1. family and parenting
2. children

Sunshine
The magazine of Methodist Children’s Home
A
Summer
of
Opportunity
Methodist Children’s Home youth spend
time building relationships and serving
others during busy summer months.
Fall 2008
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
Benefactors serve important role
in the success of this ministry
Thank you for your continued support of the ministry at Methodist Children’s Home. I
hope you are encouraged by the stories and photographs featured in this issue of Sunshine.
The success of our graduates, summer program and daily care of more than 1,000
children and youth is possible because of our many benefactors who help us do more
than just talk about hope. Through the prayers and gifts of our friends, our staff is
empowered to offer at-risk children from Texas and New Mexico life-changing
opportunities.
“Through the prayers and
gifts of our friends, our
staff is empowered to offer
at-risk children from Texas
and New Mexico lifechanging opportunities.”
Education is one way we impact the lives of young people. On the Waco campus, 133
boys and girls are attending classes at the Home’s charter school, and more than 40
children are attending Waco I.S.D. schools. At the Boys Ranch, 40 students are enrolled
at the on-campus Fern Cone School, and nine youth are participating in a pilot project
to attend Axtell High School, located near the Ranch. Add to this the children we serve
through private foster care and community services across Texas and New Mexico, and
you can see that it has been a busy start to the new school year.
Fostering an environment where children grow physically, mentally and spiritually is an
awesome responsibility. Our staff can accomplish this goal by focusing on the strengths
of children, not their shortcomings. We help young people find solutions, not dwell on
problems. We are not afraid to expect greatness from our children. And, most importantly,
we offer a multitude of opportunities for children to encounter the hope we know comes
through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I believe Methodist Children’s Home is successful because we are blessed to have an
overwhelming number of staff members and volunteers who take seriously their role to
model the Gospel message for our young people in all aspects of our programs. This has
been our mission since 1890, and thanks to our benefactors, our staff and God’s guidance,
we continue to fulfill this high calling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Thank you for your friendship and support of this ministry.
For His children,
Bobby Gilliam
MISSION STATEMENT
Methodist Children’s Home offers hope to children, youth and families
through a nurturing, Christian community.
METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Waco, Texas
Cayden, left, and Cameron wait patiently for their turn on the slide during the foster care retreat
at Methodist Children’s Home June 20-21. The Home’s community services department hosts the
annual event to provide training and a time of fellowship for foster care families. MCH serves
nearly 200 children in Texas through its foster care program.
Bobby Gilliam
President
Joe Bailey
Senior Vice President for Finance
Judy Broadway
Vice President for Human Resources
A look inside
Tim Brown
Vice President for Community Services
2 Cover Story: A Summer of Opportunity
Moe Dozier
Vice President for Residential Services
8 Counting his blessings
Trey Oakley
Vice President for Development
Sunshine is a quarterly publication produced by the
Development Department. Send letters
and change of address to:
Methodist Children’s Home
1111 Herring Avenue
Waco, Texas 76708
Phone: 254-753-0181
E-mail: [email protected]
9 New education, recreation program
meets needs of Waco youth
10 MCH youth participate in national
leadership event
13 Class of 2008
About the Cover
Andrea delivers meals to a local resident
as part of her volunteer service to Waco’s
Meals on Wheels program.
Bryan Mize, Public Relations Director
Carrie Anderson, Community Relations Officer
1
A Summer of Opportunity
For most youth, summertime is a much-
have more free time to get out on campus, go
anticipated season filled with part-time jobs,
to recreation and intramurals at the pool, and
poolside relaxation and family vacations. It is
go on trips off campus.”
no different for young people at Methodist
From summer school, part-time jobs and
Children’s Home. However, the summer is also
internships to community service, mission trips
a time when youth experience unique learning
and camp experiences, MCH residents are
opportunities.
always trying something new. Following are
“Summer is the best time of the year,” said
Tarrah, an MCH resident. “I love it because we
some examples of what kept the Home’s youth
engaged and entertained this past summer.
Pictured at top: Porshay helps organize a clothing room at Texas State Technical College in Waco. MCH youth on the Waco campus and at the Boys
Ranch combine their efforts to provide more than 10,000 hours of community service during the summer. Pictured at bottom: Stephen, Trent and
Slayton enjoy a Boys Ranch trip to SeaWorld in San Antonio. Staff and youth in home units plan special trips throughout Texas during the summer.
2
Sunshine
COVER STORY
MISSION TRIP:
MCH youth share time, talents
to meet needs in East Texas
In June, several Methodist Children’s Home youth joined with other
students from Central Texas as they committed their week to painting,
scraping and building so that those less privileged in Tyler, Texas,
could have a second chance.
Hosted by Central Texas Conference Youth in Missions, the
Tyler trip was one of several planned by the organization. CTCYM
provides annual mission opportunities to over 2,000 youth from
Central Texas.
Tyler participants were divided into several work teams of five
students and two adults, and then they were sent to work sites to
build wheelchair ramps, scrape and paint houses, landscape and
roof homes.
Ally, a spunky MCH resident, remembers the hard work of
restoring and reclaiming a neighborhood park.
“We cut shrubs and vines on the edge of a rundown park and
did a lot of mowing and raking,” she said. “We also scraped and
painted benches, and it was pretty rough because it was so hot.”
Through all the labor and sweat, the work team adults
intentionally encouraged Ally’s leadership abilities.
“My leader, Pastor Alan, was very encouraging of my ability to
speak to others,” she said. “Everywhere we had contact with people,
I did the talking.”
One of the goals of CTCYM is to provide an environment where
students can gain leadership skills and personal confidence through
service. For Ally, the empowerment she experienced from her team
leaders opened new doors for ministry.
When their work at the park got rained out one afternoon, Ally
took charge.
“After taking a break, our group decided we wanted to do
something more to help someone,” Ally said. “I went through the
phone book and the first thing I saw was the number for the East
Texas Food Bank. So I called them and asked if we could come in
and work, and they said, ‘Yes!’”
After touring the food bank, Ally’s team spent several hours
sanitizing tubs used for food donations.
“We were very proud of ourselves,” she said. “Other teams
didn’t know what to do when it rained, but we were committed to
find something to do.”
MCH chaplain Steve Heyduck was one of several chaperones
on the trip. Although it was his 11th trip with CTCYM, he was
especially impressed with the participants this year.
“The work was eight to five,” he said, “yet, it was rare to have
any kid, or adult for that matter, complain. They were there to work,
Ally and other MCH youth met a variety of needs in the Tyler area through
a mission trip hosted by Central Texas Conference Youth in Missions.
so much so that if they got rained out, they found other work to do.”
Calvin, an MCH resident who also attended the trip, enjoyed
interacting with the people he served. One woman, who was too
sick to care for her property, sat on her porch and talked to him
while he built her a wheelchair ramp.
“It is amazing how we could bring a smile to someone’s face,”
he said. “We were doing such small things.”
Calvin remembers the woman’s gentle smile and thankful heart.
“Every day we came back she told me how thankful she was for
all we did,” he said.
Seeing poverty firsthand allowed Calvin to reflect on his future.
“Getting opportunities like the mission trip helps to keep me on
track,” he said. “It is a constant reminder of how much I have been
given and that I can do anything in my future with God’s help.”
For Ally, this trip was about learning to be selfless.
“It was good to get ‘out of the box’ and realize that this is what
a mission trip is about – helping others,” she said. “It is interesting
to see things in a different light because we are given so much at
Methodist Children’s Home.”
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Waco campus, Boys Ranch youth
discover joy in serving others
MCH residents are involved in service to the community throughout
the year, but the flexibility of the summer schedule enables youth
to assist others by offering ongoing and time-intensive service.
Each summer, homes on the Waco campus and Boys Ranch
Continued on page 4
“It was good to get ‘out of the box’ and realize that this is what
a mission trip is about – helping others.”
Ally, MCH resident
Fall 2008
3
Karen Melton (standing, second from right), recreation coordinator at Methodist Children’s Home, and other staff and youth show their support for
participants following a water volleyball match. Home units competed against each other during the summer intramural program.
choose to focus on several community service projects. From mowing
the lawn of an elderly friend to cleaning up weeds at the World
Hunger Farm, MCH youth make a difference across Central Texas.
Most organizations MCH works with in the Waco community
openly welcome all volunteers, but when they hear that Methodist
Children’s Home youth are coming, they get particularly eager.
Elizabeth Zorn, director of Meals on Wheels for the Central
Texas Senior Ministry in Waco, appreciates the work of dedicated
MCH youth.
“We have been so impressed with the kids from Methodist
Children’s Home,” said Zorn. “They take Meals on Wheels very
seriously and really try to brighten the day of the seniors they serve.”
Meals on Wheels, a meal delivery program for seniors, is the
largest program within Central Texas Senior Ministry, and they
rely almost entirely on volunteers. With their headquarters in Waco
and just minutes from the MCH campus, Meals on Wheels is a
favorite service project for many residents.
This year several homes on the Waco campus were involved with
Meals on Wheels, where youth handed out meals on service routes,
volunteered at the central office or helped with craft projects at the
senior center. Youth enjoyed the opportunity to provide smiling faces
to seniors in the community, and delivering meals to the same route
every week allowed residents to develop friendships with the seniors.
Alex, an MCH resident, was especially fond of the service
project.
“It was good to help people who couldn’t always get food for
themselves,” she said. “I just wish we could have done it more than
once a week so we could have helped more people.”
4
Zorn hopes that residents like Alex will consider returning to
help with more projects at Central Texas Senior Ministry.
“I do hope that this is the beginning of a great service
relationship,” said Zorn. “It has truly been a blessing to work with
these great teens.”
RECREATION:
Youth, staff strengthen relationships
through new intramural program
Ask almost any MCH teen what they love most about summer and
they will probably say they appreciate the time to relax and be with
friends. And for Karen Melton, recreation coordinator, the challenge
is finding the perfect mix of fun physical activities to keep youth
moving and relaxing recreation to let them just be kids.
For Melton, the answer came through a new intramural
program. The new model was introduced in June and has been a
great way to help youth have fun and stay physically active.
Students form teams from their home unit, allowing them to
develop closer relationships with other residents and staff in their
home. Youth from the Waco campus and Boys Ranch compete in
events such as water sports, ultimate Frisbee and flag football, with
a new sport starting every month.
Cody, a Boys Ranch resident, appreciates spending more time
with students from the Waco campus.
“We play intramurals and that is really fun,” he said. “It is just
cool to interact with the kids from the Waco campus, and the
recreation staff is great.”
Sunshine
COVER STORY
“We have been so impressed with the kids from Methodist Children’s Home.
They really try to brighten the day of the seniors they serve.”
– Elizabeth Zorn, director of Meals on Wheels, Central Texas Senior Ministry
Melton encourages students and staff members to take ownership
in their team by choosing creative team names, making t-shirts and
coming out to support their teammates. While they are competing to
win, Melton emphasizes to students that a positive attitude is just as
important. For youth, the activities provide an environment where
they can be encouraged and supported by other students and staff
members.
“Intramurals are a great time to find something positive to praise
kids about,” Melton said.
And praise is exactly what this program does. With awards based
not only on wins, but on positive attitude and good teamwork, every
resident can find a way to excel.
SUMMER TRAVEL:
Youth enjoy fun, fellowship and
first-time experiences on summer trips
For the staff and youth in the homes on the Waco campus and Boys
Ranch, one of the best parts of summer is having more time to develop
community. And in the opinion of several MCH girls, their favorite
way to develop community is taking off-campus trips as a home.
Each summer, every home is encouraged to plan a big trip to a
location chosen by residents and staff of that home. After making
their plans, they pack up the vans and head out to such fun locales
as Schlitterbahn water park and Six Flags. According to youth, the
longer the trip the better. After all, veterans of these excursions
MCH youth enjoy the additional free time during the summer to relax with
their friends. Pictured below are: (front, l-r) Samantha, Porshay and Jacie;
(back, l-r) Neil, Ashleigh, Ashley, Calvin, Layland and Alyssa.
David, Aaron, Jeremy and Dylan (l-r) prepare for a road trip with their
friends and staff at the Boys Ranch. MCH youth enjoy traveling to
amusement parks, athletic events, campgrounds and other locations
throughout Texas.
agree that getting there is half the fun.
Amanda fondly remembers her home unit trip to Six Flags
this past summer.
“I loved the road trip to Six Flags,” she said. “I think it was
good for us to just get away and talk on the ride to the park.”
That is exactly what Methodist Children’s Home staff members
hope students take from these summer trips. The staff is always
brainstorming creative activities for their regular off-campus home
activities in hopes that the shared experiences will bring their
residents together as a unit. While these smaller, off-campus events
that happen throughout the year provide excitement, the residents
really look forward to their big summer trip.
“I love the opportunity to do stuff like this,” said Amanda,
Continued on page 6
COVER STORY
“because at home I didn’t get to do this kind of thing very often.”
For many MCH residents, these trips provide their first
experience to go to a theme park or travel outside the Waco area.
Maiya, one of the youth who went on the Six Flags trip, appreciated
seeing a new part of the state.
“I had never been to that part of Texas,” said Maiya, “so it was
really fun to be able to go with Methodist Children’s Home and
enjoy spending time with the other girls.”
Free from other demands, residents appreciated the
opportunity to relax and just be kids.
“I went on the boomerang ride at Six Flags with some of the
staff, and I laughed really hard the whole time because they kept
screaming,” said Amanda. “It was fun to see them in that
environment.”
Maiya, who is usually not a fan of scary rides, was surprised
that she enjoyed several of the rides at the park. But besides the
good company, she said the best thing was the food.
“I ate so much great food,” said Maiya, “and I had funnel
cakes for the first time. They are so good!”
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS:
Youth develop life skills, confidence
through campus internships
Like most MCH teens, Tarrah loves summertime, and one of her
favorite things about this past summer was her campus internship.
In exchange for working eight hours a week with volunteer
coordinator Conway Ogle, Tarrah received a small stipend,
invaluable job skills and on-the-job mentoring.
The MCH internship program allows youth to work with various
departments on campus and
receive personal job training
and feedback from caring
staff. Ogle strives to treat her
interns like true employees,
requiring potential interns to
go through a formal interview Christina (l-r), Kristen and Shannell
process and discuss job prepare for a ride at Hurricane Harbor
water park.
requirements and demands.
“I have certain expectations that any job would have, like being
timely and submitting good work,” Ogle said. “But with the internship
program, there is also the opportunity to help youth learn from
their mistakes and further develop in areas where they are already
strong.”
Tarrah may be young, but she already shows a knack for detail
and a strong commitment to learning new job skills. Ogle gave
Tarrah more responsibility during the summer and, in turn, Tarrah
took a strong sense of ownership in her position.
“I never knew I was detail-oriented until this internship,” said
Tarah. “Miss Conway helped me see the things that I am naturally
good at so that I can use these skills when I grow up.”
In the end, Ogle believes the purpose of an internship is to
mentor youth and allow them the opportunity to develop business
etiquette and essential relational and clerical skills. While Ogle’s
focus is to provide a positive and educational summer experience
for interns, the youth offer valuable assistance to staff.
“I have had very positive results with our interns,” said Ogle.
“It has been a huge relief on me by allowing me to delegate things
to my interns, and it has been rewarding to see them develop
confidence in their business skills.”
Iram relaxes at the water park
during the MCH day camp at
Glen Lake Camp and Retreat
Center in Glen Rose.
6
Sunshine
AROUND CAMPUS
Summer Camp 2008
MCH youth, staff enjoy a time of recreation and fellowship
at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center
More than 200 youth and
staff participated in the
annual religious education
summer day camp at Glen
Lake Camp and Retreat
Center in Glen Rose.
Youth from the Waco
campus and Boys Ranch were
divided into small groups,
with each group attending
one day of camp over a threeday period. Activities included
a fishing tournament, water
park, basketball, games, rock
wall climbing and crafts. The
RE staff hosted a game show
and presented a slide show
each day.
“The camp is a great way for
us to get to know some of the
newer residents,” said Kim
Hammitt, the Home’s religious
education director. “It was also
a great opportunity to talk with
some of the staff members who
we do not see very often. I think
a fun time was had by all.”
Hammitt expressed her
appreciation to the staff at Glen
Lake.
“They did a wonderful job
hosting our camp and they deal
really well with our kids,”
Hammitt said. “They are able
to keep them busy and make
sure they have fun.”
Photos by Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center and MCH.
Fall 2008
7
AROUND CAMPUS
Counting his blessings
Josh finds strength in sharing how God is helping him overcome significant challenges in his life.
As a new Ambassador for Methodist Children’s Home, Josh is grateful
for the opportunity to share a message of hope with church
congregations.
“I wanted to be an Ambassador so I can tell people what God
has done for me,” Josh said.
Enjoying the blessings of life instead of dwelling on past hardship
is a testament to Josh’s faith and his commitment to experience
personal growth and maturity.
“My life has been pretty hard and I’ve had a lot to learn,” he
said. “It makes me proud to see how well I’ve done and to be able
to look forward to the future.”
Josh has a different perspective on life than many youth. His
father died when Josh was eight months old. Seven years before
Josh was born, his parents gave birth to a son who died at a young
age. Throughout his childhood, Josh’s mother struggled to care for
him. A high school dropout and single mother, she had difficulty
holding jobs and often relied on Josh to care for her. Years of drug
abuse caused her body to break down, and the constant physical
and emotional pain she suffered led her to commit suicide when
Josh was 16. Her death sent Josh into deep depression.
“My mom promised me that she would be here to see me
graduate and to watch my kids grow up,” he said. “I was really
angry when she died, but I knew she was hurting.”
Two years ago, Josh was hopeless and struggled to see God’s
hand on his life. Today, he counts his blessings.
After his mother’s death, Josh moved in with an aunt and uncle
who provided a stable family life and helped Josh seek treatment
for his depression.
“They took me in, fed me and clothed me, and they helped me
get back on track in school,” he said. “They took me to church and
treated me like I was their own son. I appreciate all they have done
for me.”
Josh’s family sought additional support through Methodist
Children’s Home, where Josh was placed about 15 months ago.
“God has blessed me in many ways since I’ve been here,” he
said. “I have been able to start fresh. I have met some great people
and the staff really cares about me.”
Josh credits staff members for helping him deal with his personal
challenges. Before he came to the Home, Josh struggled in school,
falling several grade levels behind. Diagnosed with dyslexia when
he lived with his relatives, Josh has now learned how to focus on
his schoolwork. As a student at the Home’s charter school, Josh has
Josh enjoys opportunities to share the message of hope he has discovered
through God’s love and provisions.
achieved success in the classroom. He consistently makes A’s and
B’s and is scheduled to graduate in the fall of 2009.
Josh also appreciates the opportunities he receives at the Home
to build friendships with other youth. Once a loner, Josh now
introduces himself to new residents and enjoys spending time with
friends at the Home’s swimming pool and fitness center.
“Since I’ve been at the Home, I’ve become more outgoing and
social,” he said. “God has really blessed me through Methodist
Children’s Home.”
Tim Hammond, a social worker at MCH, appreciates Josh’s
influence in their home.
“Josh is a pleasure to have in our unit because he is a determined
and hopeful guy,” Hammond said. “Josh is very appreciative for
“Josh is very appreciative for what he’s been given. It is rewarding
for our staff to know that Josh is so thankful to be here.”
– Tim Hammond, unit manager, Waco campus
8
Sunshine
AROUND CAMPUS
what he’s been given. It is
rewarding for our staff to know
that Josh is so thankful to be
here. He wants to take
advantage of opportunities to
challenge himself and grow.”
An important part of Josh’s
growth has come through
writing. What initially began as
a collection of private reflections
on his personal struggles
resulted in a speech he recently
presented at the Home about
coping with the death of a loved
one. Josh was surprised at the
impact of his message.
“A lady told me that it was
amazing how God used me to
speak to her,” he said. “It makes
me feel good to know that I have
a message that can help others.”
Josh is becoming more
comfortable talking about his
mother’s death and how it is
shaping his life. One of his
favorite memories of his mother
is captured in a photograph that
remains in his baby book. It is a
photo of Josh and his mother on
the first day of kindergarten. As
he thinks about that photo, a
smile comes across his face.
“I remember that they had
to call my mom to pick me up
early,” he said. “I had a hard
time because I missed her.”
A lot has happened to Josh
since those early days of school.
It is hard for him to imagine that
he will soon graduate from high
school, an achievement that at
one time seemed out of reach.
In doing so, he will become the
first person on his mother’s side
of the family to graduate and
attend college.
“Even though my mom will
not see me graduate, I know she
really wanted it to happen for
me,” he said. “I want to do it
because it would make her
proud.”
Summer
Fall 20082008
New education, recreation program
meets needs of Waco youth
Methodist Children’s Home
continues to identify new
opportunities to offer hope to atrisk children and families.
During the summer, MCH
opened Methodist Youth
Services, a local education and
recreation program for youth
ages 12-18. The program
primarily serves youth in the
neighborhoods surrounding the
Home’s campus in northwest
Waco. The program utilizes a
gymnasium and office and
classroom space provided
through a partnership with All
Things Possible Ministries,
which is located on the property
of a former school campus.
Dave McHam, a former
youth pastor in Red Oak, Texas,
directs the program. During the
summer, McHam and his staff
offered recreation, a free movie
night and other activities in an
effort to build relationships with
youth and introduce them to
services that will be offered
during the school year. About
60 youth participated in various
activities during the summer.
This fall, Methodist Youth
Services is offering free tutoring
and special-interest classes,
including cooking, life skills,
Bible and art, in addition to
recreation. McHam also hopes
to introduce youth to welding,
carpentry, basic electrical work
and car maintenance. Classes
and recreation are offered
weekdays from 4 to 8 p.m.
McHam is drawing from his
experience in youth ministry to
develop a program that meets
the individual needs of youth.
“My goal is to see young
people reach high levels of
success in several areas of their
lives,” McHam said. “My hope
is that by offering educational,
social, developmental and
spiritual enrichment, the
students will most likely find the
confidence to reach beyond
what might otherwise be a life
wasted or forgotten by society.”
Methodist Youth Services is
the second education and
recreation program the Home
began this year. Last February,
MCH and First United
Methodist Church of Crockett
joined efforts to open Crockett
Youth Services. The program is
under the direction of James
Berry.
Don Scott, administrator of
prevention and transitional
services at MCH, oversees both
programs. He believes it is
important for the Home to
continue identifying new
opportunities to impact the lives
of at-risk children and youth.
“These programs provide
the protective factors that all
youth need: caring relationships, opportunities for
participation and high
expectations,” Scott said.
“When these factors are
present, youth learn to problem
solve, help others and develop
purpose for a healthy future.
This is a wonderful opportunity
for Methodist Children’s Home
to extend its philosophy and
program to areas in need of
hope.”
Help us put
God’s love
into action.
Methodist Children’s Home
Annual Christmas Offering
For more information or
to order offering envelopes, call:
800-853-1272 or 254-753-0181
9
AROUND CAMPUS
MCH youth participate in national leadership event
Five MCH youth joined 200
teens from other child care
agencies for a weeklong national
leadership conference in
Arkansas prior to the beginning
of the school year. Participants
enjoyed worship, discipleship
and recreation at the Group
Home Summer Leadership
Conference at Shepherd of the
Ozarks in Harriet, Ark.
MCH residents Adam, Ally,
James, Jennifer and Jose were
joined by staff members
Rosemary Courtney and Lee
Davis for the conference, which
marked the first time MCH
youth have participated in this
event. The theme for the
conference was “Storm
Chasers.” Worship services and
team-building activities focused
on helping youth become better
equipped to handle the
challenges in their lives.
“I learned that whatever we
do in life, even if we have hard
times and storms, God will
always be there for us,” said
Jennifer. “My favorite part was
the worship we did. I could
really feel God’s presence and I
Camp participants enjoyed climbing mountains and exploring caves during
their leadership conference at Shepherd of the Ozarks in Arkansas. Camp
photos provided by Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home.
learned a lot.”
Youth began and ended their
day with worship services, and
they spent time participating in
small group activities that
focused on leadership qualities.
Camp activities included tug-ofwar, hiking, caving and
mountain climbing.
Prior to leaving for
Arkansas, Jose looked forward
to his first trip out of Texas.
While he enjoyed the beautiful
camp setting in the Ozark
Mountains and his first mountain
climbing experience, Jose said
the worship services were the
highlight for him each day.
“I was blown away by this
conference,” he said. “We
learned that even though things
are not always fair, we have to
work our way to get where we
want to go.”
As a member of the MCH
staff, Davis was impressed with
the level of participation among
the Home’s youth.
“I feel that this program was
beneficial to our youth on many
levels, including a great
opportunity for them to interact
with youth from similar
situations in a very positive
environment,” he said. “I hope
we will be able to attend this
event in the future and include
more of our youth next time.”
James, right, is introduced to the group before one of the team-building
games at the leadership conference. James was one of five MCH youth
who attended the national event in Harriet, Ark.
Boys Ranch builds new lake dock in an effort
to build relationships with Waco campus youth
Staff and youth at the Boys
Ranch took on a big project in
June. They built a dock.
The small lake at the Boys
Ranch has long been a favorite
fishing hole for youth, and the
staff wanted to build a dock to
make fishing and canoeing
more accessible and to provide
opportunities for the Ranch to
host youth from the Waco
campus for lake activities.
The new dock is just one of
10
A new lake dock at the Boys Ranch
will enhance recreational opportunities for youth.
many plans that staff members
are implementing to facilitate
more activities between
residents on the Waco campus
and the Boys Ranch.
Cody, one of the youth who
helped complete the dock, is
excited about providing more
opportunities to interact with
Waco campus youth.
“When they came up with
the idea we all thought it was
cool,” Cody said. “It is always
good to get to know more kids
from the Waco campus.”
Completion of the 8-foot
dock took only a week, but the
impact is sure to last much
longer.
“We wanted a central place
accessible to youth from both
the Waco campus and Ranch,”
said Glen Kinder, director of
program services at the Ranch.
“We hope the dock will allow
them to enjoy the outdoors
together in an environment that
fosters cooperation between
both campuses.”
Sunshine
AROUND CAMPUS
Grandparents as Parents Program helps
Waco teen attend summer college tour
In many ways, Raven is a
typical high school senior.
She enjoys music, clothes
and dreaming of life on her
own. However, unlike most of
her friends, Raven gracefully
balances the typical teenage
life with helping to care for
her young niece and nephew.
When Raven’s mother,
Betty, was called upon last
year to care for her grandchildren, she decided to take
in two children under the age
of five.
While Betty and Raven
received support from Betty’s
fiancé, Calvin, it was difficult
transitioning back into life
with young children. With a
gracious smile, Betty asserts
her gratitude for the MCH
Grandparents as Parents
Program.
“It was a hard transition
for us,” Betty said. “I do not
know what we would have
done without their support.”
As Rehan McNeil,
Raven enjoyed a tour of colleges
through the support of the MCH
Grandparents as Parents Program.
coordinator of GAPP, worked
with Betty and Raven, she
learned that Raven has a
strong desire for higher
education. When McNeil
heard about an opportunity
for high school students to
attend a summer college tour
through Youth Encouraged
and Expected to Succeed
(YEES), she immediately
thought of Raven and offered
a GAPP scholarship so Raven
could attend.
“The YEES ‘Let’s Go To
College’ program takes local
high school students on a bus
tour of colleges and universities across Texas and
neighboring states,” McNeil
said. “I was eager to see how
a trip like this would help
connect Raven to even more
educational opportunities.”
This year, the trip was a
weeklong journey through
schools in Texas and
Louisiana. On each campus,
the young people met with
admissions professionals,
financial aid experts and
current students as they
learned what to expect from
college and how to better
prepare for the experience.
Raven enthusiastically
recalls the impact of the trip.
“Going on this trip
opened my eyes to a lot of
things,” Raven said, “and it
helped me realize the
importance of the way I carry
myself. I know that education
will help me in my future, and
this trip helped me explore
some new schools.”
For Raven, the trip
served to strengthen her
already-strong resolve to get
an education.
“I know that I can be
most helpful to my Mom and
niece and nephew if I get an
education first,” Raven said.
Betty is eager for her
daughter’s future, and the
future of her young grandchildren.
“I want to give a
personal thank you for what
Methodist Children’s Home
did,” Betty said. “When I
took on the care of my
grandchildren and Raven
graciously helped me, I was
really concerned that she
would lose motivation for
her future. But now she
knows that there are many
opportunities out there that
can help her become the
great person I know she
already is.”
Preview event offers inside look at new school year
For many students, transitioning into a back-to-school routine is
one of the hardest things about the fall.
This past July, administrators and teachers at the University of
Texas Charter School – MCH Campus made that transition easier by
offering an orientation event for students. The event, called MiniBulldog Camp, was named for the school mascot. The orientation
was designed as a fun way for students to reconnect with school
staff and explore new extracurricular offerings.
During the festive event, students were treated to cake, cookies
and punch as they learned more about potential electives and school
rules. The event provided the perfect opportunity for new staff and
students to meet without the pressure of first-day jitters.
In addition to the charter school, Waco campus residents attend
public schools, and Boys Ranch residents attend either the oncampus Fern Cone School or Axtell High School.
Fall 2008
Kay Thomas, registrar at the University of Texas Charter School —
MCH Campus, discusses course requirements with students.
11
AROUND CAMPUS
Waco campus athletic program provides
competitive sports for charter school students
As MCH youth settle into
another school year, recreation
and athletic staff are gearing up
for a busy year of new
beginnings. With a brand new
competitive athletics program
up and running, and renewed
intramurals and recreation, the
Home is experiencing a time of
exciting growth.
Although he has not been on
staff long, Kevin Henry, athletic
director at MCH, has worked
tirelessly to strengthen the
recreation and athletics program.
MCH has always focused on
providing physical activities for
youth, but in recent years the
missing piece has been the lack
of competitive athletics for
students at the Waco campus
charter school. While Boys
Ranch residents have had much
success with their basketball
team that competes in the TAPPS
league, there was no comparable
program on the Waco campus.
Intramurals have allowed
residents on the Waco campus
and Ranch to compete against
each another, but there was no
outlet for athletic competition
against other schools or
organizations for charter school
students. And this is what Henry
aimed to change when he began
his work at MCH.
“These kids need real
competition,” Henry said. “They
deserve a chance to play on
teams and support their school
just like other high school
students.”
Recent changes to the
organization of recreation and
athletics allow MCH charter
school students to sign up for
athletics if their schedule and
grades permit. These studentathletes practice with coaches
and play other schools in the
Texas charter school league. This
fall, MCH athletes are participating in volleyball, crosscountry and flag football, with
plans for boys and girls
basketball in the winter and
soccer and track in the spring.
In an effort to provide true
competition, Henry has intentionally recruited expert coaches
and trainers who work with the
athletes on the Waco campus and
Boys Ranch, teaching them
skills in their areas of expertise.
“Working with young and
talented coaches helps to keep
our youth engaged in the game,”
Henry said. “And the kids are
learning how to be good and fair
competitors.”
While the athletic program
focuses primarily on MCH
charter school athletes, Waco
campus and Boys Ranch
Brittany goes through a drill during
the first week of volleyball workouts. The volleyball team opened
its inaugural season on Sept. 6 with
a match against Evant.
residents not involved directly
in a sport still have the
opportunity to get involved
through informal athletic
activities in the evenings and
weekends. The recreation staff
supports team pride as they
encourage all residents to attend
athletic games and cheer on their
classmates and friends.
Henry is the first to admit
that building a new athletic
program is a difficult task, but
he is encouraged by the support
he has received from residents
and staff members.
“Staff and student support is
vital for athletics to succeed,”
Henry said. “These kids are not
just learning the rules of the game,
they are learning life skills and
getting valuable opportunities.”
Sam, a member of the MCH flag
football team, works on his
receiving skills during a team
practice session. The Bulldogs are
competing against other charter
schools in the Central Texas area
this fall.
Sunshine
Methodist Children’s Home
Class of 2008
Methodist Children’s Home congratulates members of the Class of 2008 for reaching this significant milestone
in their lives. Since graduating last May, these young men and women have moved on to begin advanced education at
colleges and universities throughout Texas, technical training or full-time employment. Below are graduates who had
senior photos taken by Charis Echterling and Della Cooper of Sugar Pies Creative Photography.
MICHAEL ABRAMS, Boys Ranch
Texas State Technical College
BRUK ADUNGA, Waco Campus
Working
EDDEN AGONAFER, Waco Campus
University of Texas at Austin
BRIAN COCKERELL, Boys Ranch
Working
JOHN CLIFTON, Boys Ranch
Working
Fall 2008
CHARLIE DELAROSA, Boys Ranch
Weatherford Junior College
13
YOHANNES DERSO, Waco Campus
Austin Community College
CHARLES EAST, Waco Campus
Military
STEPHANIE FLORES, Waco Campus
El Centro College
EDWIN GUERRERO, Boys Ranch
Texas State Technical College
SAM HARMAN, Waco Campus
Working
CAMERON HARROLD, Waco Campus
McLennan Community College
MADISON HERFERTH, Waco Campus
Working
NGHIA HUYNH, Waco Campus
University of Tampa
BRIAN HEINZ, Waco Campus
Working
14
Sunshine
OCTAVIA LOCKETT, Waco Campus
Houston Community College
SARAH MAGURN, Waco Campus
McLennan Community College
KANDICE NOWLIN, Waco Campus
Working
STEVEN PRIETO, Waco Campus
McLennan Community College
ERIC MCGRUDER, Waco Campus
Texas State Technical College
MARK REDMON, Waco Campus
Military
REAGAN SCHREINER, Boys Ranch
Working
JAVIER RIVERA, Boys Ranch
Temple Junior College
Fall 2008
KRISTINA ROSETTE, Waco Campus
Richland Community College
15
JERED SMALL, Boys Ranch
Collin County Community College
MARISSA STEEN, Waco Campus
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
SHANNON STEEN, Waco Campus
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
RYAN VARNELL, Waco Campus
Texas State Technical College
BRITTANY SWAIN, Waco Campus
Angelina College
ASHLEY THRIFT, Waco Campus
Working
SARAH WILLS, Waco Campus
Job Corps
DEAN WILSON, Waco Campus
Military
16
Sunshine
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Matching gift campaign benefits community programs
Methodist Children’s Home
reached an important milestone
this year by serving 1,000
children and youth daily. The
Home is grateful to the
benefactors who have partnered
with this ministry to ensure that
it helps those who can benefit
from its program of care.
In August 2007, an
anonymous benefactor from
Austin provided a pledge to
establish a three-year matching
gift campaign. The goal of the
campaign is to match the
benefactor’s annual $35,000
pledge, in essence doubling its
impact to $70,000 each year.
MCH met last year’s challenge
goal which funded services
offered through the Home’s
outreach offices in Texas and
New Mexico.
This year’s matching gift
campaign will help Methodist
Children’s Home expand
services offered to at-risk
youth in Waco and Crockett.
Funds raised through this
year’s campaign will support
community education and
recreation programs in Waco
and Crockett. The Home started
outreach programs to meet the
educational needs of at-risk
youth after school and during
the summer in these communities. Crockett Youth
Services and Methodist Youth
Services in Waco are providing
tutoring, special-interest classes
and recreation programs in a
Christian environment for more
than 150 youth in the evenings
and on weekends.
There is a great need for
expansion of these programs, and
money raised through the
matching gift campaign will help
MCH offer hope to more
children and youth in these
communities.
Guest speakers offer insight into life at MCH
Methodist Children’s Home offers a variety of speakers for
presentations to churches, Sunday school classes, service
organizations and civic groups.
Administrators and development officers are available to share
their personal experiences with the children as well as facts about the
Waco campus, Boys Ranch and foster care program. Speakers
communicate the mission of Methodist Children’s Home and provide
a biblical message to help illustrate the work God is doing in the lives
of children and youth.
The following is a list of programs MCH typically participates in
throughout Texas and New Mexico.
TYPES OF PROGRAMS
Sermon time – Methodist Children’s Home speakers can bring a 2025 minute message highlighting the Home’s ministry.
Guest speaking event – Staff members are available to be guest
speakers at district programs, United Methodist Women’s or Men’s
groups, civic groups and Sunday School classes.
Missions moments and events – A representative from MCH can
bring materials and a short three to five-minute summary of the
Home’s ministry. MCH can also set up a display and pass out
resources at church missions events during the year.
Fall 2008
To arrange a guest speaker or campus tour, please contact
Stephanie Lewis, donor relations specialist:
Development Office
Methodist Children’s Home
1111 Herring Avenue • Waco, TX 76708
800-853-1272 • 254-753-0181
E-mail: [email protected]
17
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Endowment fund provides special giving opportunity
Gifts to the Methodist Children’s
Home permanent endowment
provide a fitting way for
individuals to honor their
parents or other loved ones who
have influenced their lives.
All gifts in memory or in
honor of an individual are, by
Board policy, placed into the
permanent endowment unless
otherwise stated by the
benefactor. This type of gift
enables the individual’s name
and charitable legacy to reach
far into the future. Memorial and
honorarium gifts of all sizes are
made to the Home each day as a
meaningful way to recognize an
individual’s lifelong commitment to serving children in
need.
Gifts of $25,000 or more can
be designated to establish a
named fund in the Home’s
permanent endowment. This
fund, bearing the benefactor’s
name or that of a loved one, will
produce an amount each year to
support the Home’s ministry. The
corpus of the fund will remain
untouched and the annual
earnings will be used to meet the
daily needs of children for
generations to come.
“Every time the named fund
is mentioned, the life of the
benefactor’s loved one will be
acknowledged and honored,”
said Trey Oakley, vice president
for development at MCH. “The
association of their name with
Gifts to the endowment fund enable Methodist Children’s Home to offer the programs and services that help
youth achieve success and fulfill their dreams.
this ministry recognizes that their
values were consistent with the
Home’s mission.”
Oakley said this giving
opportunity could be shared
among family members.
“Grandchildren and greatgrandchildren could perhaps
contribute to a fund through their
charitable gifts, thus developing
their own philanthropic tradition
of benefiting Methodist
Children’s Home,” he said.
A named fund in the Home’s
permanent endowment can be
launched with current gifts or
started with an initial gift and
added to later through a bequest
or other planned gift.
“Of course, the advantage of
getting an endowment started
now is that you can enjoy the
experience of seeing your loved
one honored,” Oakley said.
To learn more about
establishing an endowment
fund at MCH, contact Oakley
at (800) 853-1272 or by e-mail
at [email protected]. He
can help benefactors explore
ways to achieve their charitable
giving objectives.
Individuals can learn more
about the Home’s endowment
fund, charitable annuities and
other unique giving opportunities through the “Ways You
Can Give” section on the MCH
web site. The web address is:
www.methodistchildrenshome.org.
Individuals who make estate gifts of $125,000 or more to MCH are
recognized in the Mulkey Memorial Garden on the Waco campus.
PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY
Maintaining your privacy is very important to the development staff
at Methodist Children’s Home. Details about your charitable giving
to the Home are not revealed to anyone without your permission. All
account and private information related to your donations are stored
in a password-protected database and/or shredded. Also, we will not
18
sell or rent your name to any organization or direct mail service. If
you have questions about the type or amount of correspondence
you receive from the Home, please contact our development staff at
800-853-1272. We welcome your feedback and the opportunity to
be even better stewards with our resources.
Sunshine
Memorial Gifts
The following gifts were received from May 2008 to July 2008.
Memorials
Frank Aaron
Mrs. Scott Russell
Doris Adams
Marie Stewart Frankson
Betty Anderson
Joe and Jean Simmons
Margaret Droemer Anderson
Daniel Droemer
Wesley Anderson
Peter and Flossie Gibson
Jimmy Anthony
Bardwell UMC
Bardwell, TX
Eleanor Ashby
Will and Carolyn Saunders
Donald Beall
Craig and Jan Jaynes
Lori Ann Beard
Don and Myrna Cantrell
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Crawford
Carey Beaube
Mrs. Pat Ford Denman
Barbara Beights
Margaret Terry
Bob Bender
Margaret Briley
Ernestine Benefield
Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Orr, Jr.
Nancy James Bennett
Jody and Joe Huff
Evelyn B. Bentley
Mr. and Mrs. David M. Bishop
Molly and Mike Droge
Paula and Chuck Howbert
Ms. Renee Potter
Bob and Aralena Simpson
Mr. and Mrs. Carey C. Whitman
Lawrence Benton
Silas and Pat Brandenberger
Ona Bickley
Cliff and Nelda Hazlewood
Bill Biddy
Gerald and Sandra Ritchie
Mrs. Biermann
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Kohlman
Drew Bowers
Mrs. C. P. Metcalf
Reverend Donald R. Box
Virginia and Tom Buckingham
Sylvia Brandt
Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Orr, Jr.
Patrick and Kathleen Byrnes
Mr. and Mrs. Ezra F. Robinson
Warlick Carr
Mr. and Mrs. William E. Murfee, Sr.
David Carter
Dr. and Mrs. Jack K. Daniels
Mrs. Pat Ford Denman
Anita and J. W. Keys
John D. and Wavy D. Charles
Mrs. Anneliese Charles
Odell Charles
Virginia and Tom Buckingham
Ruth Cherry
Mac and Nora M. McMahan
Fall 2008
Gladys Clark
Philia Club
San Angelo, TX
Patsy Carnes
Sarah Ann Phillips Cobb
Peter and Flossie Gibson
Bob and Marilyn Putz
Mary Louise Cochran
D. L. O. Tafallo
Willie Condon
Ricky and Paula Ray
Eddie Cooper
Barbara and John Persefield
Jane and Judson Stephens
Mrs. Alma Corbell
Santo UMC
Gordon, TX
Dr. Dan J. Craig
Global Training Academy, Inc.
Somerset, TX
Whittington, Beavers and
Hubbard, P. C.
Corpus Christi, TX
Jeanne B. Allen
W. T. and Monica Baker
Arledge and Peggy Brashers
The Broadbelt Family
Mrs. Doris Carroll
Dr. and Mrs. Jack K. Daniels
Deborah Daugherty
Mrs. Pat Ford Denman
Ms. Ora L. Garza
Bobby and Linda Gilliam
Louis and Martha Gillispie
Tommie and Tim Hatch
Cliff and Nelda Hazlewood
Ms. Norma Jaksik
Boyce and Flo Jones
Boyd and John Jones
Anita and J. W. Keys
The Kuenstler Family
James and Laura Milam
John and Elaine Milam
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Mize
Trey and Karen Oakley
Eugene and Nancy Pennington
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Potts
Bruce and Patsy Pruett
Mr. Roger Riley
Ralph and Lori Savage
Ron and Margaret Smith
Eugene and Joyce Spencer
Ms. Lorene W. Thomas
Marjorie and Donald Van Riper
Bobby and Amnie Vance
Phillip and Becky Wells
Ms. Mary J. Whitacre
Timothy and Joyce Woodlock
Gregor Cruickshank
Margaret Briley
Fannie Tom Cunningham
Hunter and Totsy Cunningham
James Edward Cunningham
Hunter and Totsy Cunningham
Joyce Daugherty
Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Orr, Jr.
Patricia Skaggs Dowell
Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Beard
Martha and Buddy Foxworth
Mr. and Mrs. C. Daniel Jones
E. R. Red and JoJo Barbara
Mattison
Mr. Hubert Oxford III
Martha Pepper
Carol and Paul Pitts
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Spinks
Mrs. Driscoll’s Father
Mrs. Barbara J. Cole
Bettye Dunbar
Mr. David H. Dunbar
Mr. W. A. Elliott
Dale and Billie Grandstaff
E. Jean English
Anonymous
Audrey Fielder
Charles and Carol Brown
Craig Fletcher
Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Orr, Jr.
Gene Foster
Charles and Carol Brown
Grace B. Foster
Mr. Jason S. Wegener
Verna Foster
Becker UMC
Kemp, TX
Elizabeth Weafer Fowler
Ms. Sherry Dobbs
Barbara Fraser
Charles Huffman
McDan Fraser
Gibson Sunday School Class
Bellaire UMC
Bellaire, TX
C. J. and Marion Adkins
Mattie Lou Fry
Gibson Sunday School Class
Bellaire UMC
Bellaire, TX
Bob Fulwiler
Peter and Flossie Gibson
Nell Gatlin
Mr. Blake Moore
Dorothy Gunstream
Ms. Laura L. Turner
Lillian Hager
Margaret Terry
Mary Harris Hamilton
Helen and David Vandivere
Edwin and Gladys Hammonds
Mrs. Eddie L. Weise
Ema Harp
Billy Gene Harman
Jim and Jackie Harman
Dr. Rebecca Bowden Narramore
David and Sue Harman Thrailkill
Mary Hayes
Jerry Hopkins’ Family
Benjamin W. Head, Sr.
Noel and Linda Licker
Billie Evelyn Herzog
Cliff and Nelda Hazlewood
Mrs. Ann Hughes
Dale and Billie Grandstaff
Mamie Hunt
Mr. John R. Bledsoe
Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Hurst
George and Cyndi Snokhous
Billy Huser
Jerry and Ellen Hodon
Maxine Isbell
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Distler
George and Barbara Isbell
Wayman and Adalou Penner
Mrs. Alta Jones
Mr. Joseph D. Gordon, Jr.
Kenneth Jones
Ms. Agnes L. Smith
Ed Kiely
Virginia and Tom Buckingham
Mary Earle King
Kathryn B. Allen
Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy M. Anderson
Miss Lynda Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. William B. Bailey
Euil and Lavada Driggers
Mrs. Elizabeth D. Maloney
Carol and Jim Mays
Mrs. Eleanor S. Patton
Jan Schroeder
Ms. Rita B. Turner
Dale Wilson
Grace Crownover Koehler
Cathy Cassimus
Mrs. Raymond Cicconi
Donna Kuneman
Michelle Parker
Jo Ann T. Stewart
Gladys Langford
James and Jeanne Blackwell
Mildred Geddes Langford
Jo Langford Johnson
Mr. Harmon F. Langford
Joe Latty
Jim and Marilyn Clanahan
Gerald and Lee Reeves
Thomas C. and Margaret E. Letts
Mr. L. W. Hopper
Cynthia Light
Mary Ruth Arnold
Mr. William Henry Lightsey
Lonnie L., Sr. and Derilda Ann
Jones
Nancy Lindsey
June Nixon
Dewayne Littlepage
Mrs. Cleo B. ‘Pat’ Curtis
Tillie Mathews
Andrew and Dorthy Dunn
Dr. Acie McAda
Mr. and Mrs. David L. Reynolds
J. V. McCarty
Peggy and Bud Crozier
Darrell D. McCoy
Peggy and Bud Crozier
Newell McDonald
Mr. and Mrs. J. McCartney
Mary Lucile McGlaughn
Agape Class
Park Lake Baptist Church
Waco, TX
Ms. Cathi Bachik
19
A
Five Hundred Dollar
Endowment gift
in Honor of
our Children,
Grandchildren and
Great-Grandchildren
by
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Jones
North Richland Hills, TX
A
One Thousand Dollar
Endowment gift
in Honor of
Lillie Payne
by
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Mungle
Weatherford, TX
An
Endowment gift
in Honor of
my daughter,
Shannon Roberts,
by
Evalyn Roberts
Lamesa, TX
A
Five Hundred Dollar
Endowment gift
in Memory of
Juanita Crews
by
Janet Self Arnold and Dian Self
Plano, TX
A
Five Hundred Dollar
Endowment gift
in Memory of
Arthur Capps
by
Elizabeth Capps Foster
Spring, TX
A
Five Hundred Dollar
Endowment gift
in Memory of
our mother,
Doris Zweifel Luton,
by
The Family of Doris Z. Luton
Granbury, TX
20
Sidney J. McLaughlin
Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Franks
Ms. Elaine Snell
Mr. Andrew H. McMahan, Sr.
Carl and Toni Strukely
Ruth McPherson
Mrs. Shirley L. Stephenson
Marti Mills
Koinonia Sunday School Class
First UMC - Garland
Garland, TX
Anita Monroe
Craig and Jan Jaynes
Georgie Moore
Rita and Allen Rice
Reverend John W. Morphis
Mrs. Suzanne Goodenough
Boyd Riley Morris
Neil and Carrie Ampe
Mr. and Mrs. Joe E. Yarbrough
Leslie Mueller
Jim and Evva Lowery
James F. Mullinax
Virginia and Tom Buckingham
Jim Munn
Mark and Anita White
Donald Myers
Reverend Dave and Debby
Goodrich
James Howard Nelson
Duane and Pat Hendley
Betty Nevill
The C. M. Nevill Family
J. Vann Norwood
Cliff and Nelda Hazlewood
Mr. James F. Nowlin, Jr.
Mrs. W. Carter Grinstead, Jr.
Howell Parks
C. J. and Marion Adkins
Inez H. Patterson
Janice Patterson Taylor
Antoinette H. Perry
James and Laura Milam
Timothy and Joyce Woodlock
Arthur Fred (Pete) Peters
Lois Powell
Jerry Pettit
Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Kent III
Kenneth Phillips
Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Orr, Jr.
Jacqueline Polocek
Jerry and Gloria Trout
Jenell Powell
Fretz Tennis Center
Dallas, TX
Ms. Margaret S. Filingeri
Ms. Julie Ortiz
T. O. Pridgeon’s Birthday
Ms. Jane P. Fortner
Oletha Pumphrey
Marge and Dan Cammack
Bill C. Rogers
Vision Natural Resources, LP
Peter Schrenkel and Darlene
Olson
Midland, TX
Barbara Adams
Ms. Roberta S. Aldridge
Ms. Joyce Cavett
David, Karen, Kirk and Kade
Corley
Lanise and Charles Davidson
Johnny, Susan, Rebecca and
Ethel Horton
Kayla Lowery
Ms. Estelle Munsell
Jim and Nelda Rose
Sonny and Jo Rose
Ms. Jo A. Sealy
Robin and Mark Thomas
Brad Young
Mildred Peterson Roush
Harrell and Carolyn Huff
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne F. Rogers
Molly and Jerry Tavolino
Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Wilson
Lucile Smith Rowntree
Ruth and Charles Hatcher
Hendryx
Sara and Bobby Moeck
Gertruyd Sharbutt Rucker
Hunter and Totsy Cunningham
Harold Lemuel Rucker
Hunter and Totsy Cunningham
Bessie Mae Russi
Ms. Dorothy M. Russi
Delfino Sam Samaniego
James and Laura Milam
Timothy and Joyce Woodlock
Bill Scarborough
Ms. Agnes L. Smith
Kaylee Scott
Mr. and Mrs. Larry McCormick
Reverend Leslie D. Scott
Mr. Art Greenhaw
Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Greenhaw
Dorothy Shelley
Polly and Willie Lokken
Ray Moore
Flora, James and Maria Winterle
Margaret Shull
Cary and Kathy Bargas
Mary Hines Sicilio
Choice Home Care Nurses
Teri G., Linda, Sarah,
Courtney, Joyce and Beverly
Bryan, TX
Nancy Boswell
Glen, Gay, Melanie and Mandy
Goodin
Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Moore
Joseph and Karin Natowitz
Mrs. Louise C. Priestly
Ms. Mimi M. Sicilio
Marie Snodgrass
Helen and David Vandivere
Kenneth Snyder
Helen and David Vandivere
Emma Elizabeth Souders
Mr. and Mrs. John I. Souders
Rudolph A. Speights
Lee Roy and Becky Bossier
Eugene and Marian R. Douglas
The W. H. Jones Family
Melody Olson Pigg
Llewellyn Squires
Don and Eleanor McMillan
Lisa Niederhaus
Martin Tindall Staggs
Mr. Insurance Agency, Inc.
San Angelo, TX
Mr. Baxter Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Billy Plew
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Waddle
Mrs. Alfred Sternfels
Gloria A. Palmer
Katie Leone (Susie) Stevens
Mary Francis Almquist
Mr. Ron Stone
Dr. and Mrs. Jack K. Daniels
David L. Stowe
Billy Briscoe
The Harringtons
Mrs. Bonnie Thomas
Barbara and John Persefield
Jane and Judson Stephens
Burton Thompson
Mrs. C. P. Metcalf
Robert Thornton
C. J. and Marion Adkins
Christine Tosch
Mr. Art Greenhaw
Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Greenhaw
Ruben Trevino
Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Orr, Jr.
Ben Tusia, Sr.
Tom, Karla and Joyce Parks
Raymond Vargas, Jr.
Helen and David Vandivere
Joe Vaszaskas
Ms. Jane E. Jones
Betty Jean Veal
Reverend Dave and Debby
Goodrich
Gladys Walters
Mrs. Barbara J. Cole
Dwain Harlan Warren
Joy Kinney
Gertrude Whitman
Jerry and Ann Gibson
Norma Williams
Jerry and Steve Reid
Brice Wisdom
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Salter
Ms. Donna Wood
Ms. Gwendolyn O’Brien
Franklin Wood
Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Castleberry
J. N. (Pete) Woody
Cliff and Nelda Hazlewood
Lt. Colonel and Mrs. William
Zimmerman
Larry and Betsy Pennington
Honorariums
Children of St. Barnabas UMC
Early Education
St. Barnabas UMC
Arlington, TX
Ms. Stephanie West
Children’s Sunday School Class
St. Mark’s UMC
Mesquite, TX
Kaleidoscope Sunday School Class
St. Mark’s UMC
Mesquite, TX
First UMC
Marble Falls, TX
Seekers Sunday School Class
Highland Lakes UMC - Buchanan
Dam
Buchanan Dam, TX
Dr. Maxine Kubecka and Staff
at Palacios Veterinary Clinic
Palacios, TX
James and Annette Havens
Men and Women of Tobin Park UMC
Father’s and Mother’s Day
United Methodist Women
Tobin Park UMC
El Paso, TX
Sunshine
A
Five Hundred Dollar
Endowment gift
in Memory of
Jim ‘Lil Randy’ Stephens
by
The Shipley Family
Heath, TX
A
Five Hundred Dollar
Endowment gift
in Memory of
Jack and Lorraine Schenk
by
Ronald and Nancy Dishman Stewart
League City, TX
A
Six Hundred Dollar
Endowment gift
in Memory of
Stan Alford Saunders
by
Will and Carolyn Saunders
Georgetown, TX
Men of Aldersgate UMC
Arlington, TX
United Methodist Women
Aldersgate UMC
Arlington, TX
Ms. Virginia Abernathy’s Birthday
Virginia P. Jackson
Nevelyn Crawford Alexander
Darrell and Mary Vines
Charles Beasley III
Carolyn Ward
Bob Bentley
Mary Francis Almquist
Chris and Debbie Bergman
M. H. and Jeanette Shepherd
Imogene Bethel’s 90th Birthday
Helen and David Vandivere
Jim Bogan Jr.’s Birthday
The Employees of ICS
Waco, TX
Robert and Denyce Coker
Alice Coker
Mr. Ben C. Cooner
Richard, Charla and Zach Miller
Edith Craig
James and Laura Milam
Monte Tom Cunningham
Hunter and Totsy Cunningham
Claire Cutright
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Helen Dickinson
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Flick
Matt Donaldson
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Joe Evans
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Fall 2008
Cyndy Firquin
Bobby and Amnie Vance
Charlotte Gump
Mr. Richard T. Gump
Sara Hajek
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Amanda Hallmark
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Joy Jones
Emily and R. J. Claassen
Windle and Marie Kelley’s
50th Anniversary
Mary Francis Almquist
Dick and Ellie Kenyon
Bobby and Linda Gilliam
Ms. Myrna Kepford
Ms. Jaunita Honeyman
Cady Kincaid
Mrs. Henry G. Holley
Reverend and Mrs. Dean Libby
and Caitlyn
United Methodist Women
University UMC
Wichita Falls, TX
Taylor Lott
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Dr. Jeff May
Betty Sams
Dr. John McKellan
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Vandever
Arville and Carolyn McLain
Lewis and Carol Pierce
Becca McPherson
Methodist Men
Central UMC
Waco, TX
Christopher Menefee
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Edna Merrell’s Birthday
Mr. Marvin McReynolds
Wayne and Kay Merritt’s
50th Wedding Anniversary
Mary Francis Almquist
Milton Molhusen
Mary Francis Almquist
Mrs. Eileen Rolo
Knox City UMC
Knox City, TX
Reverend and Mrs. Don Scott
Mrs. Richard Hill
Reverend Don Scott
Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Gervig
Rebecca Sebastian
Ms. Kylie Eason
Chad, Kolby and Christopher Sury
Mr. Harmon F. Langford
Ashleigh Van Dresar
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Krystal Van Dresar
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
Tiffany Van Dresar
Friendship Sunday School Class
First UMC
La Grange, TX
John D. White
Elizabeth Ann Franklin
A
One Thousand Dollar
Endowment gift
in Memory of
Dr. Dan J. Craig
by
Mrs. Edith Craig
San Antonio, TX
A
Five Thousand Dollar
Endowment gift
in Memory of
James S. Anderson
by
Mrs. Marian Ross Anderson
Carthage, TX
A
Three Thousand Dollar
Designated Gift
to the
Weston Earl Shank Scholarship Fund
by
Florine Beall Shank
Jacksonville, TX
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Methodist Children’s Home appreciates the support and leadership provided by members of the Board of Directors. Among this year’s Board members
are: (front, l-r) Mrs. Dana Reese, Boerne, TX; Dr. Ann Weiss, Katy, TX; Mr. Wesley Masters, Cotton Center, TX; (middle, l-r) Mr. Dallas Garrett, Odessa,
TX; Dr. Noe E. Gonzales, San Antonio, TX; Mrs. Patsy Johnson, Sulphur Springs, TX; Judge Henry A. Santana, Corpus Christi, TX; Mr. Don Strickland,
Somerville, TX; (back, l-r) Mr. Bobby Gilliam, president and CEO, Methodist Children’s Home; Dr. J. Clayton Oliphint, chairperson, Richardson, TX; Mr.
Larry Harrison, Junction, TX; Mr. Richard Kenyon, vice chairperson, The Woodlands, TX; and Dr. Ouida Lee, DeSoto, TX.
Photograph by Doug Fitzjarrell, Northern Horizons Freelance
Methodist Children’s Home
1111 Herring Avenue
Waco, Texas 76708
254-753-0181
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
WACO, TEXAS
PERMIT NUMBER 392