Recognized for Excellence

The Coalition of Residential Excellence (CORE) recently selected three individuals affiliated with MCH as recipients of annual awards. The purpose of the nonprofit association is “to establish excellence for residential care; assist programs in achieving excellence; influence policymakers to recognize the need for residential programs; and promote public support for residential excellence, research, and practice.”

Dr. Ann Weiss, a member of the MCH Board of Directors, was selected as Board Member of the Year and Julie Diem, MCH benefactor, was selected as Philanthropist of the Year. In addition, Ashley Burris, a former resident at MCH, was named Student of the Year. The three were recognized on April 26 at the annual CORE Residential Excellence conference held in Washington, D.C.

Ashley Burris –Student of the Year 
Ashley, a former resident of the Waco campus, graduated in May 2015 from Rapoport Academy. She came to MCH at the age of 13 after going through some family struggles with her mother. Ashley was recognized for her growth and leadership through MCH’s programs. Ashley’s accomplishments were described below in excerpts from her nomination:

Ashley exemplifies the Methodist Children’s Home core values through her strong connections with the MCH staff and students. She is always willing to meet and exceed expectations and focuses on her goals despite many obstacles she has encountered along the way. Ashley is focused on the future and utilizes all the opportunities available to her including but not limited to educational, volunteer services, and spiritual. Ashley is involved in many campus activities as an intern with the MCH Student Events Coordinator. Ashley completes volunteer services for her school and within the unit. She sets an example for her peers by the way she successfully maintained and worked the Steps to Success program and achieved the highest step possible in the MCH Program.

Ashley is a role model to her peers in that they turn to her for advice and guidance. The youth relate to Ashley’s initial struggle and anger when arriving at MCH. They view her motivation to refocus as a beacon of hope that they could do the same thing. Ashley is recognized by her peers for her positive attitude and cheerful smile. Ashley is admired for her ability to recognize the consequences of her actions and drive to be successful. She is able to do all of that with a smile on her face and positive words.

Julie Diem – Philanthropist of the Year
Julie Diem became a strong supporter of MCH after the tragic deaths of her daughter and grandsons. Diem found a way to honor her loved ones through MCH, a ministry that was close to the heart of her daughter. In 2015, Diem endowed a scholarship in her daughter’s name to honor her legacy. Her generosity and dedication is described in excerpts from her nomination below:
Julie's story is heart-wrenching and her resiliency has touched many. The power of her testimony brought new supporters to our organization and educated many on the wonderful opportunities available through our services, specifically our residential program.

Diem contacted MCH in 2015 and decided to start the “Elizabeth Dowdy Scholarship.” Diem wanted to create a scholarship that would help girls from our residential program who had dreams similar to those of her daughter. Diem started raising funds for the scholarship by selling special wreaths which she began making as a way to honor her daughter and grandsons.

The response of her effort was amazing. In less than eight months, proceeds from the wreath sales, and contributions from others impacting by the story, produced more than $25,000 for the scholarship! The Diems then decided to start a second scholarship fundraising effort to create a named fund for their grandsons.

It is inspiring to see someone turn a great loss into something that will bless others. Julie is a powerful example of how these scholarship gifts can impact our young people as well as how one person can bless so many others. Many more people are aware of MCH because of Julie’s advocacy and so many have found encouragement during tough times because of her influence.

Dr. Ann Weiss – Board Member of the Year
Dr. Ann Weiss has been an advocate for MCH for more than 30 years. In that time she has held numerous leadership roles as a board member, volunteer and benefactor. Dr. Weiss’s commitment and service was described in excerpts from her nomination:

Dr. Weiss offers her insights as an educator to help ensure MCH uses its resources for the highest and best use for the children in our care. Dr. Weiss has served on numerous boards and leadership councils. She is eager to use those connections to link likeminded organizations in order to produce the most good. Her advocacy for MCH has brought trauma-informed care and the importance of the residential service model to leadership through the United Methodist Church and our service areas.

Dr. Weiss has a voice and she lends it to our program. Her support of our emphasis on trauma-informed care has opened the eyes and ears of others to understand about the challenges facing the young people in our communities and this innovative approach to serving them. Her voice is strong in support of our program but also used in a way to help ensure MCH is aware of the complex issues that may be encountered as we seek to achieve our goals.

Many of the accomplishments achieved by MCH are a result of the generosity of our supporters, many of those who were brought to MCH and encouraged by the leadership of Dr. Weiss.
Dr. Weiss connects with individuals in an authentic way. Although highly educated, she can articulate the intricacies of our program in a way that can be understood by those who care about our children and mission. Dr. Weiss is a “natural nurturer” and shows a high level of dedication to sharing the MCH story but also mentoring young leaders. Her position on the Board was more than a title; it was a way to carry out her true passion which is providing for the wellbeing of children. She is respected by her peers and youth for her ability to be lead, encourage and inspire.
Congratulations to our Coalition of Residential Excellence award winners!

Core Value Award for Hope - Brett Greenfield

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

Brett Greenfield, case manager for MCH Family Outreach in Waco, received the 2016 Core Award for Hope at the all-staff meeting in March. The recipient of the Core Award for Hope is someone who believes in the possibilities of the future.

According to Greenfield’s nomination, “Hope is exactly what Brett brings to MCH every day. As a case manager, Brett does not simply offer referrals and send families off with well wishes. He partners and walks alongside the families through the messes and celebrations of life. Many of the families we serve come experiencing traumas; some are homeless and in need of tangible goods while others are overwhelmed by fractures in their lives. Brett empowers our families to identify goals and walks alongside them through the process. He encourages and speaks to their strengths. Whether he is assisting in filling out applications for housing, advocating for a child at school or simply ‘being with’ them while a parent or child experiences difficulties, he demonstrates hope in the mist of joy and struggle supporting families with perseverance and tenacity. Brett has had the opportunity to share a message of hope to parents at Midway ISD, LaVega ISD, McLennan Community College, and CareNet. Brett has a skilled ability to inform parents and school faculty on best practices with professionalism and kindness.  He consistently receives positive reviews and is asked to come back. Brett recently displayed hope when he was working with two families who were in need of mattresses. After seeking local resources with no return Brett sought out a corporate donation as a final effort. To his surprise, the company responded generously. Brett received seven mattresses to deliver to the families. To know that these families were sleeping on new clean mattresses is priceless.”

“I am both honored and humbled to receive the Core Award for Hope,” said Greenfield. “I see the hard work being done by everyone at MCH to fulfill the mission statement, and to be given this award is an encouragement to continue working hard for children and families in our communities. I feel undeserving and all the more gracious for the support provided to me by MCH.”

Brooke Davilla, director of MCH Family Outreach in Waco and Greenfield’s supervisor had this to share, “The role of a case manager is difficult because things are not always resolved or suddenly better despite best efforts. We are thankful for Brett as he carries this sense of hope in our office and to our families in the community.”

Dallas case manager receives award from school district

Rosemary Hinojosa received the "Team Player"
award from Dallas Independent School District.

Dallas Independent School District (DISD) honored Rosemary Hinojosa, case manager at MCH Family Outreach in Dallas, with the “Team Player” award recognizing “all-stars” within the community. Hinojosa received the award due to her collaboration with the DISD Office of Parent Engagement for her volunteer efforts to help educate Dallas families.

Hinojosa has made several presentations at DISD schools which has helped her recruit for Nurturing Parenting classes and GAPP case management clients. Her efforts began the collaboration between MCH Family Outreach and the DISD Office of Parent Engagement.

“I’m very honored to have received this honor for my service to the parents of the Dallas ISD,” Hinojosa said. “I love speaking to parents throughout the district about Nurturing Parenting and its cultural relevance to them and of course, I always start my presentations with information on Methodist Children’s Home and MCH Family Outreach programs!”   

On May 18, MCH was invited to sponsor an exhibit table, at no charge, at the annual DISD Parent Resource Fair and Appreciation. DISD collaborates with community organizations such as MCH Family Outreach to reach parents and students and provide an avenue to resources in the community. 

The fair has been held at a school in the district for several years in the past. Due to increasing attendance, this year it was moved to the Centennial Building at Fair Park. The DISD Office of Parent Engagement was in charge of the event. They were expecting 800-1,000 parents who were bussed in from most DISD schools. But this year the event was a great success with an attendance of 1,600, 1,300 of which were parents from across the district.

Rosemary Hinojosa and Maria Pintor, Dallas office
administrative secretary, worked the MCH booth at the DISD event.

Rosemary Hinojosa is pictured with a group of parents
who attended one of her parenting classes.