MCH staff trained for new parent education program

Several staff members at Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) now have new tools to help families after receiving Circle of Security training from May 16-19. Twenty staff members attended the training in Plano, Texas, while two attended in Santa Fe, N.M. Another training session will be offered in Las Cruces, N.M., in June.

Circle of Security is described as “a relationship-based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children.” The program is based on research revealing that secure children exhibit more self-esteem and empathy while also forming stronger relationships and performing better in school. Through the program, facilitators help caregivers to identify children’s needs and determine the best ways to meet those needs.

MCH decided to implement Circle of Security after a recommendation from partners at Texas Christian University’s Institute of Child Development. It will be offered in addition to Nurturing Parenting and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) programs.

“The program marries well with Nurturing Parenting and TBRI and it’s simple to facilitate,” said Kelly Smith, program administrator for the Western region of MCH Family Outreach. “After these rounds of training, all offices will have a trained COS Parenting trainer. Circle of Security provides participants with a model for parenting through secure attachment, allows exploration of attachment styles and teaches skills to facilitate a secure attachment with their children.”

Brooke Davilla, MCH Family Outreach director in Waco, attended the training in Plano.

“Often in our roles at MCH we hear ‘fix them,’ ‘fix us’ or ‘tell us what to do’ from families and community members who are seeking assistance,” she said. “The COS training is unlike other programs or interventions that offer a three-step guide to this or a behavior intervention that does that. The COS approach moves past the distraction of the behaviors and gets to the heart of the issue, our innate need for connection.

“During our training we were immersed in attachment theory and reminded that if we can help create or repair connection then we can move towards security with resiliency and wholeness,” Davilla added. “This specific model pairs nicely with TBRI and other services we currently offer at MCH. Circles of Security is rich in research and theory but simplistic in implementation. I believe we will continue to bring a message of hope to families through this approach and look forward to offering it in our community.” 

One Act Play competes at state and district competitions

Methodist Children’s Home School (MCHS) students can take a bow after impressive performances at district and state competitions this spring. The One Act Play cast received several awards for the performance of “Indoor/Outdoor,” a sentimental comedy written by Kenny Finkle.

The play is about a cat named Samantha, played by Skylar, who is adopted by her new owner Shuman, played by Ben. At first, everything is going well, but soon Samantha begins to wonder why Shuman doesn’t understand her. The relationship grows even more complicated when she meets an alley cat and begins to wonder if she is meant to be an indoor cat or outdoor cat.

The One Act Play cast has been rehearsing the play since January 2016. They are directed by Kira Rockwell, MCH recreation coordinator, who said she chose the play for her students due to its lovable characters and relatable message.

“The play is hysterical, but it has a beautiful overarching message of unconditional love and explores the principal of self-worth,” Rockwell said. “I wanted the students to have a show they could truly love to perform for people. I wanted them to be able to walk away knowing they told a great story.”

For the district competition on April 15, Ben received first place male actor overall for his role as “Shuman” and Skylar made the second all-star cast for her performance as “Samantha.” The play also received second place overall. At state competition on May 13-14, Skylar received first all-star cast, Ben was awarded second all-star cast, Josh was an honorable mention for his performance as the mouse, and D-Nayjah was recognized as an all-star tech.  

Rockwell said state was very competitive and she is very proud of the recognition they received as well as the hard work her students have put in throughout the semester. She said it was the first play for many of the students and they showed so much initiative learning lines, attending weekly rehearsals and supporting each other. The students completely run the entire show once performances begin including lights and sound.

”As a teacher, I love looking back at where we began, remembering all the small moments in between, and allowing myself to really value how far we came as a team,” she said. “It is truly incredible to be able to witness the individual growth the students make in all areas of their lives through the practice of theatre. And beyond that, the best part really is just being able to share my love of theatre with students who may have never known it was something they would enjoy. It is such a gift to be able to create something meaningful together.”   

Core Value Award for Service - James and Patti Garrett

Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) annually recognizes staff who exemplify our Core Values. Staff are nominated by their peers and recognized at an all-staff meeting.

The Core Values for MCH are:

Christian Principles
Relationships
Responsibility
Growth
Service
Hope

James and Patti Garrett, home parents at the Scharbauer-Thomas home, received the 2016 Core Award for Service at the all-staff meeting in March. The recipients for the Core Award for service is someone who shows compassion through generosity and care.

According to the Garrett’s nomination, “Throughout the nine years James and Patti have been at MCH they have demonstrated a heart of service to the youth and staff they have worked alongside. It has been evident that the Garretts are invested in serving the lives of MCH youth. The Garretts come in the doors of MCH desiring with a great passion to show our youth that they can overcome the hardships of life. They do not merely just come ‘on duty,’ but they live ‘on duty’ with a mission that surpasses just being present. They intentionally spend their time teaching our youth life skills and making memories. Camping trips, fishing, and days at the lake are a few of the things that the Garretts do to provide new experiences for the youth in their home. They work hard to prepare youth to be independent and ready for the ‘real world’ once the leave MCH. The Garretts show their serving hearts in their willingness to serve alongside with the youth as they as they volunteer to help them with various tasks in the home. The Garretts have been willing to plan their personal lives around the needs of MCH. At times, they have changed their plans with little notice in order to cover for other staff. They are present at significant events of our youth. The Garretts are true examples of putting the needs or wants of others before themselves.”

“We were honored to receive the award and thank our co-workers who nominated us,” Patti Garrett said. “We are grateful to be employed by MCH and that we are given the opportunity to make a difference in these youth’s lives, which we love doing!”

Marchelle Villa, unit manager and the Garrett’s supervisor had this to share, “When I think of the Garretts and their serving hearts I am reminded of Mark 10:45 which says ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as ransom for many.’ I cannot think of any other more worthy for the Core Value of Service than the Garretts. It is a great honor to acknowledge their passionate and dedicated years of service to the MCH community.”

Core Value Award for Growth - Marjorie Parker

Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) annually recognizes staff who exemplify our Core Values. Staff are nominated by their peers and recognized at an all-staff meeting.

The Core Values for MCH are:

Christian Principles
Relationships
Responsibility
Growth
Service
Hope

Marjorie Parker, youth care counselor (YCC) supervisor, received the 2016 Core Award for Growth at the all-staff meeting in March. The recipient of the Core Award for Growth is someone who provides opportunities for spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.

According to Parker’s nomination, “Marjorie has been a valued employee since 2012. Marjorie came to MCH with no previous experience in the field of working with youth from hard places in a residential setting. Marjorie began to learn quickly exactly what she had ‘gotten herself into’ and did not hesitate to jump immediately into situations, seek support from her supervisors and attend trainings to build her skills. Marjorie was trained in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and had a natural ability to balance structure and nurture and create an environment that fostered connections with youth and co-workers. Marjorie also demonstrated the ability to learn and gain insight into behaviors and needs of youth in her care. Marjorie very quickly grew to be sought out by not only the youth in her home but other youth across the MCH campus. Marjorie’s abilities as home parent excelled so quickly that she was asked to help with training new home parents. Marjorie’s skills continued to expand as she worked with youth who presented greater and new challenges. Marjorie has utilized opportunities through the training department to attend continuing education classes as a way to further develop her skills. Marjorie’s growth in her knowledge and understanding of agency policies and procedures make her an excellent candidate to promote to the YCC supervisor in 2015.”

“I am very honored and thankful to receive the Core Award for Growth.  I am exceptionally grateful for the opportunity and the acknowledgment from MCH,” said Parker.

Erica Reyes-Rosa, associate administrator and Parker’s supervisor had this to share, “Marjorie is a joy to supervise because of her desire to provide exceptional childcare and her willingness to continue to learn new skills and techniques.”