church, find a friend or teacher to take you. You will have a great time and maybe soon you can take your parents and family with you.
Mrs. Cindy Montgomery, 3rd grade teacher
Give the best that you have to the world and the best will come back to you.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Dear Child,
I thank the Lord for children. I am a father of four children that turned out well. The Lord has always been with me and I hope He will be with you as well. One thing I have learned over the years that is so very important; “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Seek Him above all else and He will provide for all of your needs.
God Bless you,
Frank
Dear Children of God,
Many people love you and pray for you daily. We know that God has a wonderful and important plan for your lives, and we believe that you will find that plan and cooperate with God in making the world a better place.
God Bless You!
Rev. Gillis Crenshaw, Dothan, AL
Dear Children,
Remember always that you are a gift to the world from God. He loves you more than you can ever really realize! You are all special to Him. As you grow stay close to Him and learn His word and live for Him. God Bless You!
Barbara, Uriah UMC
Posted by: Jill @ 10:10 am
On June 14, residents from all of our group homes traveled to Selma, AL, for our annual Awards Day celebration. Below are comments from three of the programs that attended.
The Settlement, Headland, AL
On June 14th the staff and residents from The Settlement in Headland, AL, traveled to Selma to attend the annual awards day banquet honoring residents of the Alabama and West Florida UMCH facilities. The Settlement residents had an opportunity to fellowship with peers from other group homes as well as staff members from the main campus.
Residents learned how developing connections with members of the community can prove to be very helpful in the future, especially when seeking employment, community services and assistance when working toward independent living. The young men from The Settlement won several cash awards for answering Bible drill questions before the awards presentations.
Each one of the boys residing at The Settlement were honored and earned at least one award during the presentations. One of our Transitional Living program residents received several honors. Residents also very much enjoyed the luncheon afterwards. The Settlement has long enjoyed a reputation as being highly competitive and this day was no exception.
The Settlement brought home the plaque for earning the most awards the previous year after winning eleven. This year The Settlement earned a total of twelve awards, but surrendered the plaque to the Scottsboro Girls Home who received thirteen.
Gulf Coast Group Home, Milton, FL
The girls from the Gulf Coast Group Home enjoyed awards day program. Chasity was surprised to receive her 2 awards, as was Jade. The 4 girls who received awards were very pleased to be recognized, and enjoyed seeing and meeting others in foster care too. Besides the long drive (6 hours total) it was a nice day for them to see and hear how hard many of the recipients worked to
receive recogniton for their dedication.
Tuscaloosa Group Home
All residents of the Tuscaloosa Group Home attended the Awards Day festivities in Selma. Two residents won awards ranging from Christian leadership to music. All residents enjoyed the day as some residents were given the opportunity to spend time with family or past friends that they have made from other programs.
Posted by: Jill @ 9:52 am
Foster parents of the West Florida Foster Care program ate and enjoyed a picnic hoseted by the United Methodist Children’s Home in thanks for their dedication to the kids we serve. Pictured are (back row, left to right) Tim Gardner, Keith Vinson, James Stevens, Andrea Short, and Lisa Needham, (middle row) Dalen Gardner, Marybeth Slade, Jeff Slade, Jennifer Allen, Patrick Allen, Chasity Stevens, (front row) Pat Vinson, Ken Paxton and Debbie Paxton.
Submitted by Kristin Webb, Program Supervisor for the West Florida Foster Care Program of the United Methodist Children’s Home.
In an effort to show some our thanks for all of our wonderful foster parents, the Gulf Coast Group Home hosted a Foster Parent Appreciation Picnic for the West Florida Foster Care families on May 17, 2008.
We had a great turn out of families and children in our care. The Gulf Coast Group Home residents did a great job of face painting, keeping drinks and food supplied, and interacting with other foster children so their foster children could enjoy their afternoon.
UMCH would also like to extend a thank you to the Women’s Circle/Lunch Bunch of Gulf Breeze, Target of Pace, Tommy and Dawn Sander’s, Carl Rector, Calvin Holtcamp, Sander’s Brother’s Electric, Emerald Coast Entertainment, Pete Moore Chevrolet, Discount Muffler’s and Brakes of Pensacola, and All Pro Tune-Up of Milton for their generous donations which helped make the picnic a success.
Volunteers from 1st UMC of Pace grilled over 150 hamburgers and hotdogs to feed the crowd. The children enjoyed jumping and sliding on an inflatable bouncer as well as playing with bubbles and making crafts.
Our 20 foster families have cared for more than 100 children in the last year. UMCH appreciates everything they do.
Posted by: Ashley @ 1:47 pm
Touching Soles - Two Shoes founder Helen Musante Cary, left, receives help unloading the shoes her organization donated to the United Methodist Children’s Home from UMCH president and CEO, Steve Hubbard and UMCH executive administrative assistant, Jan Taylor.
Originally printed in The Selma Times-Journal on June 4, 2008 by Deborah Goodwin
Helen Musante Cary is on a mission to touch soles - with shoes.
The Selma native is using her organization, Two Shoes, to cover the feet of children across the state and the region. On Friday, May 30, 2008, Cary delivered 31 pairs of shoes to the United Methodist Children’s Home.
Cary called UMCH President and CEO, Steve Hubbard, and had gotten all the children’s shoe sizes. Hubbard said this was the first time anyone had called him with such a unique request.
“She plans to cover the feet of every child in our agency,” said Jan Taylor, UMCH executive administrative assistant.
Cary said she also plans to deliver shoes to every county in the state. “I’m the last of seven children, so I know what it is to have hand-me-down shoes, so I give new shoes,” said Cary.
Cary has given away 125 pairs of shoes to underprivileged children and adults since February. Two Shoes solicits donations from businesses and individuals. For more information about this organization, call (256) 531-6907.
Posted by: Ashley @ 8:34 am
Sewing Together - Frazer UMC members, Joan Burden, Shirley Dunnavant, Regina Newey and Karen McCaughtry represent “SEW MUCH FUN” ministry. The ladies make clothes for the Babies First program of the United Methodist Children’s Home.
Submitted by E.L. Perry, member of Frazer UMC in Montgomery, Alabama.
They meet each Tuesday night in the sewing room near the Frazer Clothes Closet.
Joan Burden, Regina Newey, Shirley Dunnavant, Karen McCaughtry, Bonnie Temple and Sue Norgard, the “SEW MUCH FUN” ministry of Frazer, are using their God-given creative talents to make clothing for the “Babies First” program of the United Methodist Children’s Home. With facilities in Birmingham, Selma and Mobile, “Babies First” gives needy mothers help in caring for their children.
The new mothers agree to further their education, get a job and care for their baby while the Babies First staff provides financial help, a clean safe loving environment and baby sitting while the mother works and goes to class.
The ladies of Frazer’s sewing group have now delivered two large boxes of hand made clothing for the babies. They are currently working on another lot of holiday attire for the UMCH program.
“Sew Much Fun” is in their fifth year of existence. While there have been as many as 20 women participating in the effort, the current group of six includes three (Joan, Shirley and Regina) who have been in “Sew Much Fun” since its inception. The group offers classes from time-to-time such as smocking and embroidery. Frazer members donate the raw materials such as thread, cloth, etc.
For more information on “Sew Much Fun” contact Joan Burden at jburden818@charter.net or call Pastor Charlie Kendall at Frazer. Donations of thread, cloth or other materials are welcome.
Posted by: Ashley @ 4:27 pm
Batter Up! - Baypines District Superintendent Freddie Outlaw looks on as tournament coordinator Tony Caminiti provides last minute instructions for this year’s Eighth Annual Charity Men’s Slow Pitch Softball Tournament in Daphne, Alabama.
It was a great day on May 31, 2008, at the Eighth Annual Charity Men’s Slow Pitch Softball Tournament in Daphne, Alabama. Tournament organizers collected $2,710 in team fees, concessions and t-shirt sales to benefit the United Methodist Children’s Home.
Fewer teams participated in the event this year, but it was the largest collection in tournament history.
“We should know by now that God can do a lot with just a little!” said Jill West, Director of Development.
Donations as well as volunteer services helped to make the tournament a success. The umpires, Frank Conley and Chris Barton, donated a one game fee.
Amateur Softball Association District 10 Commissioner, Nelson Singleton, also donated the tournament sanction fee. “I try to funnel teams to this tournament because I know it is for a good cause,” said Singleton.
The City of Daphne also played a key role. Athletic Coordinator, Charlie McDavid, helped get the fields donated and lined.
The concession stand was organized by Musial Pearson, Recreational Director at Fairhope United Methodist Church and his wife, Deanna.
“Everybody responded very well and enjoyed doing something for the Children’s Home,” said the tournament’s organizer, Tony Caminiti.
The tournament’s first place winner was First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, led by manager Scott Key.
Second place was won by Daphne United Methodist Church. The team was led by manager Tyson Murray.
Fairhope United Methodist Church won third place. Tony Caminiti was the manager of that team.
Other teams that played were from Jubilee Shores United Methodist in Fairhope, led by manager Hawkins Thomas, and Christ United Methodist in Mobile with manager Bryant Simmons.
“We are hoping next year, these teams, and more will participate,” said Caminiti.
Submitted by Abbi DuBose, Group Home Supervisor of Gulf Coast Group Home in Milton, Florida
We had a very busy summer at The Gulf Coast Group Home! We were blessed by many organizations and/or churches sponsoring camps for our girls to go to this summer! There were lots of opportunities to have fun, make new friends, and learn new things as some of the girls attended either Girl Scout camp, Camp Alfa at Blue Lake, Camp Junaluska in North Carolina, and/or went white water rafting at Coker Creek in Tennessee!
They ended the summer by participating with Woodbine UMC Youth week activities, and also completed a week long class at the University of West Florida on designing a web page. Shopping trips, swimming and attending our local professional baseball team games also kept everyone busy, as well as trips to the library, visiting family, and celebrating 4 resident birthdays over the summer.
School has now started and one of our residents is on the swim team, and plans to stay living at the group home even though she turned 18 on Aug. 23!
Posted by: Ashley @ 10:07 am
Holy rollers - Bikers from Sandy Chapel UMC visit the Children’s Village in Selma for their annual bike rally.
The roar of motorcycles surrounded the Children’s Village in Selma on July 27, 2008 for the Fourth Annual Bikers’ Sunday. Sandy Chapel United Methodist Church in Centreville, Alabama, organized the rally and donated $1500 to the United Methodist Children’s Home.
“The rally is always the last Sunday in July and it has grown each year,” said W. Glenn Walker, the church’s pastor.
The Village was host to over 60 people and 37 motorcycles. The children received gift bags from the bikers and were also able to sit on the bikes and talk with the participants.
“The kids dressed in their matching t-shirts and enjoyed walking around, looking at the bikes and meeting all the bikers,” said LuAnne Wages-Smith, Chaplain at The Village.
The annual charity ride began with worship service at Sandy Chapel UMC with the Sunday offering being donated to the UMCH. Walker added that non-bikers are also welcome to participate with the group.