Dallas Outreach Office Hosts Carnival for Foster Families

The Dallas outreach office held a carnival for MCH foster care families and children. The carnival was made possible by an anonymous donor and was held at the First United Methodist Church of Richardson.

The church’s parking lot was filled with fun activities for families. There were colorful bounce houses, face painting stations, and popcorn and cotton candy stands. The biggest hit was the train ride around the parking lot. Some of the children stayed on the train the entire time!

Each foster family chipped in by bringing a dish to share at the picnic lunch. A great time of fellowship and activities was shared by all.

Thank you to the Dallas outreach office for providing this event and the pictures! Check out the photos below.

Waxahachie Youth Peace Out Camp Out

Tristan and Donald, two youth from the Waxahachie campus, attended a weekend retreat with First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Waxahachie recently. The youth camped at Colorado Bend State Park and the theme was “Peace Out Camp Out”. Candice Darwin, campus administrator, explained that the camp encouraged the youth to relax and enjoy their surroundings. No electronics were allowed, and the focus was to enjoy the moment and not sweat the small stuff.

Amanda Sargent, FUMC youth director, commented that it was a joy to spend time with MCH youth. Both Tristan and Donald had a lot of fun. Tristan enjoyed being outdoors, and Donald enjoyed entertaining the other camp participants. Our youth are looking forward to a week-long mission trip with FUMC this June.

National Residential Education Day

Today, May 4, 2011, is the third annual National Residential Education Day. It is sponsored by the Coalition for Residential Education (CORE). The goal for this day is to celebrate residential programs and their youth, bring increased understanding of what these programs offer and show how residential education serves as a valuable option for at-risk youth.

MCH receives strong support from CORE. The organization has recognized the Home with five awards: Phil and Mae Smith, Boys Ranch homeparents, 2010 Residential Educators of the Year; George and Genevie Ratliff, Waco campus homeparents, 2009 Residential Educators of the Year; Mary Bilheimer, unit manager, 2008 Residential Supervisor of the Year; Kamico Cornelius, a graduate of MCH, 2007 Student of the Year; and Bobby Gilliam, former MCH president, 2006 Administrator of the Year.

“Methodist Children’s Home is grateful for the support our youth and staff members receive from CORE, and we appreciate the commitment of CORE staff and member agencies to at-risk children and youth across the country,” said Moe Dozier, vice president for residential services at MCH and chair of CORE’s Board of Directors. “We enjoy working with other nationally-known child care agencies that share our commitment to a strength-based approach to child care.”

Click here if you would like to learn more about CORE.