Core Value Award for Hope- Shawn Powell

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

Shawn Powell, admissions secretary, received the 2017 Core Award for Hope at the fall all-staff meeting. The recipient of the Core Award for Hope is someone who believes in the possibilities of the future.       

According to her nomination, Powell embodies the Core Value of Hope in the way she cares for the families who come through the admissions process at MCH. Some families who call are often frustrated, angry or weary as they are in need of immediate assistance. Her dedication to helping these families navigate the admissions process is always done with genuine care, compassion and hopefulness. Powell has an innate ability to connect with families during the initial phone call due to her calming and gentle demeanor as she collects often delicate information about youth behavior.

Powell also develops relationships with youth once they are placed in our care. Oftentimes youth who come for interviews ask to come back to visit her once they are in placement.

Recently, she connected with a family in Houston who had been displaced by the Hurricane Harvey. Hearing the fear and desperation in their voices, Powell was able to bring hope to the situation by compassionately speaking with them and keeping them updated about the admissions process.

According to Julie Spiech, associate program administrator for the Waco campus, “Shawn never hesitates to meet families ‘where they are’ emotionally in order to make them feel welcomed and comfortable. The hope she brings to the process is invaluable beyond measure.”