1. family and parenting
2. children

11.11
CHAMPIONING the vision
at the Presbyterian HOME for Children
hope
STRENGTH for today AND BRIGHT
vol.05
{brought to you through the generous contribution of CHANCY
&
}
STUART WEST
my roots and wings.org
01
ROOTS and WINGS has been chosen as the name of this publication because we
have a deep-seated desire to give both of these to each child that comes to us:
ROOTS t o nourish and establish them, to ground them in who God says they are and to give them room to grow with a place and people who embody home;
WINGS that they may soar beyond whatever hinders them and achieve much more than they have planned for themselves.
AS WE ENTER THE HOLIDAYS, we’re excited to share with you stories of inspiration
heart toward the source of all hope, Christ Jesus, and that you will be greatly blessed as you
So turn the page and imagine Christmas morning at CW cottage where the Messers love on
their nine kids (including two biological children) and not only matter-of-factly manage their
brood of aspiring athletes, but carefully look for and draw out those qualities that make each
unique. Then you’ll want to turn to page 13 and meet a wonderful woman, Becky Johnson,
who uses clothing and compassion to help reveal to the children here their own value and
self-worth. And don’t miss the story on page 17. You’ll be amazed as you read about one of
path would lead. In the face of a difficult decision, she chose a brighter future for herself.
Breezy Adams
VICE CHAIRMAN
Jerry Rohane
TREASURER
Jean Stuntz
SECRETARY
Geoffrey Wright
PAST CHAIRMAN
Diane Baker
coming this Spring. While you’re reading, take a look at our Information and Announcements
Dick Doyle
on page 6 and our Friendly New Faces on page 15. We have several new people we want you to
Shirley Fancher
“Children’s Home” knowledge (available on page 5) so that when you’re sharing these amazing
Janice Hamilton
stories with your friends and they ask you questions, you’ll have all the answers.
gift of $20 or more to The Children’s Home in honor of someone, we will send them a special
Christy Kocsis
Christmas card letting them know of your donation. Invite your friends to be a part of chang-
Sonya Letson
ing lives here at The Children’s Home. It’s what this season is all about, and we know you will
want to be a part of it. As always, we welcome your comments. Email us at
Wanda Whittenburg
[email protected] or call 806.352.5771. Merry Christmas, and please
Dawn Wells
stop by and visit us soon!
ALWAYS GROWING,
The Children’s Home Staff
Olen C. Wilson
{
p.
with Becky Johnson
p.
that
which
of
And we must mention a great way to give during this season. This Christmas when you give a
Charles B. Kitsman
p.
new
meet and exciting news to share! While you’re there, don’t forget to brush up on your basic
p.
and
Speaking of the future, head to page 12 to get information about the roots and wings banquet
p.
the
our young ladies who stood at a crossroads and recognized the two potential directions each
CHAIRMAN
announcements
p.
story
take the time to be still and reflect during this busy season.
James B. Austin IV
and
and hope from The Children’s Home. Our desire is that these pages will lead your mind and
BOARD of TRUSTEES
a side
DREAMS are made
p.
JOIN the FUN!
Somewhere in this newsletter, this symbol
is hidden. You’ll win a pizza and Wii party with the kids on campus when you’re the
first to contact us with the location of the symbol. Remember, it could be any size!
TO WIN call 806.352.5771 or email [email protected]
photography provided at a discount by ASHLYN MANNIS ,
}
with assistant Jose Barron
{
}
pictured here with wife, Racheal & son Israel
It may seem odd to spend a lot of
time considering someone else’s best
qualities but that is what we do on a
daily basis here at The Children’s
Home. One of my greatest pleasures
is speaking into the kids and naming
the great things I see in them.
Much like when the angel called to
Gideon, who was hiding away in a
wine press, “Oh Mighty Warrior”,
we look for nuggets of potential in
each youth and reveal those nuggets
to them. As we consistently tell them
about the amazing qualities God
created in them, we see those
qualities grow and develop.
As a parent, boss, teacher or friend,
you have the same ability to help
build in others the strengths that
God created them to have. Praise
and encouragement of intrinsic
traits works to firmly root them and
nourish growth. How amazing to be
able to partner in such a way with
“God, who gives life to the dead and calls
into existence things that don’t yet exist.”
(Romans 4:17)
boutiquephotographybyashlyn.com
the Presbyterian Home for Children
note
all
from of us
03 inspiring life
information
06
07 mini bites
building
futures
09
12 save date
q
a:
13
15 friendly faces
17
p.
my roots and wings.org
03
to have so many AMAZING and DEDICATED FAMILY TEACHERS, ASSISTANTS and PRNs on staff.
People who are willing to
focus on each child as an individual; who
can see past the behaviors, hurts and needs to a vision of
who that child can be.
inspiring life
“
“
WE are incredibly blessed
p.
The first time Reagan hit a ball, you should have seen her face!” Crystal Messer shares. “She was ECSTATIC!
She’s very athletic - she can jump in and do anything - but she had never played a sport before she came here.
Involvement in sports is one of the many new experiences Family
were in a bad car accident this
Teachers Jimmy and Crystal Messer lovingly provide. “We’re known at
summer, Reagan took the initiative to
the Y as the people with 50-million children,” Jimmy jokes. Aptly, with
learn how to do laundry in order to
enough kids to field a baseball team (nine including two biological
be able to help out. “She takes joy in
children), two of whom are in baseball, one who plays soccer, seven
helping. She even offered to clean
signed up for basketball and one who will be cheering, “All-Stars” is the
our apartment,” the Messers smiled.
chosen name for the Messer home, one of two at The Children’s Home
specifically for kids ages five to ten.
Crystal, who was adopted at age four,
shares,”I know how it feels for your
When Reagan joined the Messer family nine months ago, she was
family to say, ‘I don’t want you.’ I
determined to be first at everything - first to the car... first to finish
know the love (of an adopted Mom)
eating... It wasn’t as much about competitiveness as it was about getting
and I know the dirty... not getting
attention. “She begged for applause,” Crystal explains. In a home with
fed... Mom’s not home. That’s my
so many kids, giving everyone enough attention is difficult, but the
drive to help these kids. It’s exhaust-
Messers work hard to give each child moments of intense special time.
ing, but we’re family. It’s hard and
*
“What we do depends on the kid,” they explain. “For a few, it’s cooking
in the kitchen; for those struggling in school, it’s helping them study; for
some, ten minutes on the floor playing fills them up.” And all the kids
tiring, but in the end... when you
know something is right, it’s right.”
* name has been changed
love to line up and circle the living room to be tickled and tossed about
by Jimmy. “It’s tough, but we get to help them grow every day. We get to
see how they develop individually and be a part of that!”
Nine-year-old Reagan has flourished in the months she has been here. In
addition to developing her incredible talent as an athlete, through the
To seeds of growing and future greatness, they
speak life; inspiring in each child a vision of
his or her future-self.
Encouraging the God-given ability to trust, to be joyful and giving, to not live in anger or self-pity, to hit a baseball, craft a
bird-house or paint a picture, to be who they have been created to be. Such are the Family Teachers at The Children’s Home.
experience of security and stability in her life, she’s become a leader in
the home – moving from having to be first to being a servant. “She’s
willing to do anything to help,” Crystal states. When Crystal and Jimmy
the Presbyterian Home for Children
my roots and wings.org
we
who are
As it grew, Allen Early, Sr., an Amarillo
businessman and philanthropist, donated
land from an old military school at 1700 NW
13th Street for the expansion of the Presbyterian Home for Children which soon cared for
37 children. At this time, the majority of the
children served were those whose parents had
passed away or who were financially unable
to provide for them.
The Presbyterian Home for Children was
further expanded in 1948 at the current
location of 3400 S. Bowie. Dr. Thomsen
purchased this land from Mr. Charles Wolflin
for a mere $2500. The initial construction
included four cottages and an administration
building. This complex was dubbed, “Miracle
on 34th Street.”
It is upon this foundation that we operate the
7 cottages we have today: 2 which provide
love and shelter to younger children (ages 5 10), 4 adolescent homes, and a Transitional
Living Cottage for juniors and seniors as well
as continued care for alumni as they pursue
college or a career. Each cottage cares for 4-8
kids in a family setting.
The majority of our kids now come from
situations of abuse or neglect. In a safe and
joyful atmosphere, our homes encourage the
kids to be kids and work to develop areas of
passion so that each child might reach his or
her full potential. We seek to impart to them
the tools and security necessary to explore
and to experience success and failure safely
with confidence of continued relationship.
Each of our homes utilizes proven programs
geared toward the ages and abilities of the
child to teach each one the skills necessary
for a successful life. From table manners to
interviewing for a job to building healthy
relationships, these programs provide the
backbone of our campus.
The heart, however, is the consistent love and
compassion of Family Teaching couples,
Assistants and PRN staff as we seek to bring
up these individuals - challenging them and
providing them with a variety of opportunities so that they might grow into wellrounded, Christ-centered people.
information
announcements
wish
list
In February of 1923, Dr. R. Thomsen, the
minister for what is now known as First
Presbyterian Church, and some friends were
meeting for coffee at the Amarillo Hotel
when they noticed three children standing
outside crying. The children were orphaned,
hungry and in need of clean clothing. Dr.
Thomsen and his friends fed and clothed the
children and found them proper care.
However, the memory of those little crying
faces prompted Dr. Thomsen to search for a
way to help other little ones as well, and
March 1, 1924, the Presbyterian Home for
Children was opened.
p.
and
The Presbyterian Home for Children is a place where lives are nurtured, dreams are formed and futures are shaped. This was true at our
earliest beginnings and continues to be true today. As world circumstances have changed, so have the needs of children. The Children’s
Home has proven over time a readiness to adjust to meet those evolving needs.
06
IMPORTANT STUFF we want you to know
ANNOUNCING my roots and wings.org
We are excited to invite you to visit our redesigned
website! Discover more about our history and
ministry, catch up on stories you missed from past
newsletters, find out how to get more involved and
give easily online.
FIELD DAY
A BIG thank you to this amazing Bible study group
for providing a day full of fun games and hotdogs for
our kiddos and staff ! Our amazing day included the
Corn Hole Toss, the Dizzy Bat, an Egg Race, Tug of
War, a Plasma Car Race, the Chicken Pass, Kooky
Clothes, and a Sac Race.
•
MELISSA & WES PURSER
•
SHELBY & SHANNON STAPP
•
ANDI & BRAD VEAZEY
•
CARRIE & NICK HICKS
•
SHANNON & JASON HERRICK
•
ASHLEY & KYLE SPARKMAN
•
MICHELE & ZAC ROSE
•
ERIN & TIM MCLEMORE
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to the
local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association,
AMARILLO BIBLE CRUSADERS, for hosting a BBQ
for the kids and to Jeff Mitchell of TOOT ‘N TOTUM
for donating the use of their cooker for the event.
In-kind contributions allow you to participate
in the ministry of The Children’s Home by
providing goods, skills, or services. And they
are tax deductible contributions.
• Beef & Chicken
• Turkeys for the holidays (15-20)
• Camping & Hiking Equipment
• multi-person tents
• sleeping bags
• fishing gear - tackle, rod and reels
• camping stoves
• backpacking equipment
• Winter Gloves & Knit Caps
(children size S - adult size XL)
• New Undergarments
• boys’ boxer shorts size 6-14
• men’s boxer shorts size S-XL
• girls’ briefs or bikinis size 6-14
• women’s briefs or bikinis size 5-7
• New Socks
• children’s socks any size and color
• men‘s & ladies’ socks no show,
white or black, one size fits most
• Plastic Coat Hangers
• Camper (16’x20’ bumper pull
that sleeps 4-6)
• 10’x24’ Campus Storage Building
(for tools, bikes & sports equipment)
• Large Armoire
for scrapbooking supplies
• Living Room Chair
(upholstered, neutral colors)
The UNION EAGLES competed in the TRI STATE FAIR with vegetables, ceramics, woodworking
and leather craft projects, baked goods and more and won a total of 64 ribbons including:
2 BEST of SHOW • 31 1 ST Place ribbons • 18 2 ND Place ribbons • 11 3 RD Place ribbons
the Presbyterian Home for Children
my roots and wings.org
07
{as CHILDREN see it} One day one of my little girls informed me that she didn’t have to go to school anymore to learn
p.
because she could remember everything by taking a picture.
She said she had a camera in her head she takes pictures with it to help her remember things. So I asked, “Then how is it you always seem to forget about picking up your toys?”
She replied, “Sometimes I forget to put film in it.”
q: What type of dinosaur makes the best music?
a: A RAP-tor!
horse sense
Equine therapy through Horseplay at Mesquite
to the nines
Thanks to Sharon Bradley, Shelby Stapp and the
rights of passage
A hiking and camping trip to summit the 13,161 foot
Ranch allows each cottage its own therapy time
other numerous individuals for the special graduation
peak of Mt. Wheeler in New Mexico was part of a
during which they interact with the horses and other
outfits for our 2011 graduating seniors. We want to
monthly Bible-study for older boys hosted by CareNet
members of their home both to learn life-skills, such
thank everyone who was involved in helping our
of Amarillo. Here, one of our boys works to start a
as trust and self-control, and to work through
graduates look and feel their best on their very
fire with flint. CareNet also provides amazing Bible studies
personal and inter-personal difficulties.
special day!
for our teenage girls and younger kids.
AS WE CONCERN OURSELVES with giving our children A FUTURE, let us not neglect to give them A TODAY. – UNKNOWN
the Presbyterian Home for Children
my roots and wings.org
09
{THANK YOU to those who helped make the first TLC home a reality in 2007 }
“ I LOVE EVERY PART OF TLC...I never dreamed I’d graduate from high school, much less go to college, but I’M
DOING IT ALL. ” - Izabella
Nancy & Al Abdullah • Melody & Chuck Alexander • Alice Allison • Amarillo Area Foundation • Amarillo Business Foundation • Amarillo National Bank • Sherman H. Anderson • Joyce Attebury • Dorothy Baggerly • Ann & Robert Ball • Cheryl & Robert Beckley • Glenda & Bob Bell • Bess Morgan Memorial Class • Mary E. Bivins Foundation
p.
Charles Bogard • Reid Bond • Ann Bookout • Pat Bright • Dick Brooks • Bruckner Family Foundation • Natalie & WP Buckthal • Susanne & Jack Bullock • Betty Burgy • Susan Burnette & Mark Morey • Norma & Tom Cambridge • Rita & Ray Castle • Pat Cathcart • Janette & Terry Caviness • Carolyn & Mark Christy • Joanne Robey Clark
WH & ME Cobb Charitable Trust • Peggy & Harland Collins • Karen M. Cooley • Betty & Marvin Cooper • Beverly Cowden, Jr. • Bonne Rhea & Cliff Craig • Barbara & Dick Davis • Pattilou Dawkins • Allen Dawson • M.S. Doss Foundation, Inc. • Kay & Ron Edmondson • Gene & Elaine Edwards • LuNette & Craig Evetts
Shirley & Ed Fancher • First Presbyterian Church - Amarillo, TX • First Presbyterian Church - Canadian, TX • FirstBank Southwest • The C.J. & Syble Fowlston Charitable Trust • Grace Franklin • Nona & Robert Fulton • Gilliland Family Foundation • Nancee & Scott Gilmour • Eleanor Glazener • Joanne & Steven Gosselin • Lynn & Gary Gwyn
Janice & William Hamilton • Don & Sybil Harrington Foundation • Cynthia & Billy Hawkins • Mindy & Andy Hawkins • Elaine Hazelwood • Marilyn N. Henslee • Joan & Joe Horn • Betty & Joe K. Howell • Tammy & Paul Huff • Marsha & David Hutchins • Jean Irwin • Mitch Jones • Josephine Anderson Charitable Trust • Jane Juett
Georgia & Chuck Kitsman • Sally & David Kritser • Claudette Landess • Stephanie & Rich Lapinski • Mary Nell & Rex Lemert • Sann Lindemann • J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation • Abbie & Wales Madden, Jr. • Virginia & John Maynard • Mays Foundation • Sue & Ken McCarty • Magdelena McMordie • Jan Metcalf
Ned O. & Linda G. Miller Charitable Trust • Julie & Greg Mitchell • Edward S Morris • Gladys & Edward Morris • Kathy & Stan Morris • William & Louise Mullins Trust • Neely, Craig & Walton, LLP • Sharon & Larry Oeschger • Pat & Glen Parkey • Ann & Larry Parrish • Pete’s Car Smart Kia • The Waite & Genevieve Phillips Foundation
Boone Pickens • Tennessee & Larry Pickens • Pinon Foundation • Geraldine Piper • Ruth & Bill Quackenbush • Myrna & Daniel Raffkind • Dave Richardson • Ed & Margaret Roberts Foundation • Jennifer & Sloan Rush • Bonnie & Bob Sanders • James R. Saunders • Marty Schantz • Betty & Bill Semmelbeck • Mildred Sentell
The Sidwell Foundation • Donna & Gene Sidwell • Jeanne & Mark Sievers • Claire & Ray Snead • Betty & John Solis • Shannon & Brian Thaxton • Nancy & Champ Turner • Sharla & Joe Valdez • Molly & Brandt Vermillion • Roy Vineyard, Jr. • Frances A. Walker • Patrick Walker • Patsy & Jim Walker • Stacey & Reid Walker
Lynn & Irvin Wall • Sandy & Jack Waller • Tol Ware • Darla & Douglas White • Sue & Jim Whitlock • Carol & Burk Whittenburg • Francie Whittenburg • Wanda Whittenburg • Vicki Wilmarth & Rohn Butterfield • Women of First Presbyterian Church - Amarillo, TX • Lacy & Geoffrey Wright • Xcel Energy
building futures
Once upon a time, after graduating high school, foster children nationwide
were thrust into
adulthood, on their own with little-to-no support system. Some succeeded, but many failed, struggling
towards independence, falling through the cracks of society and becoming sad statistics.
Believing that children deserve a better chance at the future, The Children’s Home responded to this
crisis in 2002, casting a vision of continued support for graduating seniors. Thanks to the generosity of
the community, in 2007 we opened the doors to the TLC cottage (Transitional Living Concepts) which
takes teens through the critical years from youth into adulthood offering the guiding hand and safety net
young adults need as they stumble towards independence as well as a home to return to for weekends,
holidays, summers or in case of loss of employment.
The next challenge we face results from the overwhelming success of the TLC program as well as the
other programs of The Children’s Home. The TLC cottage has become a right of passage: younger kids
on campus aspire to live there – working hard to learn the skills they need and display the maturity
required to enter the program. Additionally, others have seen the effectiveness of the scope of care
we offer and are desiring that same guidance and care for their own kids, asking to send their teens to
The Children’s Home at age 16 or 17 so that they can move through the program and then into the
TLC home.
As more kids progress through The Children’s Home and desire to stay connected through the TLC
program, the number of young people we can help is infinite. However, the TLC house itself is finite.
Even now, we are seeking to “creatively rearrange” in order to provide this excellent program for the
children who are ready for it. Please stand with us as we look to the future and determine to provide a
The TLC PROGRAM at The Children’s Home
STANDS AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF PROGRESS
in the foster-care arena. It is SUCH A NEW CONCEPT that
no complete curriculum has existed, until now. Carefully
and methodically, The Children’s Home HAS CREATED one.
This VASTLY SUCCESSFUL curriculum has been fully
vetted by EXPERTS and has garnered national attention
for its quality and depth. It is NOW IN PRODUCTION
to be SOLD NATIONWIDE to foster homes, youth groups, schools
and anyone seeking to PREPARE A CHILD FOR ADULTHOOD.
hope for a better future to the many children who now and who will depend on us to do so.
the Presbyterian Home for Children
my roots and wings.org
going places
{
roots (r utz) ,
12
n. the condition of being well-grounded, ready to grow and fully prepared to go forward
(wingz) , p.
n. a means to fly farther into bright futures
}
a banquet to benefit the Presbyterian Home for Children, Tuesday, March 6, 2012
SAVE the date: Tuesday,
MARCH 6, 2012
for the
SECOND ANNUAL
{banquet}
7 pm at the Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Ballroom
bless you
HONOR your friends and family
with a gift to The Children’s Home this season, and we will send
a card letting them know of your kind donation.*
THE ROADMAP for NAVIGATING the JOURNEY to ADULTHOOD
First ever comprehensive curriculum covers 64 distinct topics from budgeting to time management
• fully vetted by experts nationwide
• plug & play DVD and workbook package
• perfect for children’s homes, youth groups, schools, clubs and families
pre-order online at myrootsandwings.org
Cards will be sent out in December , but
GET YOUR “SHOPPING” DONE EARLY.
Send in your list today!
For your convenience, use the enclosed reply envelope.
* minimum gift of $20 per card requested
J
Y
o r ld
the w
}
q a:
Everyone of them has something different and special about them.
and
13
How have you maintained your DEDICATION ? The KIDS. They keep it interesting .
My challenge is to find that and help bring it out .
p.
{
with Becky Johnson
}
Since 1946, the children’s store at The Children’s Home has been affectionately known as ‘Neiman Marcus.’ Becky Johnson has worked
there as the Clothing Coordinator for the past 16 years. She and her husband, Danny, have two college-age daughters, Jessica and Stephanie.
q: What does the Clothing Coordinator do?
a: When a new child arrives here, my job that very first day is to inventory what he or she has, which is sometimes
nothing more than the clothes on their back, then help them find what they need to fit in. That’s the most important thing - to fit in completely wherever they go. These kids already think they’re different, bad, or wrong, so we
start changing that. I’ve had many girls over the years who’ve never worn a dress or skirt before. I explain to them
that The Children’s Home provides many new and wonderful experiences, like going to church, having guests
over to dinner, and they’ll want to look extra nice. I encourage them to approach wearing a dress as another ‘new
experience.’ I meet with each child every three months to reassess their wardrobe since they’re constantly growing
and changing.
q: Why are clothes so important for success?
a: The right clothes makes a world of difference. Think about when you wear clothing that makes you feel good. It
gives you confidence. Most of us can pull that outfit from our own closets, or buy it, but these kids can’t. That’s
what we do for them. It’s so wonderful, because once they pick out an item of clothes, it’s theirs to keep. Once, a
girl came in with very little, but as she left carrying her new things, she smiled and said, “I feel like a rich girl.”
The Children’s Home wants that for all our kids…to feel special.
q: What transformations do you see in those first three months?
a: The kids all look so much better, and I mean more than the clothes. They’re eating right, so their skin looks
healthier. They’ve had new haircuts. The Children’s Home starts from the outside in, but over time, we see a
more positive attitude in most kids. Our clothes say to them…I deserve this…I am worthy.
q: What do you do when a child doesn’t want to try on clothes?
a: I have to be very gentle. Many of our kids have been abused – verbally, physically, or sexually. If someone has
told you everyday that you’re ugly, then you’re not going to want look at yourself in the mirror in a new outfit.
how you
I’ve worked with teen boys who don’t want anything. They’ve literally raised themselves, so they’re quite indepen-
can HELP
The community is always so generous with their donations and give some terrific things. We can always use more in ALL sizes
(including plus): everyday clothes, nicer ‘Sunday School’ outfits, the girls LOVE costume jewelry, as well as specialty items: camping, swimming,
summer camp clothes. Right now, we’re also short on gloves. Plus, we always buy brand new socks and underwear, so if anyone wants to donate
those items new for the kids, that would be such a blessing.
dent, and don’t need one thing. I’ll say, “Just take it. If you haven’t worn this in three months, you can give it
back. Or, I might ask, “What’s your favorite sports team?” Even if they say they don’t like sports, I try to find
something they like. Many teen girls come here so self-conscious with body issues, I’ll find out their favorite color.
For most our little ones, they act like it’s Christmas. They’re so fun.
story by Marcy McKay
the Presbyterian Home for Children
my roots and wings.org
15
WE’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE the newest members of our team.
p. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from
the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24
new
friendly faces
Clinical Specialist Samantha Hites
Previously an Assistant Supervisor at Youth Center
of the High Plains, Samantha Hites joins The
Children’s Home as a Clinical Specialist. “I agree
with the mission and direction of The Children’s
recently joining our team as PRN staff: Chanita Jones & Samantha Jasso
We are always excited to add new PRN staff. The flexibility of the PRN position allows The Children’s Home to
meet new and unexpected challenges head-on while continuing to provide a high standard of care. PRN staff
work to provide Family Teachers with days off as well as offering extra support during busy times.
Home, and I want to be a part of it. I’m excited to
be able to make a difference in the lives of kids and
point them in a positive direction at this stage in
their lives,” Samantha said. She is looking forward to
working to benefit the kids on an individual level as
well as being a part of the direction The Children’s
Home is heading.
the Presbyterian Home for Children
Business Manager Dianne Hill
After twelve successful and blessed years serving as
the Executive Director of Opportunity School,
Dianne felt the time was right to pass the baton to
new leadership and the next stage in the school and
to pursue a different path for herself professionally.
Dianne brings with her twenty-three years of experience in administration and finance. “The Children’s
Home has a wonderful reputation for quality and
serves a much-needed mission,” Dianne commented.
“I think the staff is amazing and it’s fun to see the
kids every day. I’m looking forward to getting to know
the organization better and better and I’m excited to
see the continued growth. I can tell we’re on a really
good path!”
my roots and wings.org
“ IN
17
said Eustace, “ a
star is a huge ball of flaming gas .”
“ Even in your world , my son, that is not what a star is ,
OUR WORLD ,”
p.
which DREAMS are made
of
that
but only what it is MADE OF .” – C .S. LEWIS The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Like most 17-year-olds, Sara* was confident that she was ready for independence.
“
Every
great dream
begins with
a dreamer.
Always remember,
you
have within you the
strength, the
patience and the
passion to reach
“
for the
stars to
change the world.
– Harriet Tubman
After four years in foster care, she wanted to face life on her own terms and she was
sure that, with a little help from her family, she could make it on her own. On her
18th birthday, she legally, and with much anticipation, signed herself out of CPS
care. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation at home was much different than
what she had hoped for. Without the support of her family, she found herself more
on her own than she had imagined.
“My Dad’s soon-to-be wife said I couldn’t live there, so I went to live with my Mom.
I thought she had changed, but she hadn’t. I still had the mindset of a teen. I just
wanted to hang out. I was making mistakes... getting myself in too deep... I realized
I couldn’t do it. I needed structure and rules. I needed that somebody to tell me
what to do and push on me and I wasn’t getting it there. I need guidance in my life
because I was going nowhere without it.”
Sara wasn’t content to “go nowhere.” She had dreams in sight and knew that they
were worth pursuing. She contacted The Children’s Home and asked to return, then
signed herself back into CPS care. Since her return, Sara is working to take more
responsibility and be more independent. “I matured a lot this summer. I feel like I
needed to realize that this is where I need to be.”
Sara will graduate from Richard Milburn Academy in December and hopes to start
classes at Amarillo College in the Spring. She wants to get her basics at A.C. , then
go to Frank Phillips College for nursing. “I like helping people and seeing their faces
after someone talks to them. I want to be that somebody who tells them ‘things are
going to be rough, but you’re going to be OK’.”
* name has been changed
the Presbyterian Home for Children
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a WORD from the
PRESIDENT
As we enter the holidays I am reminded of all the first time experiences that the children are having;
their first turkey dinner at Thanksgiving with a loving family gathered around a big table or going to
church to celebrate the birth of Jesus and realizing the true meaning of Christmas. Watching the
spark come into the children’s eyes is what it’s all about! For many of the children, the holiday
season is what gives them a sense of permanence and allows them to begin to dream about
what’s next in their lives. Traditions that we take for granted, they find comforting and
grounding in a way that allows them to set their eyes forward. “Without vision the
people will perish”…but with love and a belief in what God has for them in the
future, the kids will flourish.
2011 has been a remarkable year and we have been so encouraged by seeing
the vision come to life. The growth of the team and the census on campus
has been awesome. We are blessed to be serving more than double the
number of children we were serving just two years ago. Thankfully we
have a talented team with exceptional family teachers who invest in these
children everyday…all day.
As we approach 2012, we do it with a true sense of gratitude for all of
the love and support that has been shown to the children and the PHC
family. Without these blessings we could not give the children
the real Children’s Home Experience. As we lift our eyes up
to see what God has for us in the coming months and
years, we ask for your prayers so that we see the future
through His eyes and His vision becomes our vision. May
God richly bless you and your home.
With Gratitude,