MCH students join U.M. Army

Ashley's group painted a house and constructed a wheelchair ramp
during the mission trip in Tyler.

Several MCH residents found that doing good for others is its own reward. Five youth accompanied spiritual development minister Ron Britton to Tyler, Texas for a mission trip with U.M. Army from July 12-17.

U.M. Army, or United Methodist Action Reach-Out Mission by Youth, is a national organization with a mission to “provide Christ-centered, quality youth work camps that serve people in need and promote spiritual growth and leadership development in youth,” according to its website. MCH representatives Noah, Marvin, Diego, Ashley and Rachael worked with volunteers from Kingwood UMC to help less fortunate residents in the area that were in desperate need of home repairs.

Ashley’s group worked on a wheelchair ramp for an elderly couple and painted their house.

“What I like best is I can get away from my normal routine and focus more on God and what work He can have me do,” Ashley said.

The volunteers were divided up between houses this year to build wheelchair ramps, repair porches, paint homes, or minor home renovations. The work groups spend the day out in the field and returned to their host church, Lanes Chapel UMC in the evenings for dinner and worship.

“The MCH kids bring such a special dynamic to this camp,” said Lisa Donoho, director of the U.M. Army camp. “Many of the kids and families (from Kingwood UMC) want to be in the groups with MCH kids.”

Britton said youth are selected for the trip with first priority given to those who served in the past who worked hard and made a positive impact. Students can also submit applications and staff recommendations if they would like to attend.

“I cannot express adequately just how much our kids blessed the clients they worked for,” Britton said. “Every one of our kids worked tirelessly, through days that were 112 degrees and higher, to help fix homes, build wheelchair ramps, paint, roof, lawn work, and anything else that came up. I heard nothing but praise about our kids from their adult team leaders!”

Noah was one of five MCH residents attending U.M. Army this year.

Noah's group built a wheelchair ramp and porch for their client.

Diego (Baylor shirt) and his group also built a wheelchair ramp for a family in Tyler.

Project Transformation students visit MCH

Methodist Children’s Home hosted 14 college students from Project Transformation (PT) on July 10. Allison Crawford, director of volunteers and events, gave a tour of the Waco campus and Boys Ranch and provided lunch. Several of our staff spoke with the students about the services MCH offers.

“We are so pleased to be one of the sought after organizations that PT sends their students to,” stated Crawford. “We have partnered with them for several years now and love sharing our mission. You never know, one of these students may want to work at MCH one day.”

Project Transformation offers leadership development and career/ministry exploration opportunities for college age young adults through summer and one-year service terms.

“This trip to MCH is always a highlight for our interns,” shared Janalee Wiles, program manager for PT. “It really opens their eyes to different opportunities to be in ministry and service with children in a residential care nonprofit. Thanks again for letting us spend the day with you.”

MCH athletics promotes Matt Rodgers, adds Jayson Mitchell to staff

Matt Rodgers has been promoted and will serve as the new athletic director of the MCH athletics department. Rodgers graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication in 2007 and worked for the Baylor men's basketball team as a student coach during those four years. He returned to Baylor in 2010 to begin the sports management program and worked as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball team. During this time Rodgers was also an assistant coach for the Waco Live Oak football team. Rodgers graduated from Baylor University with a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in sports management in 2012 and came to MCH in June 2012 as the boys athletic coordinator. Rodgers worked in his role as an athletic coordinator from 2012-2014 and coached the boys JV and varsity football team. He was promoted to associate athletic director in July 2014.

Jayson Mitchell is the new associate athletic director for the athletics department. Mitchell attended Texas Tech University where he played on the basketball team and graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2001. He went on to play professional basketball in the Canadian Basketball league for the Niagara Gamblers. He finished his basketball career in 2005 and returned to Texas and served as a case manager for at risk youth at  TYC and Mexia State Supported Living Center. Jayson had the opportunity to work with students and was hired as a 7^th grade Texas history teacher at Tennyson Middle School in 2012 where he also served as the 7^th grade basketball coach from 2012-2015. 

Please join us in congratulating Matt Rodgers and welcoming Jayson Mitchell!

Core Value Award for Hope - Marisol Gomez

Each year Methodist Children’s Home recognizes staff members who exemplify the Core Values of the organization. Staff are nominated by their peers and are recognized at an all-staff meeting during which the Core Awards are given.

The Core Awards for MCH are:

Christian Principles
Relationships
Responsibility
Growth
Service
Hope

Marisol Gomez, director of the MCH Family Outreach in Corpus Christi, received the Core Award for Hope at the spring 2015 all-staff meeting. The recipient of the Core Award for Hope is someone who believes in the possibilities of the future.

Gomez has worked for MCH for five years. “I was fortunate to be in attendance at the all-staff meeting that day. When Mr. Brown said my name I was so surprised, I really was not expecting it. MCH is a great agency with amazing staff and I am honored to have been selected for such an award.”

According to Gomez’s nomination, “Marisol is genuine in her interactions with everyone she meets and believes deeply in the ministries of MCH. Under her direction, Marisol has helped grow the services offered in the Corpus Christi area. She has implemented the Family Solutions Program, which is impacting families beyond measure. The prevention programs have flourished and two additional case managers have been added due to the demand for services. Marisol is generous of her time, skills, and talents and goes above and beyond to support colleagues, staff and clients. She sees the best in everyone she meets.”

The Corpus Christi staff had this to share about Gomez:

“At Marisol’s core is a deeply caring heart for the children we serve. She is also mindful and supportive of her staff. Her door is always open to offer us guidance.”

“Marisol, is a knowledgeable and a well prepared leader. She has a generous and tender heart, and I am honored to be under her supervision.”

Traci Wagner, MCH administrator and Gomez’s supervisor said: “It was an honor to watch Marisol be recognized for the Core Award for Hope. She gives so much to the ministry in Corpus Christi and is such a blessing to MCH.”