tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-627296376688316202024-02-22T02:16:26.448-06:00Methodist Children's Home - Inside Out BlogUpdates and stories from Methodist Children's Home.Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-37599066318641830142019-08-14T14:12:00.003-05:002019-08-14T14:14:01.479-05:00MCH Family Outreach in Houston out in the community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSd0MBeqyEpZmh8vF9mxIqF5Ek0caSsypbZYTTHii_ejl1f6ZUHAhY4CO8jBkGtwL67h4TGyBi0A2PtIl3AM3_weraIPCSDIAw7U3FVnPnM8sZ4BNBfkOOeY9SkWy8DU0FfhUBHTVTQs/s1600/Houston+Spring+ISD+1rev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSd0MBeqyEpZmh8vF9mxIqF5Ek0caSsypbZYTTHii_ejl1f6ZUHAhY4CO8jBkGtwL67h4TGyBi0A2PtIl3AM3_weraIPCSDIAw7U3FVnPnM8sZ4BNBfkOOeY9SkWy8DU0FfhUBHTVTQs/s320/Houston+Spring+ISD+1rev.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;">Staff from MCH Family Outreach in Houston partnered with local organizations this summer at events supporting families.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;">Houston staff led nurture group activities for approximately 30 children during a two-week summer camp hosted by GrandParent Support (GPS), a local nonprofit advocating for grandparent caregivers. Camp activities focused on skill-building, development of self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and communication.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;">MCH provided activities to help children become more self-aware, such as learning calming techniques, using a stress ball, doing an “engine check” to identify their feelings, and personal journaling. Children participated in nurture group activities such as giving and receiving care using Band-Aids, learning about the impact of negative words, and performing a hand-knot to demonstrate problem-solving.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;">“The children responded well and were excited to participate each day,” said Nicole Washington, case manager for MCH Family Outreach in Houston. “I feel they were enlightened and encouraged to really think about how they treat themselves and their peers, families and community. I enjoyed the experience!”</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: myriad, sans-serif;">Staff members Washington, Monica Aguillon-LaFargue and Larysheia Harris participated in other back-to-school outreach events in the community. A back-to-school expo for Spring ISD featured a family resource fair, free immunizations and giveaways. During a back-to-school health fair organized by BakerRipley community centers, hundreds of Houston families were connected to health resources, screenings, school supplies, uniforms, and additional community resources.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wB45p8mGoL6VLje1n-vp5cwQmYlVWXQwkUR4CxwEduRlqcUM104AR0jZBC2JAXDe2QpvtW6on542uHEcEQE9fjIaMbeqviVKW3tJwbL6DDGXBjgsqBLpW7VIt4Qq9biiv2C7ZSI4JhI/s1600/16e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wB45p8mGoL6VLje1n-vp5cwQmYlVWXQwkUR4CxwEduRlqcUM104AR0jZBC2JAXDe2QpvtW6on542uHEcEQE9fjIaMbeqviVKW3tJwbL6DDGXBjgsqBLpW7VIt4Qq9biiv2C7ZSI4JhI/s1600/16e.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CGpyMmTgR1odHK5FZklxyO4wwqU_dLTegVbwdzpNglWjn8OvSoNvlV3L_2AkFlFCdBTbGUJaFMKUNtyaxUscNZ1tLvE1Z4XddGnvxllAESaMVBE1KL7I6bO1bVWXhfbbNK-DEn1nls4/s1600/3e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CGpyMmTgR1odHK5FZklxyO4wwqU_dLTegVbwdzpNglWjn8OvSoNvlV3L_2AkFlFCdBTbGUJaFMKUNtyaxUscNZ1tLvE1Z4XddGnvxllAESaMVBE1KL7I6bO1bVWXhfbbNK-DEn1nls4/s1600/3e.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YXlTkRsX5PHBJR0UTUpx7v8ch5z8UOXy5Muu-C8ZPnNy2VGKSE-yKXf6cMy91jbf2FEx0ZL_DfLsCjVHVwBpNNgPYPwhDlnH-9wnj_nYELLVEwsNQAyZX_BBDItUrt9vVwt2Aa8jLdk/s1600/12e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YXlTkRsX5PHBJR0UTUpx7v8ch5z8UOXy5Muu-C8ZPnNy2VGKSE-yKXf6cMy91jbf2FEx0ZL_DfLsCjVHVwBpNNgPYPwhDlnH-9wnj_nYELLVEwsNQAyZX_BBDItUrt9vVwt2Aa8jLdk/s1600/12e.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: Myriad, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: Myriad, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-78121025125125097892019-07-12T15:06:00.000-05:002019-07-12T15:06:09.044-05:00Freshmen Fish Camp 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_inTpaLg5HfNmJA90cPazInPxlbBk0IBB7TxcNtLQWFtt5-0rynMO8P0h_mU-3UYumtJH2NQgjPEiJPrv74skjNMrMPs7qoGgx5-Ear-R-rF4fady0-umv-SxNAP8gJku8ErOSy1ideA/s1600/_MG_8452e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_inTpaLg5HfNmJA90cPazInPxlbBk0IBB7TxcNtLQWFtt5-0rynMO8P0h_mU-3UYumtJH2NQgjPEiJPrv74skjNMrMPs7qoGgx5-Ear-R-rF4fady0-umv-SxNAP8gJku8ErOSy1ideA/s320/_MG_8452e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Incoming freshmen at the charter school on the campus of Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) learned what to expect as they enter high school during Fish Camp, a freshman orientation, on July 10. Sixteen students will begin their first year at the charter school operated in partnership with The University of Texas-University Charter School system.<br />
<br />
Michelle Arocha, executive principal, gave the students an overview of the school, went over expectations and explained transcripts and grade point averages. Additionally, she informed them of changes this upcoming school year including new teachers, schedules and school policies.<br />
<br />
After Arocha’s presentation, students were introduced to members of the MCH Transition Services (TS) staff. TS coordinators begin meeting with MCH students their junior year to help them prepare and develop post-graduation plans, including how to apply for college and scholarships, admissions testing, taking college visits, finding a place to live, and learning independent living skills.<br />
<br />
TS staff explained to students about life after high school and gave examples regarding cost of living expenses such as rent and phone. They also provided information on additional MCH resources available to students and stressed the importance of doing well in school in order to increase their chance of success in advanced education or the workplace.<br />
<br />
Freshmen were given information on dual credit and career development programs available to them as upperclassmen through partnerships with Waco ISD and local colleges. Through the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy (GWAMA), students can choose a curriculum to learn welding, construction, electronics and robotics, or architecture. By taking classes with the Greater Waco Advanced Healthcare Academy (GWAHCA), students can earn certificates as a certified nurse assistant, pharmacy technician or EKG technician.<br />
<br />
For the final activity of Fish Camp, the group participated in team building exercises with MCH recreation staff. They closed out the day discussing what they learned during the orientation.<br />
<br />
“I learned that you need good grades and to be on your best behavior in order to earn scholarships,” said Devion, one of the students attending Fish Camp.<br />
<br />
Charter school students will begin the 2019-2020 school year on Aug. 19.Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-53841728302484304002019-04-25T09:40:00.000-05:002019-04-25T09:40:01.043-05:00MCH students excel during district fine arts competition<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlzB2N-bHaaqZvFD37AN1qfxw8IoMs8QT72nYHA46JDWmueKNb1rh-N1qerXyQrUyHtTUKMORkegrP39uSTUlpX0rgzMs5UTSF_eIpF4mLVj9yzVMSdKducPAa3sQSBl2Mzde25_pEyA/s1600/IMG_3904e-+lead+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlzB2N-bHaaqZvFD37AN1qfxw8IoMs8QT72nYHA46JDWmueKNb1rh-N1qerXyQrUyHtTUKMORkegrP39uSTUlpX0rgzMs5UTSF_eIpF4mLVj9yzVMSdKducPAa3sQSBl2Mzde25_pEyA/s320/IMG_3904e-+lead+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hard work of students from Methodist Children’s Home
charter school paid off during the recent Texas Christian Athletic Fellowship (TCAF)
Fine Arts Competition and One Act Play competition, with two MCH students bringing
home state honors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Students prepared their fine arts projects during
afterschool programs led by the MCH recreation department. Projects were
submitted in instrumental, dance, photography, and theatre. Kellie Bennet,
recreation coordinator, helped the students prepare dance routines this
semester. She said her dance students worked for three months perfecting their
routine for competition and received an “Excellent” rating for their efforts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am so proud that I hung up their award in my office so I
can look at it every day,” Bennett said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She said her solo and duet dancers also impressed her, with
one soloist, Camray, awarded second place in state for the second year in a
row. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As a coach, I could not be more proud of the group of
kiddos I was blessed with this season, and I can’t wait to see what next season
has in store for us,” Bennett said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faith, a photography student, also received state honors,
placing first for her photograph of the Harrell Memorial Chapel on the MCH Waco
campus. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Theatre students performed “Finders Keepers” during the One
Act Play competition, a drama about a couple who finds a large sum of money
that they later find out belongs to a neighbor. The couple grapples with the
decision on whether to return or keep the money. The play earned the theatre
group a B ranking. Two individuals also received honors with Shane earning All
Star First Cast and Faith earning an Honorable Mention. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was really proud and impressed by them during the
competition because they were really nervous and it was their first time
perform in in large crowd,” said Gabe Garcez, theatre instructor. “But they
really excelled in their performances, and I felt it was the best they’ve done
all semester.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ashley Kendrick, student events coordinator, said
competitions such as these are a great learning experience for the students. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our students have worked hard this semester to either
surpass last year’s accomplishments, grow their talents, or challenge
themselves to try something new,” Kendrick said. “The extracurricular
activities our students participated in challenge them to step out of their
comfort zone at times, teaches how to be a team player, builds their
self-confidence, and shows them how to reach for a goal. We are so proud of
them and all that they accomplished!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Below is a list of
results:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Instrumental:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faith C. – Excellent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dance Solo:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camray – Superior and 2<sup>nd</sup> in state<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Natavia – Excellent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andy – good<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Natalie – Good<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dance Duet:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nikkie and Christina – Good<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dance Team:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Team (Natavia, Aniya, Camray, Nikkie, Andy, Christina,
Lacey, Natalie) – Excellent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Photography:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lauren – Excellent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faith W. – Superior and 1<sup>st</sup> in state<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alexis – Good<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kiyona – Good<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Victoria – Good<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lacey – Excellent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abigial – Good <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">One Act Play:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B ranking overall<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faith – Honorable Mention<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shane – All Star First Cast<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congratulations to all our fine arts and one act play students!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEOqSS0E7nmRxEeoKElpsn1anCIU1NNv-kn_EE3okL7qoz3eeKr0WmyWq8jKJIfEOrjatnE0Hrs0at98Kvdl9B5fh5QnuUBlE8A9JFRHzYBJsHbbU6v-vdfGKi-MbEU188gzcInqBA-Y/s1600/IMG_3961e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEOqSS0E7nmRxEeoKElpsn1anCIU1NNv-kn_EE3okL7qoz3eeKr0WmyWq8jKJIfEOrjatnE0Hrs0at98Kvdl9B5fh5QnuUBlE8A9JFRHzYBJsHbbU6v-vdfGKi-MbEU188gzcInqBA-Y/s320/IMG_3961e.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKIMgo9Rsk-6TXc6HON2bKPSNgSsL-LwrXvwga4wwrHy_-YVRMp2N-rkekdyn0oF9tWe7lbMZH4GVYlRBM_Ii3x9tqeX2QJ4fYHutkuz6YXGodhDWoDgLT3cuYjrUe7PWlgVYvqML3aI/s1600/IMG_4011e+cropped+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKIMgo9Rsk-6TXc6HON2bKPSNgSsL-LwrXvwga4wwrHy_-YVRMp2N-rkekdyn0oF9tWe7lbMZH4GVYlRBM_Ii3x9tqeX2QJ4fYHutkuz6YXGodhDWoDgLT3cuYjrUe7PWlgVYvqML3aI/s320/IMG_4011e+cropped+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9LnJVLC48ZjAUlHGGlQjKWlfMaQBVr4gLAMjxpasAtU8wrkeEZiueoyey3CXg4359RTzrrflW0aft-N02_MqqYTJJgGRkedbNdSGeb0Si9DkLMaZyfn52sl4PILliEEdv6A41sbaJ0Q/s1600/IMG_4150e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9LnJVLC48ZjAUlHGGlQjKWlfMaQBVr4gLAMjxpasAtU8wrkeEZiueoyey3CXg4359RTzrrflW0aft-N02_MqqYTJJgGRkedbNdSGeb0Si9DkLMaZyfn52sl4PILliEEdv6A41sbaJ0Q/s320/IMG_4150e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPPHYF9UXhZsb0SMaL8YUbUfwtP38jnZjSvbM2aLmv2Hyu46kCqJAsYXZyPRLb9EHuDVDkxASQDaMRgKt6JMCButj3UrvG5rhM6b3JXDMW-k1g_qeN31X-ocVk4ABpWYBgaJSlIWws9E/s1600/IMG_3834e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPPHYF9UXhZsb0SMaL8YUbUfwtP38jnZjSvbM2aLmv2Hyu46kCqJAsYXZyPRLb9EHuDVDkxASQDaMRgKt6JMCButj3UrvG5rhM6b3JXDMW-k1g_qeN31X-ocVk4ABpWYBgaJSlIWws9E/s320/IMG_3834e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-88135414291451697722019-04-23T16:52:00.000-05:002019-04-23T16:52:51.745-05:00Central Texas nonprofits seeking donations for tornado relief efforts in Franklin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HaCkDD125N2KvP3rE8yXya_CoMKwD8UiL5odNHThgYqpRhNtdDclON3LvQSFuGQky5290UPNojiWeNHt3lSAaJH1T-q6UJCub2eq6Gatbz7ZHT_BoXLMDxkCpWppFkc5findJL2FZR0/s1600/MCH+CASA+Tornado+Relief+550x500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="550" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HaCkDD125N2KvP3rE8yXya_CoMKwD8UiL5odNHThgYqpRhNtdDclON3LvQSFuGQky5290UPNojiWeNHt3lSAaJH1T-q6UJCub2eq6Gatbz7ZHT_BoXLMDxkCpWppFkc5findJL2FZR0/s320/MCH+CASA+Tornado+Relief+550x500px.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) locations in Waco and Bryan, Texas, are collaborating to collect donations from the public to support children and families of Robertson County affected by the devastating storms and tornadic activity of April 13.<br />
<br />
According to Moe Dozier, vice president for programs at MCH, “More than 55 homes were destroyed by the storms on April 13. In times of crisis such as this, we have a unique opportunity to come alongside affected families and children and offer compassion and assistance.”<br />
<br />
Anjuli Renold, executive director of CASA of Brazos Valley, said donations of new toys, gift cards and diapers can be dropped off this week through Friday, May 3, at CASA in Bryan and MCH locations in Waco and Bryan.<br />
<br />
Franklin United Methodist Church will facilitate distribution to families in the Robertson County community.<br />
<br />
“We are so grateful to these two awesome organizations that are coming together to bring joy to some of Franklin’s most vulnerable victims of the tornado,” said Rev. Polly Standing, senior pastor of Franklin United Methodist Church. “These gifts are a light in an otherwise sorrowful and dark time. With each toy, hope is being restored.”<br />
<br />
Donations can be made at the following locations:<br />
<br />
<strong>In Waco:</strong><br />
MCH Family Outreach Center<br />524 W. Waco Dr.<br />Waco, TX 76701<br />(M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 1-4 p.m.)<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>In Bryan:</strong><br />
CASA of Brazos Valley<br />115 N. Main St.<br />Bryan, TX 77803<br />(M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)<br />
<br />
MCH Family Outreach<br />4001 E. 29th St., Suite 108<br />Bryan, TX 77802<br />(M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-63054536528702613142019-04-17T14:36:00.001-05:002019-04-17T14:36:27.874-05:00Methodist Children’s Home receives 2019 Guidestar Gold Seal<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0JZV1Sq-iLwOOr8H6vxn47YmOlZYcQd6zuYyxfsD2FxSkRTOozbpFxda0_qpXm7V9XdYnnV9v6K5WdN6NJx4Tj8zn1TA837TDC75pnK_FKy9i0rbGRnbFN6BTOlRaLZgg6r0Xwm1U68/s1600/guideStarSeal_2019_gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0JZV1Sq-iLwOOr8H6vxn47YmOlZYcQd6zuYyxfsD2FxSkRTOozbpFxda0_qpXm7V9XdYnnV9v6K5WdN6NJx4Tj8zn1TA837TDC75pnK_FKy9i0rbGRnbFN6BTOlRaLZgg6r0Xwm1U68/s320/guideStarSeal_2019_gold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Methodist
Children’s Home (MCH) again received the Gold Seal of Transparency designation
from Guidestar, the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit
organizations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More than 10 million visitors visit Guidestar.com each year
to find information on nonprofit organizations for the purpose of research,
community collaboration and charitable giving. Less than 1 percent of
nonprofits listed on Guidestar have achieved the Gold level, noted MCH
President/CEO Tim Brown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Receiving the Gold Seal designation from Guidestar shows
that Methodist Children’s Home is committed to integrity and transparency as a top-rated
nonprofit organization through the way we share our goals, strategies,
capabilities, and vision,” Brown said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As we carry out our important work of offering hope to
children, youth and families across Texas and New Mexico, this designation is another
assurance to our supporters, benefactors and the public that MCH is worthy of
their support and trust,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH is also rated as a four-star charity by Charity
Navigator, the highest rating available from the nation’s largest charity
evaluator. MCH is accredited through the Council on Accreditation (COA), an
independent, nonprofit accreditor of the full continuum of community-based
behavioral health care and social service organizations in the United States
and Canada. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-92076508594360052002019-04-16T15:57:00.004-05:002019-04-16T15:57:45.947-05:00MCH youth soar during recent field trip<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0tOLh7tOf6tT3E-cbIOQDN_jvNJo2e2MFK6_hjbp_YKPORHKA4P-RsDdYYNyFiq694LqGAJDIENodI_eRetA_sEz5lMW3u1mza5wfpmQQ8zqoC6ewKD2NPDDMjjXMkMIbulT8Gh_8VM/s1600/IMG_7297crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="480" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0tOLh7tOf6tT3E-cbIOQDN_jvNJo2e2MFK6_hjbp_YKPORHKA4P-RsDdYYNyFiq694LqGAJDIENodI_eRetA_sEz5lMW3u1mza5wfpmQQ8zqoC6ewKD2NPDDMjjXMkMIbulT8Gh_8VM/s320/IMG_7297crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Students from the Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) charter
school in Waco flew through the air and faced their fears during a field trip
they will never forget. Juniors and seniors from Leisa Patterson’s financial
math class learned lessons in velocity and engineering during their visit on
April 3 to iFly, an indoor flying experience in Austin. The charter school is
operated in partnership with The University of Texas-University Charter School
system and is located on the Waco campus of MCH.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Patterson planned the field trip with the help of her
student Roger who initially suggested the trip. Patterson said Roger and his
classmates were very excited for the opportunity to “fly.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the iFly center, students first attended a class to learn
about the science and math behind being able to float, having to calculate the
area of their body and then use that, as well as other scientific measurements,
to estimate the amount of wind speed necessary to keep them afloat. After the
lesson, they learned hand signals they would use to communicate during their
flight. Finally, each student suited up in a flight suit, helmet and goggles to
take their turn with a flight instructor in the wind tunnel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Most of the students did very well and all the students at
least tried it,” Patterson said. “This was very big for them because many were
hesitant and scared to try, but they all did. Overcoming their fear was a huge
milestone for many.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the conclusion of the trip, the students received a
goodie bag with a shirt and other items to remember their experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am very thankful for being allowed to take my financial math
classes on this field trip,” Patterson said. “It not only gave each student a
new experience to remember, but it helped them face and conquer their
fears. More importantly though, they were also able to see how the
math and science are applied in the real world which is something we are
always striving to impress on the kids.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ywg9QNuS8avC8hyu38Vv0E1mgr-jL89ssVEW1bTEYCvjlfbOMIfZq7uAzZLL0wZWW44j84bGz6QLSsiYKjpsfu2ZfgR9J8v3EBLXdp9c73IcIEaqIxt-zAkc8tRMM4f-e1YpyRHoQcc/s1600/IMG_7298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ywg9QNuS8avC8hyu38Vv0E1mgr-jL89ssVEW1bTEYCvjlfbOMIfZq7uAzZLL0wZWW44j84bGz6QLSsiYKjpsfu2ZfgR9J8v3EBLXdp9c73IcIEaqIxt-zAkc8tRMM4f-e1YpyRHoQcc/s320/IMG_7298.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-45864058018028717962019-04-11T10:41:00.000-05:002019-04-11T10:42:40.644-05:00School registrar named Staff of the Year<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3WdINDEVoAXzWzjf10M2cq5IZNCZxVdA3Wz38PJ0y_fFvWAC8vA1IVM-G4TcAY3zSK4ql9nnZ2vcw6vaAZW27sKEyKWOQQOsRv1h3L6iCORqhSGKMhj4UbyUgCdoyQvpg14fjr4V-tM/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3WdINDEVoAXzWzjf10M2cq5IZNCZxVdA3Wz38PJ0y_fFvWAC8vA1IVM-G4TcAY3zSK4ql9nnZ2vcw6vaAZW27sKEyKWOQQOsRv1h3L6iCORqhSGKMhj4UbyUgCdoyQvpg14fjr4V-tM/s320/group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congratulations to Shannon Fleming, school registrar with
The University of Texas-University Charter School System (UT-UCS) district, for
receiving the Staff of the Year Award! Fleming is in charge of two campuses in
the district including the Methodist Children’s Home charter school where her
office is located. The MCH charter school is on the Waco campus and operated in
partnership with UT-UCS.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fleming was chosen out of all staff members from 23 schools
in the district which serves over 3,000 students. Recipients are chosen after
nominations are received through a district-wide survey. Although several
people were nominated this year, Fleming received numerous nominations from
staff. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was surprised in her office on March 25 by district
superintendent Dr. Melissa Chavez and Fleming’s supervisor and PEIMS
Coordinator Audrea Carmack with a certificate and bouquet of orange flowers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was in complete shock to receive the staff of the year
award for the district,” Fleming said. “It had me completely in tears. I
work with so many amazing people and they are all deserving of this honor.
It just never crossed my mind that I would be nominated. It’s
heartwarming to hear the things that my peers have said about me and how they
feel about me as a co-worker and a person.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br />
Fleming has worked on the MCH
campus for almost 21 years, first as an employee of MCH and then as a UT-UCS
employee for the last seven years. In her current position as campus registrar,
she is in charge of student records and transcripts. Michelle Arocha, executive
principal at the charter school, said Fleming’s duties are crucial for the
students and the school, and she does a great job at making sure they are all
taken care of. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Shannon really is the go-to person in getting student’s
records,” Arocha said. “There are times when students have been in
multiple schools before arriving at MCH. Shannon tracks down those
records from all schools so that we can make sure kids have accurate records. She
is very precise and works hard to make sure that her schools are run
accurately.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Carmack said she appreciates Fleming’s dedication in doing
her work. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br />
“As her supervisor I just want
to say Shannon is a great registrar and we love her here at UT-UCS,” Carmack said.
“I’m so happy she received this award. She is always serving students and
staff. She cares about the quality of her work and it shows in everything she
does. I love calling Shannon because keeps a great attitude and her sense
of humor always has me giggling!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I love what I do and honestly I just come to work and try
to do my job the best I can every day and just take care of what needs to be
done,” Fleming said. “That’s what we do. But with the great teams that I
work with at UT-UCS and my campuses MCH and UHS each and every day, it’s not
hard. We all work together to do what’s best for these kiddos and their
education. That’s what it’s all about. I am so appreciative and
thankful to be awarded 2018-2019 District Staff of the Year for UT-UCS.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-55450556908338836412019-03-19T10:22:00.000-05:002019-03-19T10:22:42.489-05:00Youth utilize life skills during Escape Room challenge<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbaOQ7JtX2pWUW_Di9C2R6Wu-AdR2CjFEETyc8fMlgd1X-tyKnb8eb5Ddi8NYjwsZ_2X44LnPrEAjPrVhB5R_UmNF4K4BaD-E3YHdcnYY4iwPC2v8ufTykVx1kZo_lKz0WyMYDnSNRrk/s1600/IMG_3280e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbaOQ7JtX2pWUW_Di9C2R6Wu-AdR2CjFEETyc8fMlgd1X-tyKnb8eb5Ddi8NYjwsZ_2X44LnPrEAjPrVhB5R_UmNF4K4BaD-E3YHdcnYY4iwPC2v8ufTykVx1kZo_lKz0WyMYDnSNRrk/s320/IMG_3280e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Methodist Children’s Home residents are enjoying a new
“escape room” activity challenge at the MCH Boys Ranch designed with clues that
reinforce MCH Life Skills in an entertaining way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maegan Molnar, home life manager at the Boys Ranch, and
Sarah Pitman, social work graduate intern from Baylor University, have been
working since January to convert the Fern Cone building at the Ranch into the
intricate escape room game consisting of Western props, activities and riddles
that youth must work together to solve.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Escape rooms are popular team-building venues offering
problem-solving challenges built around a story or a theme. Participants test
their wits against challenging clues, puzzles and mysteries embedded in the
room or series of rooms. Solving a challenge allows the participants to
“escape” to the next challenge that progresses through the room. Molnar said
she came up with the idea and wanted to put it together to give residents an
experience where they could work on life skills as well as team building and
problem solving.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The kids we serve have such a wide range of interests; I
really wanted to include a little something for everyone,” Molnar said. “There
is an area where they have to be very observant and use critical thinking
skills, an area where they go ‘fishing,’ an activity where they must use their
hands and dig for a clue, and several opportunities to decode cheesy puns!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH’s 10 Life Skills are: Use good words to communicate; be
gentle and kind; show respect; listen and learn; understand who is in charge;
accept decisions of authority; make good choices; focus and finish your work;
negotiate and compromise; and build trusting relationships. Molnar said teams
end up using these life skills during the challenge without even realizing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The kids bounce ideas off of each other, root each other
on, take turns reading clues aloud, build off each other’s notions, and
essentially teach each other things,” Molnar said. “The kids are also
inadvertently having a calming sensory experience so that they are not
overstimulated while trying to solve puzzles. In each room there is ambient
lighting, a cool fan, low background noise, and many opportunities to touch
different textures through the clues and tasks they must complete.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Participants are timed as they work to complete the escape
room and discover the treasure. Molnar said it is open to Boys Ranch residents as
well as MCH youth from the Waco campus. The teams from each campus with the
fastest time are awarded a gift card to Sonic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have set up a backdrop with props at the end of the game
where participants can take their photo and add their time to the leaderboard,”
she said. “We also invite any staff members from every team to participate! So
far the adults have had just as much fun as the kids.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWbIq1EULfAYtbZtpJNJTfmVFZmJnfP7Oogjo6tY4WU_-1VDeKgDEzXCMo9Pb48yFyQtkUbNiQNpVjAqY2bvVsfkCRWxNNJ1xcI47-ota_e0KZm7eA4UL7w8OVHDwN049LGjA7o8cNCM/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWbIq1EULfAYtbZtpJNJTfmVFZmJnfP7Oogjo6tY4WU_-1VDeKgDEzXCMo9Pb48yFyQtkUbNiQNpVjAqY2bvVsfkCRWxNNJ1xcI47-ota_e0KZm7eA4UL7w8OVHDwN049LGjA7o8cNCM/s320/IMG_3315.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jzJWiw9wbD_xwmKfnr52koNrlE_Q8kmfzZHhJjgjW9hyphenhyphenjpyIxrXE4cZi6Xo__s9QRmXYXceAU2TjjmJkZ-iDupexJCd7LSNUAYYhdU85V2oebz0aR-Swm_FsHVQx4h5gcgpKI-XTfSs/s1600/IMG_3346edit+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jzJWiw9wbD_xwmKfnr52koNrlE_Q8kmfzZHhJjgjW9hyphenhyphenjpyIxrXE4cZi6Xo__s9QRmXYXceAU2TjjmJkZ-iDupexJCd7LSNUAYYhdU85V2oebz0aR-Swm_FsHVQx4h5gcgpKI-XTfSs/s320/IMG_3346edit+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maegan Molnar (left) came up with the idea for the Escape Room challenge. She, along with<br />Sarah Pitman (right), graduate intern, created the escape room at the Boys Ranch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-7505228846271039482019-03-04T09:25:00.003-06:002019-03-04T09:25:31.262-06:00February events at the MCH charter school<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYin6XKiYoXnR_M9gycASfSBEAxwKbsIpkkmhkcxSh3SdexNMZD7U7qAf0qo7RJ1qqHr64_QEnyQLGgA5dQKJI1yfcSn-irRDpIKqwe9ctt67CX34vF8gDdtTS8KFl-opZvA5YYJpTNk/s1600/IMG_3277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYin6XKiYoXnR_M9gycASfSBEAxwKbsIpkkmhkcxSh3SdexNMZD7U7qAf0qo7RJ1qqHr64_QEnyQLGgA5dQKJI1yfcSn-irRDpIKqwe9ctt67CX34vF8gDdtTS8KFl-opZvA5YYJpTNk/s320/IMG_3277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout the month of February, students at the Methodist
Children’s Home charter school celebrated Black History Month and participated
in their first schoolwide fundraiser for cancer research.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Students were educated about famous African-American leaders,
including civil rights activists, musicians, political figures, and authors,
during homeroom announcements and circle discussions. During lunch periods,
staff played music from famous musicians.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some classrooms also focused lessons in honor of Black
History Month. Ms. Alex Warnken’s ART I, II, and III students worked on a group
project to create a mural of Martin Luther King, Jr., that was displayed in the
cafeteria. English classes discussed African-American authors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the month, students also worked together as a school
to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through its Pennies for
Patients program. The fundraising began during the first week of February,
correlating to cancer awareness week. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We felt it was a good cause to get involved in for our
first school fundraiser,” said Michelle Arocha, principal of the school. “The
kids did great!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a whole, the charter school collected $500 during the first
three weeks of February. Each homeroom was challenged to collect and donate
their change during homeroom with the winning class receiving a catered lunch
from The Olive Garden. Ms. Warnken’s homeroom won by collecting $261.11. The
middle school classes competed separately with Ms. Morghan Jones’ class winning
a pizza party from Arocha. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Homeroom meets during fifth period to hear announcements,
reminders and have group circle discussions about the week’s theme. Arocha said
this semester, they have had challenges for homeroom classes in an effort to
build a teamwork philosophy. Next month, students will have an attendance
challenge. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think it builds cohesiveness and it gives kids something
to look forward to in the middle of the day,” she said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9p0AbvmAXf9RpYDSyiMfqNbf_zvTzvgWySNpN6xGhNBYvnY-1Zk9QzluNul4Vk_2668x5ANRY959CN1yPkbx2VU3bMFGbIETdXhSme6Ut3BXzxj6aBjC5hYlmmEkcZWD81qJXk34k4JM/s1600/IMG_5692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9p0AbvmAXf9RpYDSyiMfqNbf_zvTzvgWySNpN6xGhNBYvnY-1Zk9QzluNul4Vk_2668x5ANRY959CN1yPkbx2VU3bMFGbIETdXhSme6Ut3BXzxj6aBjC5hYlmmEkcZWD81qJXk34k4JM/s320/IMG_5692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-7485453008159413882019-02-22T17:04:00.002-06:002019-02-22T17:09:46.865-06:00MCH Family Outreach offices get a new look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXIdso9KZDV5qezzqCS4Zlypz43pwgC5ZpRDJ_EL8p5_9vgP8K8NBuUWHwQGoSG2XkW14AZgXOsVlnsyd1i78tMaDYbtWEyVufmA7Mhvf9ARgPu5VzHdl8__QJB8KcfP-0f9uelI6EAw/s1600/IMG_4440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXIdso9KZDV5qezzqCS4Zlypz43pwgC5ZpRDJ_EL8p5_9vgP8K8NBuUWHwQGoSG2XkW14AZgXOsVlnsyd1i78tMaDYbtWEyVufmA7Mhvf9ARgPu5VzHdl8__QJB8KcfP-0f9uelI6EAw/s320/IMG_4440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Staff from MCH Family Outreach in Houston are now settling
into their renovated office space after construction was completed over the
Christmas holiday. Their location recently incorporated a new design
implemented to accommodate the growth of MCH Family Outreach programs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The five-week renovation took place in sections of the
office while staff shared spaces that were not under construction in order to
maintain uninterrupted service to families. The office transitioned from
separate offices to collaborative workspaces, a larger conference room and a secure
entrance that includes remote locks, keypads and a reinforced door. Case
managers, who spend the majority of their time in the field, now have
workstations, and use “huddle rooms” as needed for private calls or visits with
families. The Houston office also features a playroom for foster care visits. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think it is a great concept,” said Veronica
Whalon-Peters, director of MCH Family Outreach in Houston. “Everyone is getting
used to it and it is going well.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I like the flow of it,” said Nicole Washington, a Houston
case manager. “I like that we are able to communicate with each other easily.
So far it has been good.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whalon-Peters said they were able to donate several pieces
of furniture to a school and daycare that was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey.
They also gave several pieces to a client they were serving, a single mom who was
starting over and had no furniture. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH Family Outreach offices in Houston and Albuquerque are the
latest locations to incorporate a similar new office design. The Dallas outreach
office is scheduled to receive renovations next year. Becky James, case manager
at MCH Family Outreach in Albuquerque admits the transition has had its
challenges, but that is also provided opportunities to learn and grow
professionally. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have enjoyed and benefitted from hearing or witnessing
how other people work,” James said. “This could be anything from the way in
which they relate or encourage their families, or how they talk to other
service providers. I have gained a deeper understanding of other’s talents
which gives me a better appreciation for my team. With that I have gained
insight into new effective and creative ways of doing things – I just love
that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Traci Wagner, program administrator for the Eastern region
of MCH Family Outreach, said developing this new concept took a lot of thoughtful
consideration. Many locations were locked into leases; however, their workforce
continued to grow to meet the needs of their communities. MCH leadership consulted
with commercial floorplan experts, space planners and like-minded organizations
and learned that collaborative workspaces would be the most cost-efficient option,
allowing for more resources to be designated to clients and programs, while
also offering many benefits to an office environment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The open office can foster collaboration, promote shared
learning, and nurture a strong culture,” Wagner said. “For us, it also allowed
us to create consistency among our 13 locations.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wagner said they have been able to tailor the plans to match
each location since adopting the collaborative workspace in 2014. The concept
was piloted first in the Corpus Christi office, and as leases have expired or
offices have needed to relocate, the new model has been incorporated in other
locations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH Family Outreach offers foster care (in some locations)
and family preservation services through its community services program. Offices
are located in 13 cities across Texas and New Mexico. To find a location near
you, visit our website at MCH.org. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-V7PjA2xkb1HyCXFXtmbRPK_Zvy-jz1kp3oP-z4tKjzGeF9jlQIZItU-BhSMCc-mlPv1tOnUVoddLyn5ggX57xwAgxsSNPbbOYAq6AbLxwawTsKiDb82blQFblDqOWbW-1ToLi__qNk/s1600/IMG_4422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-V7PjA2xkb1HyCXFXtmbRPK_Zvy-jz1kp3oP-z4tKjzGeF9jlQIZItU-BhSMCc-mlPv1tOnUVoddLyn5ggX57xwAgxsSNPbbOYAq6AbLxwawTsKiDb82blQFblDqOWbW-1ToLi__qNk/s320/IMG_4422.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBonx7SgHGK-LiE1HczVvv4BhQjzFdMlTjF5GlNv97-cjtRT_vLsPSB78k8TnEDRthyphenhyphenHhoj-rqtyoemelMNYHaka5DjqCdJYyAWeCU9wL9liip6ps3XEAnrf_ga0kHwrj7j9QTYh7OqA/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBonx7SgHGK-LiE1HczVvv4BhQjzFdMlTjF5GlNv97-cjtRT_vLsPSB78k8TnEDRthyphenhyphenHhoj-rqtyoemelMNYHaka5DjqCdJYyAWeCU9wL9liip6ps3XEAnrf_ga0kHwrj7j9QTYh7OqA/s320/IMG_4419.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOUHL5LsdqT_SuXd3sJHa_TbMSm0A0Mu2xjxoD1dSGEXunrMaV3oLShWlmIVLL5UZFF3zCV19668SbG-2F78elN4rHdB5sfTB5ZoOBOG_7A4Pld2PBQucBWcGAtrhGDwZlZAgTDIL3Mk/s1600/IMG_4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOUHL5LsdqT_SuXd3sJHa_TbMSm0A0Mu2xjxoD1dSGEXunrMaV3oLShWlmIVLL5UZFF3zCV19668SbG-2F78elN4rHdB5sfTB5ZoOBOG_7A4Pld2PBQucBWcGAtrhGDwZlZAgTDIL3Mk/s320/IMG_4424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii26Re-6ebOw-6yTzHzliTjjleshYGGC9-Gg3ZhD3-8p-DNg4rKvthseddzr5cwVOShyphenhyphenmnS9csiPepooP8hq6oBDCE_5gJycrHxIUKbLSQ9Plcqb818uCzp7UzLrwQ5v4JkkQVBj1YdrE/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii26Re-6ebOw-6yTzHzliTjjleshYGGC9-Gg3ZhD3-8p-DNg4rKvthseddzr5cwVOShyphenhyphenmnS9csiPepooP8hq6oBDCE_5gJycrHxIUKbLSQ9Plcqb818uCzp7UzLrwQ5v4JkkQVBj1YdrE/s320/IMG_4418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boardroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6kTvVJUMTOzcAHjfBZsgGLBcI8PvxCjM_z3E84WCCHwdt0TdCg9A67Fc4FMi49Ug6mSeiy3oh84Q2izNMGZVA6bhS_zLv5-SV10ryovti-TrESzquEku2K0-2vJmfmUwVAHQ71s0nlE/s1600/IMG_4435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6kTvVJUMTOzcAHjfBZsgGLBcI8PvxCjM_z3E84WCCHwdt0TdCg9A67Fc4FMi49Ug6mSeiy3oh84Q2izNMGZVA6bhS_zLv5-SV10ryovti-TrESzquEku2K0-2vJmfmUwVAHQ71s0nlE/s320/IMG_4435.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Director's office</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h6d4MKubJpPyQGPIM4pfDqrxHddLcc252BiO6sujPLCv6FY_Dl2lA4vrPvmwtg-2QIOBxuACog1MujJZmG0f5d2mwQpCM9nsVX_cWRCMO7DUtWKjuIPM0wN1eOTdfLue9zgZBZFby2Y/s1600/20190222_105743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h6d4MKubJpPyQGPIM4pfDqrxHddLcc252BiO6sujPLCv6FY_Dl2lA4vrPvmwtg-2QIOBxuACog1MujJZmG0f5d2mwQpCM9nsVX_cWRCMO7DUtWKjuIPM0wN1eOTdfLue9zgZBZFby2Y/s320/20190222_105743.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huddle Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzrZLOPzCKVMmNXm6sdLDRa9jKmEiMKmfAhThd5bK96czd9p-l46V-RCm9QcNVd3W_WaM5ANn97j5Cs7Ugh6EPHTGxenIFxEfSs6oLWdgcY9PPAgg3KmrxOYF3EfQCu3uShHk5Bgqvjo/s1600/20190222_102435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzrZLOPzCKVMmNXm6sdLDRa9jKmEiMKmfAhThd5bK96czd9p-l46V-RCm9QcNVd3W_WaM5ANn97j5Cs7Ugh6EPHTGxenIFxEfSs6oLWdgcY9PPAgg3KmrxOYF3EfQCu3uShHk5Bgqvjo/s320/20190222_102435.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Case managers' collaborative work space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-14149062975956058352019-02-06T08:39:00.003-06:002019-02-06T08:39:59.641-06:00McLennan County Junior Livestock Show 2019<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kqv6yFPceTMWxdE_j299FOCPIBiFMHNNX5Huo_6t_z4B0tzDNJ8KHOsOB2MakqyglczkfH2xUQN6dDhvAyFqZy-MZSLt1pVsAgaMSpTSUYgBeTffogiVEhBfwqPhFQkejAFvkbDalNE/s1600/McLennanCountyShow2019_550x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="550" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kqv6yFPceTMWxdE_j299FOCPIBiFMHNNX5Huo_6t_z4B0tzDNJ8KHOsOB2MakqyglczkfH2xUQN6dDhvAyFqZy-MZSLt1pVsAgaMSpTSUYgBeTffogiVEhBfwqPhFQkejAFvkbDalNE/s320/McLennanCountyShow2019_550x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Methodist Children’s Home charter school had 10 animal
projects move on to the Sale of Champions and one student receive a scholarship
for his ag mechanics project during the 2019 McLennan County Junior Livestock
Show. Students from the agricultural sciences classes led by teachers Steve
Kruse and Kevin Gibbs competed in the show at the Extraco Events Center from
Jan. 29 through Feb. 1.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“In my entire tenure at MCH this is the most animals we have
ever had make the sale,” Kruse said. “The kids that showed in the 2019
county fair seemed to be more competitive than the ones in the past.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kruse said the hog crew set a goal for themselves before the
show to have six swine proceed to the Sale of Champions and exceeded their goal
with seven. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“These kids worked together and had a true sense of what
teamwork is all about,” he said. “They challenged me to learn more about pigs
and with the help from some breeders and friends, we had a record year. The
success can be attributed to the fact that the students, school, teachers,
homes, and all MCH staff came together to make sure the animals got fed and were
cared for properly.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A total of 27 students participated in the show this year,
with nine presenting swine, three goat, five steer, eight sheep. Several
students who showed animals and an additional two students presented projects
in the ag mechanics show. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of 12
schools who competed in the ag mechanics show, MCH charter school placed third
in Sweepstakes. Below is a list of results from the show:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Livestock Show<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Swine </u></b>- York:
Triston – 1<sup>st</sup>, Edric – 7<sup>th</sup>; BOPB:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aniya – 3<sup>rd</sup>, John – 4<sup>th</sup>;
Hampshire: Luis – 4<sup>th</sup>; Cross:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jose – 5<sup>th</sup>, Tianna – 6<sup>th</sup>; WOPB:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roger – 8<sup>th</sup>; Duroc: Malachi – participated<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Steers</u></b> -
Class 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Juliana – 8<sup>th</sup>, Danny
– 10<sup>th</sup>; Class 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dathan – 6<sup>th</sup>;
Class 3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucas – 10<sup>th</sup>; Class
4:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dustin – 9<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Goats</u></b> –
Class 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alyssa – 5<sup>th</sup>; Class
3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobby – participated, Faith – participated<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Sheep</u></b> - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hair Sheep</b> – Class 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lacy – 1<sup>st</sup>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Southdown Sheep</b> – Class 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Brittany – 2<sup>nd</sup>, McKenzie – 3<sup>rd</sup>, Emma – 4<sup>th</sup>;
Class 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D’Najia – 3<sup>rd</sup>, Daxie
– 5<sup>th</sup>, Natavia – 7<sup>th</sup>; Class 3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abigail – 4<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">10 animals went to Sale of Champions<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ag Mechanics Show<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Livestock Division</u></b>:
Deer gate made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Roger</b> – 2<sup>nd</sup>
place gates; Pickup carrier made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dustin</b>
– 2<sup>nd</sup> place equipment; Mineral feeder made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8th grade students</b> – 1<sup>st</sup> place feeders, Reserve
Champion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Electrical
Division</u></b>: Deer lamp made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">KK</b>
– 2<sup>nd</sup> place indoor lamps; Boot nightstand made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Juliana</b> – 3<sup>rd</sup> place indoor
lamps; Clipper stand made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">KK</b> – 1<sup>st</sup>
place shop electrical. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Furniture Division</u></b>:
Coffee table made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Juliana</b> – 3<sup>rd</sup>
place small indoor; Reclaimed bar made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Faith</b>
– 3<sup>rd</sup> place outside small; Swing made by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Danny</b> – 3<sup>rd</sup> place yard convinces. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Wildlife Division</u></b>:
Deer feeder made by Danny – 1<sup>st</sup> place feeder, Division Champion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Out of 12 schools, MCH Ag Mechanics classes placed 3<sup>rd</sup> in
Sweepstakes; Danny received $500 scholarship to Texas State Technical College
for his Division Champion award.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congratulations to our Ag students on their great work this
year!<span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIcy3hBV1m8a37IytxyaGALYbal8ELfAvicHnodZzgvioCa6b3L-t1r3ioi_EGpBH8QybONg6zIgP0TJlicRdkK0u5a3r4yggwU6oG1zIu-KBw-_6JRPBP6YVGCUh-D0evukVrPk487s/s1600/_MG_4671+edit+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIcy3hBV1m8a37IytxyaGALYbal8ELfAvicHnodZzgvioCa6b3L-t1r3ioi_EGpBH8QybONg6zIgP0TJlicRdkK0u5a3r4yggwU6oG1zIu-KBw-_6JRPBP6YVGCUh-D0evukVrPk487s/s320/_MG_4671+edit+.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotIKq-U9qIy7m6clMh7Q2EgD0t64Er9rBWO45kyiLyPn-9eJPz5RCQ9okyEYeyHqSgWDYL3GTRaNIcyFNPRAF6sbgTa2FJau6_YP1pUK6ENdYgLJuFtP3wdsOxwy9WtgfMzcsDclMAcY/s1600/_MG_4789+edit+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="982" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotIKq-U9qIy7m6clMh7Q2EgD0t64Er9rBWO45kyiLyPn-9eJPz5RCQ9okyEYeyHqSgWDYL3GTRaNIcyFNPRAF6sbgTa2FJau6_YP1pUK6ENdYgLJuFtP3wdsOxwy9WtgfMzcsDclMAcY/s320/_MG_4789+edit+.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSFtpnfKlj7CnZFerJAxqt-aS3bs7RAPB4Zu7lnlb6xhacEDef5kvVscd_0B1JvdhpXcBqWhdmhoTWCEpRdZmLH-ss6J_H3O_OzFebvIwlEXl-KTWJ1473_Z5uWF9A9-dlrpAvPsepZo/s1600/_MG_4842+edit+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSFtpnfKlj7CnZFerJAxqt-aS3bs7RAPB4Zu7lnlb6xhacEDef5kvVscd_0B1JvdhpXcBqWhdmhoTWCEpRdZmLH-ss6J_H3O_OzFebvIwlEXl-KTWJ1473_Z5uWF9A9-dlrpAvPsepZo/s320/_MG_4842+edit+.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupufvQDTwrpv6Buhs-uIDAyusz6V2wJQbrkmwFs-SoeGe96QaB8gvsdoBL8kzQVGY3O8BfHzj14C4Qv7l9QwA9AQ1GV4rUXHIlb7sZOna30zDWK9lHSMlvttHJc_XZRTrJGhDYQM0zT8/s1600/_MG_4947+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupufvQDTwrpv6Buhs-uIDAyusz6V2wJQbrkmwFs-SoeGe96QaB8gvsdoBL8kzQVGY3O8BfHzj14C4Qv7l9QwA9AQ1GV4rUXHIlb7sZOna30zDWK9lHSMlvttHJc_XZRTrJGhDYQM0zT8/s320/_MG_4947+edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrvx9pVleUKWGUvx3Llcax6jPuEl2C11viUsNBDtH2dmYkOKI13KSAMoWrnqshfBE_Q9G4lqVplyXD7fb2brfeMQ2i91PklTT9m6tg7_XTIXYkWpCQzwK27z-GWvvNmeYLN9sZaXGIfo/s1600/_MG_5062+edit+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1077" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrvx9pVleUKWGUvx3Llcax6jPuEl2C11viUsNBDtH2dmYkOKI13KSAMoWrnqshfBE_Q9G4lqVplyXD7fb2brfeMQ2i91PklTT9m6tg7_XTIXYkWpCQzwK27z-GWvvNmeYLN9sZaXGIfo/s320/_MG_5062+edit+.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFJCEC8ejlpEhuRaiiY3QuLBMyA4FsSgngcxpIIQDa-gsGmYh6Vy00KQpTTb6Robq7KFeUmpQKWEScJQEgNyMefHgFfXbzBxi0Lb16UEhoUUiJzVKdO7zTM10m1PKX5x7cSTbn6i0cKI/s1600/_MG_5082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFJCEC8ejlpEhuRaiiY3QuLBMyA4FsSgngcxpIIQDa-gsGmYh6Vy00KQpTTb6Robq7KFeUmpQKWEScJQEgNyMefHgFfXbzBxi0Lb16UEhoUUiJzVKdO7zTM10m1PKX5x7cSTbn6i0cKI/s320/_MG_5082.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSgOlK2MyObvx3CfdvvonrUy_DL4v59RRZ7h53qWk7d4605aA1qIB3SRk6F2HJqbmfJmkWAjgbDxEP60o3nLsrCKUBTd5Z0xtECj5StCHOc6WANhM9HMP9qRnK-_q4SZOERA49DNQmLA/s1600/_MG_5258+edit+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="1600" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSgOlK2MyObvx3CfdvvonrUy_DL4v59RRZ7h53qWk7d4605aA1qIB3SRk6F2HJqbmfJmkWAjgbDxEP60o3nLsrCKUBTd5Z0xtECj5StCHOc6WANhM9HMP9qRnK-_q4SZOERA49DNQmLA/s320/_MG_5258+edit+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-AO8DPdnCmmcI4A2JHMfGUdiMvM0Cu0tsT68nwo_ajvwLGlUhw3u5Yfglk2LIRkFBcAYKKTLzyZawwL502PT7GEVdKd26UtwfzXUrFQLXJ2wrsJYlIT2wCEX3JFBB_jHurh4jBLDO-c/s1600/_MG_5376+edit+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-AO8DPdnCmmcI4A2JHMfGUdiMvM0Cu0tsT68nwo_ajvwLGlUhw3u5Yfglk2LIRkFBcAYKKTLzyZawwL502PT7GEVdKd26UtwfzXUrFQLXJ2wrsJYlIT2wCEX3JFBB_jHurh4jBLDO-c/s320/_MG_5376+edit+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMACbx9aCYdrpEofK1UXeUzkrm3sk4bMNP4zMErb7YGoXaxwNrG5txlXbU-r_4e0BaABnSoc3L8VAVARZgIeImX65csPIKsPhB5qN0ARY8CjOSKfndYyNjbNjslnjT_nf9FyrqXWpkqE/s1600/_MG_5442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMACbx9aCYdrpEofK1UXeUzkrm3sk4bMNP4zMErb7YGoXaxwNrG5txlXbU-r_4e0BaABnSoc3L8VAVARZgIeImX65csPIKsPhB5qN0ARY8CjOSKfndYyNjbNjslnjT_nf9FyrqXWpkqE/s320/_MG_5442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXNSkJO5ZYMLfn26_BytEi5poEZxCC7gFg10TIUX0Nu3HPdNRehccm3WYG2hOFiPOSIMAwzsACnorgXqPVisoriF9B7Nty-UqIfeQz6uzKruzgoZ9vskZHoSMqq8gQkiYebeqg4ooJFI/s1600/_MG_5455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXNSkJO5ZYMLfn26_BytEi5poEZxCC7gFg10TIUX0Nu3HPdNRehccm3WYG2hOFiPOSIMAwzsACnorgXqPVisoriF9B7Nty-UqIfeQz6uzKruzgoZ9vskZHoSMqq8gQkiYebeqg4ooJFI/s320/_MG_5455.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-54663516915646311122019-01-28T10:47:00.000-06:002019-02-01T13:14:14.982-06:00Empowering caregivers through supportive groups<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRwSwbX6dHVwEEQjeIn1ChpSOupQpVXAFDqSp0_H3VI2xVsQVG1cmprnu4qw9EcJbH9ViCNt31cNjefk5KQobMJS6pX9kT4lLmIgh-3hS2EVAUFM-bqLk5UR06SB6dLftq3N6lqNLQdw/s1600/IMG_3496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRwSwbX6dHVwEEQjeIn1ChpSOupQpVXAFDqSp0_H3VI2xVsQVG1cmprnu4qw9EcJbH9ViCNt31cNjefk5KQobMJS6pX9kT4lLmIgh-3hS2EVAUFM-bqLk5UR06SB6dLftq3N6lqNLQdw/s320/IMG_3496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH Family Outreach brings caregivers from the community together
for a time of support and connection during Caregiver Empowerment groups. Groups
can consist of parents, grandparents, relatives or fictive kinship caregivers
and are led by an MCH team member.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The groups are intended to provide support to all caregivers
in their roles by enhancing their knowledge, helping them to build skill, providing
them with access to community resources, and providing a space where they can
receive support and encouragement from peers. Topics discussed in these groups
include financial issues, legal matters, children’s behavior, caring for
oneself, advocacy, family bonding and making a difference. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH Family Outreach in Waco currently facilitates a
Caregiver Empowerment Group for Spanish-speaking families. The group has been
running for over a year and meets twice a month.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We started it because we felt Spanish speaking moms in our
community could benefit from having a space where they could build friendship
and share experiences, especially but not limited to parenting,” said Ana
Chatham, case manager at the Waco office. “Late last year an agency here in town
that used to serve Spanish speaking families closed down, and we thought we
could help fill in the gap for a space such as this.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chatham leads the group along with fellow case manager Sara
Beth Stoltzfus. They recently hosted a special meeting to celebrate Christmas
where the participants brought their children together to play, sang holiday
songs in Spanish, and shared a pot luck lunch. The suggestion of the party came
from the participants themselves and provided an additional opportunity for bonding.
They also suggested topics that have been discussed during group meetings such
as sibling rivalry, online safety, communication and how to increase their
family’s connection. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our main role is to hold the space, providing some
structure, but the richness of the experience really comes from each woman
opening up and sharing of themselves. As we asked the participants to reflect
on what has been most impactful to them, several of them mentioned how they
experience our time together as self-care, an opportunity to pause, even if
it’s just for an hour every couple of weeks, and think about how they are going
about both their parenting role as well as other areas of their life.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other examples of groups include a monthly group for
adoptive parents in Waco, a long-standing group in Corpus Christi that has
separate spaces for caregivers and children, and a group in a maternity home in
Bryan for homeless women. Caregiver Empowerment Groups are open to any
caregiver in the community, regardless of whether or not that caregiver is a
client of MCH. Attendance is free of charge and all MCH Family Outreach offices
are able to facilitate these groups. If you are interested in joining a
Caregiver Empowerment Group, please visit <a href="http://mch.org/">MCH.org</a>, click on the “Locations”
tab, and contact the family outreach office nearest to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-89010777005068706762018-12-19T13:34:00.002-06:002018-12-19T13:34:36.857-06:00Bicycle giving tradition kicks off Christmas season at MCH<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliAns11hjyyrXDv8sBUn4JWA1t9LR7d-ofV7K7ztpRfAKTAtLTwab9iC7K5exVlxmy5KOZt5aSDQjqGJJAa08HW6qmnNzdAowwDrf6oS51PFF3eRSTcUzzonRS7K8KExrdjUkEUfT6Nc/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliAns11hjyyrXDv8sBUn4JWA1t9LR7d-ofV7K7ztpRfAKTAtLTwab9iC7K5exVlxmy5KOZt5aSDQjqGJJAa08HW6qmnNzdAowwDrf6oS51PFF3eRSTcUzzonRS7K8KExrdjUkEUfT6Nc/s320/IMG_3702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to the generosity of First United Methodist Church of
Grapevine, children and youth at Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) were blessed
once again with bicycles for Christmas. The annual donation of bicycles from
FUMC Grapevine is a long-standing tradition at MCH, dating back to the late-1980s.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether they are served on the Waco campus, MCH Boys Ranch
or through one of the 13 MCH Family Outreach offices, FUMC Grapevine makes sure
every child that wants a bicycle will receive one in time for the holidays.
This year 114 children received a bicycle and helmet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This tradition began when FUMC Grapevine member Jim
Kennebrew thought back and recalled his best Christmas as a child was when he
received his first bicycle and decided he wanted to pass on that joy to the
children at MCH. He approached his Sunday school class with the idea to
refurbish bicycles and give them as gifts to MCH at Christmas, an idea that blossomed
into a church-wide campaign.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The process begins each year in October when the church
contacts MCH to determine a number of desired bicycles. FUMC Grapevine then
negotiates costs with local retail stores and purchases the bicycles. On a
Friday in early December, church members spend an evening putting together the
bicycles by hand and loading them into a moving truck. The following morning
several members drive to Waco to deliver the bicycles and are met by grateful
MCH youth and staff for unloading. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The arrival of new bicycles is one of the most joyous
events of our year!” said Allison Crawford, director of benefactor relations at
MCH. “Seeing the looks on our students’ faces as bikes are delivered is the
very picture of Christmas joy. We are grateful to each person at First UMC Grapevine
for carrying on this tradition for so many years.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTzqCKxGqZZ_TSIzftuu_NxT31G6DLOHMssfUeY3u20FBdB5Zj8Z103cgrLEDyQBxuwFn3A7TFjg1o8gu1PCuHMXKpaci07nTytQyf-kca0n6rG3gLjSaD9ggxqrhcHVAjdBfVt8jzS4/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTzqCKxGqZZ_TSIzftuu_NxT31G6DLOHMssfUeY3u20FBdB5Zj8Z103cgrLEDyQBxuwFn3A7TFjg1o8gu1PCuHMXKpaci07nTytQyf-kca0n6rG3gLjSaD9ggxqrhcHVAjdBfVt8jzS4/s320/IMG_3642.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrw0QPkKwjJ4qAmeWVxWyKQrQMg1-RuHBAk-2wugKXt68DyyO69chtrDx1Jb9vkCxT6EButi_p_Sh2BlxHZO0rPm65-aQekvhZe8T3ZM0KkhbBR4bGNivmJY1IyyJJmzmwg2KnSPwHII/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrw0QPkKwjJ4qAmeWVxWyKQrQMg1-RuHBAk-2wugKXt68DyyO69chtrDx1Jb9vkCxT6EButi_p_Sh2BlxHZO0rPm65-aQekvhZe8T3ZM0KkhbBR4bGNivmJY1IyyJJmzmwg2KnSPwHII/s320/IMG_3670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0oAnKtCZarOP8PJFqdUVuCZ_7oG5R-yHIUqILufnNuZT8EmD-O7qCOMSzIRaqvRDfd6gMwoJL8jTh0_pNeB2wdHPbNYTAumBmgJ-U1RetEOEn9Qdma7prtXbIzyVAeBSsItB0Ye6U1I/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0oAnKtCZarOP8PJFqdUVuCZ_7oG5R-yHIUqILufnNuZT8EmD-O7qCOMSzIRaqvRDfd6gMwoJL8jTh0_pNeB2wdHPbNYTAumBmgJ-U1RetEOEn9Qdma7prtXbIzyVAeBSsItB0Ye6U1I/s320/IMG_3691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-91710488551757012742018-11-16T12:52:00.000-06:002018-11-16T12:52:12.116-06:00MCH Family Outreach in San Antonio shows support for its community during November events<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tn1AorvOBGlNTNCCp1rNhcloHlMeCgXLB-mxmbih918fHYZDJtmC-nVUJUIvFf-h5gcqvIPHyOyY-uuvEobveZo9vX5PJHYdUvlNgcPccEb5DXKoPt0CSLgiZywLC0uEBkWtrJ05kUA/s1600/2018.11.09+SA+team+to+Doseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1431" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tn1AorvOBGlNTNCCp1rNhcloHlMeCgXLB-mxmbih918fHYZDJtmC-nVUJUIvFf-h5gcqvIPHyOyY-uuvEobveZo9vX5PJHYdUvlNgcPccEb5DXKoPt0CSLgiZywLC0uEBkWtrJ05kUA/s320/2018.11.09+SA+team+to+Doseum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Staff from MCH Family Outreach in San Antonio celebrated its
community and families this month during events at local nonprofits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Nov. 7 MCH Family Outreach in San Antonio attended the
grand opening of the new Texas Diaper Bank headquarters located at 1803
Grandstand Dr. Suite 150. The new facility is 30,000 square feet and will allow
for the Texas Diaper Bank to continue offering diaper assistance to families in
need in Bexar County. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH Family Outreach in San Antonio formed a partnership with
Texas Diaper Bank which allows diaper assistance to families being served
through Family Solutions and GAP programs. Participants of parent education
classes are also provided diaper assistance for their infants and toddlers as
an incentive for class participation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Families being served by MCH Family Outreach have been
grateful for the diaper assistance made possible through our partnership with
the Texas Diaper Bank,” said Melissa Arroyo, director of MCH Family Outreach in
San Antonio. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Nov.9, San Antonio staff members spent the morning giving
back to their community by volunteering at The DoSeum, San Antonio’s Museum for
Kids. The mission of The DoSeaum states, “Through joyful learning and
discovery, The DoSeum grows minds, connects families, and transforms
communities.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH staff were assigned to separate exhibits throughout the museum
and assisted San Antonio children in attendance from class field trips. Ages of
children ranged from infants to school-aged. MCH staff assisted in Little Town,
Spy Academy, and Dream Tomorrow Today exhibits. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was a great opportunity to give back to the San Antonio
community and staff enjoyed sharing in the children’s time during their visit
to The Doseum,” Arroyo said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LCFY_qoAfD95ZiPcj2EzBjNO2_hn4vhaiTNQkF9etEKNajxMsPzN-XiF3UZ_D2i0vfWC9ygfefXOcNwu1764gIRdHhVv9iffxYlwTCwxQAfe6esbaLCN6LpDiBPjMocCOcBa3S7RV98/s1600/2018.11.07+SA+diaper+bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LCFY_qoAfD95ZiPcj2EzBjNO2_hn4vhaiTNQkF9etEKNajxMsPzN-XiF3UZ_D2i0vfWC9ygfefXOcNwu1764gIRdHhVv9iffxYlwTCwxQAfe6esbaLCN6LpDiBPjMocCOcBa3S7RV98/s320/2018.11.07+SA+diaper+bank.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-41061145323696106652018-10-17T16:11:00.000-05:002018-10-17T16:11:28.437-05:00Coalition of Residential Excellence Award Winners 2018<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Coalition of Residential Excellence (CORE) recognized
two members of the MCH family during its annual conference awards banquet on
Oct. 10 in Waco. Arianna, a resident of MCH, received the 2018 Catherine Hersey
Student of the Year Award and Charlsie Whitney, retired program administrator,
was named the 2018 Administrator of the Year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CORE is a national membership organization for agencies
providing quality care for children and youth who cannot be adequately cared
for in their own home. Residents of CORE agencies live and learn together
within stable, supportive, education-focused residential communities that are
designed specifically to meet their needs. This year MCH hosted the CORE annual
conference at the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco from Oct. 9-11.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Student of the Year:
Arianna<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRErtelLQSA4R3aEgv4X2ySNvjRStTmXih-yp66ae_NSRsRr2U8qIvHt1j-2KBts0S8KAPbXkR-wyq0hUJvfDoT4F4XP218gznsmU97_uSCn797bAXo58uuOlrl7ys5-Ph-vC7VJRL-bY/s1600/_MG_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRErtelLQSA4R3aEgv4X2ySNvjRStTmXih-yp66ae_NSRsRr2U8qIvHt1j-2KBts0S8KAPbXkR-wyq0hUJvfDoT4F4XP218gznsmU97_uSCn797bAXo58uuOlrl7ys5-Ph-vC7VJRL-bY/s320/_MG_3412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arianna has been a resident of MCH since September 2016. She
took initiative and reached out to MCH after dealing with several challenges
during her upbringing. She is now a senior at the MCH charter school and excels
academically receiving awards including the A-Honor Roll. She is a member of
the Bulldog Pride student leadership group and participates in athletics while
also balancing the responsibilities of a part-time job. Arianna was also accepted
into the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy (GWAMA), an
industry-focused dual credit program.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After graduation, Arianna plans to become certified in
construction and design. She would also like to work toward a degree in social
work to support others who have had similar life experiences. Below is an
excerpt from her nomination:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Though she has faced many hardships in life, Arianna has
been able to overcome her many challenges all the while taking intentional
steps toward accomplishing her life goals. Arianna’s resiliency has allowed her
to turn her trauma into motivation for the future as she feels restored hope
with each achievement that she makes.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Administrator of the
Year: Charlsie Whitney<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MiQ-EG9sTxviPeL-u4Jh5g3JT0sG51ulZTwwPfPrzlKfH-Aa17nEsIROGkqc9dJDhaavFeM_gpHcn7KakD1nj64hI7M7bzySt9qp8i7o_4bSd3jIJ2TS2Zb1GnPNskffIInzJDY7EEM/s1600/_MG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MiQ-EG9sTxviPeL-u4Jh5g3JT0sG51ulZTwwPfPrzlKfH-Aa17nEsIROGkqc9dJDhaavFeM_gpHcn7KakD1nj64hI7M7bzySt9qp8i7o_4bSd3jIJ2TS2Zb1GnPNskffIInzJDY7EEM/s320/_MG_3422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlsie Whitney retired in 2018 as program administrator of
the MCH Waco campus following 23 years of service. She began her career with
MCH as an English teacher at the Boys Ranch in 1995, then became a social
worker on the Waco campus in 1998 and helped implement the strength-based
philosophy of care. She was promoted to campus life director in 2002 and program
administrator in 2007. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The MCH program of care was enhanced significantly during Whitney’s
tenure. She played a leadership role in creating a charter school in
partnership with the University of Texas Charter School system as well as
developing the Transition Services program to support youth as they transition
to independent living after graduating from high school. She also helped build
an athletics program and created more of a community for the school through a
cheer team, drumline, mascot, pep rallies, and school homecoming. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whitney was a key leader in implementing trauma-informed care
and helped develop afterschool and volunteer community service programs for MCH
youth. Prior to her retirement she was instrumental in the development of a
master plan for the Waco campus. Below is an excerpt from her nomination:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Perhaps Charlsie’s most enduring legacy will be the
guidance and mentorship that she has provided her staff. Her investment in home
parents, social workers and administrative staff will keep paying dividends at
MCH for decades to come. Five of Charlsie’s former social workers currently
serve MCH as program administrators or associate administrators. Methodist
Children’s Home is grateful for Charlsie’s faithful commitment, dedication and
service to our mission.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-76533256626033381632018-09-20T13:56:00.004-05:002018-09-20T13:56:32.508-05:00MCH Family Outreach in El Paso celebrates caregivers for Grandparents Day<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTwkAKxogVmqn9uFFYW4b8eLlAj4y5oyrs21hprpFrR842lljPIfUkwGsqq8UTELz4MvwaYU91Z5Qpr6UbihgjszLdo_nDPI8suT3hRWb4mYZPTL7PPOR3YhbuXQuxxwoVIMcgRK9shE/s1600/20180911_112122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTwkAKxogVmqn9uFFYW4b8eLlAj4y5oyrs21hprpFrR842lljPIfUkwGsqq8UTELz4MvwaYU91Z5Qpr6UbihgjszLdo_nDPI8suT3hRWb4mYZPTL7PPOR3YhbuXQuxxwoVIMcgRK9shE/s320/20180911_112122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Several El Paso caregivers received a special treat this
month from MCH Family Outreach in El Paso in celebration of Grandparents Day.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the monthly Caregiver Empowerment meeting on Sept.
11, staff members treated current and previous clients, who are grandparents or
other relatives raising children, to breakfast and gifts as a way to recognize
the job they do. Each caregiver received a yellow rose and a poem in honor of
the sacrifices they make every day to ensure that the children are safe,
healthy and happy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caregiver Empowerment Groups are support groups led by staff
members that bring generational caregivers together to offer emotional support,
educational opportunities and to give them the opportunity to share advice on
ways to deal with common issues they face. Zahire Gonzalez-Villa, director of
MCH Family Outreach in El Paso, said there was a diverse group of grandparents
present who each had their own personal stories to share.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The group laughed, cried and basked in each other’s
successes,” Gonzalez-Villa said. “In the short time they spent together, they
were able to provide each other with advice and community resources which might
help them in their current situations. Because of the varying ages of the
grandkids being raised, the grandparents were able to provide insight into what
those grandparents with younger kids can do and expect in the future.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A0"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A0"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Staff support families through the Gap Program by providing in-home
assessments, case management services and support groups for caregivers. The
Gap Program builds on the family’s strengths and works with all family members
to find solutions to the challenges of raising children in today’s complex
world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A0"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A0"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For more information on services provided through MCH Family
Outreach, visit MCH.org to find an office near you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A0"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquZYMsp34_7aRnm1LszSnfgx5HEWAh032B2LviyQGNQjih1ycmwgDZz46lkybNDnx24aimmxuD-t3c0GPVgW97xacXwGnPQaBivTi0NKuDnIWFhC6sIQL4Hn0zcYhu8ny2XvfKrBA0_8/s1600/gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquZYMsp34_7aRnm1LszSnfgx5HEWAh032B2LviyQGNQjih1ycmwgDZz46lkybNDnx24aimmxuD-t3c0GPVgW97xacXwGnPQaBivTi0NKuDnIWFhC6sIQL4Hn0zcYhu8ny2XvfKrBA0_8/s320/gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="A0"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span></div>
Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-15944454766835474452018-09-12T15:21:00.001-05:002018-09-12T16:10:41.384-05:00MCH students return to school<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGY1kEDiBjmG_LCdhNZ1-mrHoNMrqACX_bAajuF3LBvsgJ74yUCr6tN_qxDE7_ypJYUNzNNS5x5zbDAA7QQ_kGlLQS4sMBTahZ5LEVebzZ5wElhqTOVvyAmLG8N9seh_ptq85n-54xXI/s1600/IMG_7845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGY1kEDiBjmG_LCdhNZ1-mrHoNMrqACX_bAajuF3LBvsgJ74yUCr6tN_qxDE7_ypJYUNzNNS5x5zbDAA7QQ_kGlLQS4sMBTahZ5LEVebzZ5wElhqTOVvyAmLG8N9seh_ptq85n-54xXI/s320/IMG_7845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the more than 100 students started back to school at
the Methodist Children’s Home charter school this school year they were
welcomed back into the classroom with new school initiatives, staff and technology.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The charter school, operated on the Waco campus in
partnership with the University of Texas-University Charter School system,
serves youth in grades 6 through 12 who live on the Waco campus and Boys Ranch,
as well as a limited number of students from the community. The district theme
this school year is “Framing the Future,” which is taken from a book on best
teaching practices used by the charter school teachers called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality
Instruction</i> by Sean Cain and Mike Laird. As part of the theme, school staff
are challenged to think about how they are framing the future so students can
be successful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To follow the theme this academic year, students will
receive “Bulldog bones” when they display good behaviors – symbols which will
be displayed on the cafeteria wall. At the end of each six week grading period,
staff will draw a name of one of the students who received a “Bulldog bone” and
the winner will receive their picture on the wall as well as a gift card.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Mondays and Fridays, students gather for “proactive
circles” during homeroom where they are given a quote about a life skill during
announcements. After the announcements, students and staff discuss that life
skill. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, teachers use the “Why Try”
curriculum, a resiliency program where teachers use graphics and art to explain
an important life lesson.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four new teachers were added to the charter school staff this
year, along with three instructional aides who assist in classrooms. The
building also received several new security cameras. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sixty laptops will be used in classrooms for social studies, financial math, English and science classes, provided by the donor-funded Education Enrichment Fund. Students check out
the laptop during class time to work on interactive lessons and web-based
curriculum. The laptops are intended to help keep students engaged and focused
on the lesson. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-77460476006936012882018-09-10T16:19:00.000-05:002018-09-10T16:19:16.507-05:00MCH Family Outreach back-to-school eventsStaff in our MCH Family Outreach offices in 13 communities across Texas and New Mexico assist families each year as they prepare to return to school. As part of these efforts, many offices participate in community events serving families in need of school supplies or other services. Below are a few examples of back-to-school activities and events where MCH Family Outreach showed support for our local families.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><u>Abilene:</u></b> On Aug. 17, Abilene Outreach participated in the Back-to-School Bash hosted by the Abilene Dream Center, a faith-based discipleship program that provides food, housing, education, and counseling completely free of charge. At the event, they distributed free school supplies to attendees. They also had food booths, games, door prizes, and community resource booths.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlhfIVkX-TD0gy5pWNuRJ9I8q-SosgWa8Jyt7hMRIhMAm-7SDnqDd9TEJQpui-wC2vEj_3lk21k-8SnVNks5CS-glBehQew3I6NJ4VwNbK3S1LiQhjP8t18iPkqlLc354s0uaE75gI9I/s1600/abilene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlhfIVkX-TD0gy5pWNuRJ9I8q-SosgWa8Jyt7hMRIhMAm-7SDnqDd9TEJQpui-wC2vEj_3lk21k-8SnVNks5CS-glBehQew3I6NJ4VwNbK3S1LiQhjP8t18iPkqlLc354s0uaE75gI9I/s320/abilene.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abilene shared information during the Back-to-School Bash at Abilene Dream Center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>Albuquerque:</u></b> This year, the Albuquerque office partnered once again with Help=Hope and collected backpacks stuffed with school supplies for all of the children served through their office.<br />
<br />
Julia Burris, director of MCH Family Outreach in Albuquerque, said, “The volunteers at Help=Hope chose beautifully, and I believe many excited children and grateful caregivers will be the result of Help=Hope’s generosity. Several families have already been given backpacks, many with tears in their eyes, as providing school supplies has been an ongoing struggle for many of the families that we serve. New Mexico is, unfortunately, ranked nearly last in the country for education, due to many different factors. One factor, undeniably, is the poverty that so many of our families struggle with. How can children learn without the supplies they need? We are grateful here in Albuquerque for the generosity of agencies such as Help=Hope to help our children succeed, and are humbled to see the difference these efforts make.”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uQuRmfB5azYQnaVWUa4VwBrkfLDlg05iBSOFcLbp8eklEneL0fcbEd8TeBYiXFff8NRaF5JpoIMxQ6znvaip5f985_Y9EdJ1RkQkyN-hsBmzxfC-pTjbSlLTYBhHAieo50EtOPJtn0A/s1600/Albuquerque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1560" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uQuRmfB5azYQnaVWUa4VwBrkfLDlg05iBSOFcLbp8eklEneL0fcbEd8TeBYiXFff8NRaF5JpoIMxQ6znvaip5f985_Y9EdJ1RkQkyN-hsBmzxfC-pTjbSlLTYBhHAieo50EtOPJtn0A/s320/Albuquerque.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children served through Albuquerque Outreach received backpacks<br />
thanks to a partnership with Help=Hope.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>Bryan/College Station:</u></b> This year the Bryan/College Station office kept stocked backpacks in their office for current and former clients in need of school supplies or for anyone sent to them for assistance. They also have a list of area churches and organizations that host their own back-to-school events to provide families with the best fit for their family size, ages and location.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Corpus Christi:</u></b> Staff in the Corpus Christi office and several of their community partners were able to receive a livestream training from Texas Christian University on Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and trauma-informed classrooms in early August. After the training, staff discussed how MCH can be a resource for continued trauma-informed care information and TBRI support to the community.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Dallas:</u></b> On Aug. 4, the Dallas office held a Summer Splash party at the West Irving Aquatic Center for families they serve. About 60 clients and their families attended and were treated to pizza and cupcakes, as well as 50 bags full of school supplies and drinks. Dallas director Amanda Whatley said some of the clients had never been to a waterpark of any kind and were thrilled to be a part of it. She said several of her staff members traveled all over Dallas to transport clients who needed assistance with transportation to the event.<br />
<br />
“The clients repeatedly thanked staff for the party and said how grateful they were to be able to experience it,” Whatley said. “No one left emptyhanded, whether it be with leftover pizza and cupcakes or extra schools supplies. The party was a huge success.”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbVnhbPgrHRPb8MUpXsBs2ZA1Tt5j8JJ9SkuMmyhv5uQK7by9zCguHycxzV1MJlXwrAEjTUcWlTL1fd8KXztLyi8blZb-7yJAyhoAJ8Wn1Dr7KRs2jQCI6fg-2UhWJ934haEKGbqPWb0/s1600/Dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbVnhbPgrHRPb8MUpXsBs2ZA1Tt5j8JJ9SkuMmyhv5uQK7by9zCguHycxzV1MJlXwrAEjTUcWlTL1fd8KXztLyi8blZb-7yJAyhoAJ8Wn1Dr7KRs2jQCI6fg-2UhWJ934haEKGbqPWb0/s320/Dallas.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dallas families enjoyed the Summer Splash party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Houston:</b> The Houston Outreach office participated in several Back-to-School and community fairs in August. On Aug. 4, staff attended the BakerRipley Back-to-School Health Fair as well as Spring ISD’s annual Family and Community Resource Expo. On Aug. 9, they participated in the Gulf Coast Community Services Association Health and Wellness Fair, and the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Back-to-School Basketball Bash on Aug. 11. Finally on Aug. 17, staff joined other community resources at the Houston ISD Back-to-School Extravaganza.<br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Killeen:</b> On Aug. 5 Killeen staff participated in Grace United Methodist Church’s Back-to-School Buzz. MCH facilitated activities for children and shared about MCH services. Also, FUMC Killeen supplied 20 backpacks filled with school supplies for some of our KISD families. Killeen staff also participated in Harker Heights UMC Back-to-School Giveaway on Wednesday, Aug. 22 by hosting a game and sharing information about services.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XcJ35SLzP162D8Vjc62AV7xcBR6WrOJ0e-bXiubSEYxdtkFhyphenhypheniKXwXPAwY0Z_OEOQZNNPAxaHO8R1A3W5XlMUbOUTf_0WHuDVBlYkekJuT9QZ7jq8eVeTg1d35I2V50571EkJeiAz3A/s1600/Killeen+Aug+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XcJ35SLzP162D8Vjc62AV7xcBR6WrOJ0e-bXiubSEYxdtkFhyphenhypheniKXwXPAwY0Z_OEOQZNNPAxaHO8R1A3W5XlMUbOUTf_0WHuDVBlYkekJuT9QZ7jq8eVeTg1d35I2V50571EkJeiAz3A/s320/Killeen+Aug+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Killeen staff members shared information during local events.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>Las Cruces:</u></b> Las Cruces staff hosted a backpack drive for their MCH families. Each of the children served through their office received a backpack full of school supplies for the new school year.<br />
“By providing the children with these tools we are helping them succeed in school,” said Michelle Perez, Las Cruces Outreach director. “A big thank you to our volunteers that helped to make this a memorable event for our families.”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwrZpOT_NTbu8IrDDX1jG5M5SRHDU_hayT16XqiddCr8c3JLZd3PBakqc8ZVeSwPqZCrKs4C1OYPUQ7qSM_-WpN4H0jV5-LJ0W7c7HhU8wok-Q3h0hnXFUhDVyfkWhtwAnnnBgF6BF64/s1600/Las+Cruces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwrZpOT_NTbu8IrDDX1jG5M5SRHDU_hayT16XqiddCr8c3JLZd3PBakqc8ZVeSwPqZCrKs4C1OYPUQ7qSM_-WpN4H0jV5-LJ0W7c7HhU8wok-Q3h0hnXFUhDVyfkWhtwAnnnBgF6BF64/s320/Las+Cruces.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children served through Las Cruces received backpacks with supplies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>Lubbock:</u></b> The Lubbock office was involved with two back-to-school events. The first was the annual Back-to-School Bash hosted by The Lubbock Dream Center. MCH Family Outreach was a sponsor of the event and had a resource table available for participants to visit and learn about services that are provided to the community. More than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to children at the event. Free haircuts and vouchers for school uniforms were also provided, as well as games, activities, door prizes and food.<br />
<br />
MCH Family Outreach Back-to-School Bash is an annual event for Gap and Family Solutions clients. Families in attendance were given a pair of shoes for each school-aged child. A meal was served and activities were provided. Children and their caregivers made stress balls, calm-down bottles and participated in parachute games.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExo-o6QpO_fiyzCLM454IBqqFGhH0wPyfJcojILmYEI-GvdmVtnMpuDS5p2SXHwyoQquacENO-MPg8UA0hu3Ine5oMIqbEIsjyx-EnGlvxyYgz7yRTjbfI55Tv9HEeq7OMyHVYLr6o-s/s1600/Lubbock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExo-o6QpO_fiyzCLM454IBqqFGhH0wPyfJcojILmYEI-GvdmVtnMpuDS5p2SXHwyoQquacENO-MPg8UA0hu3Ine5oMIqbEIsjyx-EnGlvxyYgz7yRTjbfI55Tv9HEeq7OMyHVYLr6o-s/s320/Lubbock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lubbock staff shared information to members of the community during local back-to-school events.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>San Antonio:</u></b> In July case managers hosted a family bingo event for families of the Prospera Housing Community Services which provides housing and support services for residents. They also partnered with the organization for a back-to-school potluck in August where children were provided with backpacks and school supplies. Residents were able to hear about services and meet with case managers during the events.<br />
<br />
On July 21, San Antonio case managers attended the San Antonio Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coalition’s first annual Picnic Day at San Pedro Springs. Approximately 150 people attended the event. On July 26 -27, MCH staff participated in the Annual Back-to-School event for grandparents raising their grandchildren hosted by Alamo Area Council of Governments. AACOG and other vendors provided vouchers for school clothes, backpacks and other school items for the grandchildren. MCH staff distributed around 150 bags containing school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, erasers, ruler, boxes of Kleenex, crayons, and other items for grandchildren. MCH staff provided the grandparents with information about the Gap Program and had several grandparents sign up for services.<br />
<br />
On Aug. 14, MCH Family Outreach in San Antonio participated in the Coker United Methodist Church Backpack Give Away where 1,500 backpacks with school supplies were distributed to families in need. MCH Family Outreach distributed “Be You” pencils and watercolor bookmarks with inspiring words on them. Several participants signed up to receive additional information of services provided by MCH.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsyOVLJGNPkhszBF21RrinBzJkOYZ4BI9d39aGENBulBAbu7oO5b69Qe-irTyGZl4wXCyVN8QP6hDrE8ykbRoImRS30RcWc55V5NN07pfM4pGdJ-xIleF5RDJItuclDdcjFfHIF3-a2c/s1600/SA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsyOVLJGNPkhszBF21RrinBzJkOYZ4BI9d39aGENBulBAbu7oO5b69Qe-irTyGZl4wXCyVN8QP6hDrE8ykbRoImRS30RcWc55V5NN07pfM4pGdJ-xIleF5RDJItuclDdcjFfHIF3-a2c/s320/SA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Antonio staff reached out to grandparents and other caregivers raising children during a local event.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>Tyler:</u></b> The Tyler Outreach office participated in a back-to-school event held at Harvey Hall. MCH provided 300 bags of school supplies for the event. The Tyler Outreach office also participated in a back-to-school event in Athens where MCH provided 600 bottles of glue. Kristy George, director of MCH Family Outreach in Tyler, said, “Both events are a great help to the community for those in need of school supplies.”<br />
<br />
<b><u>Waco:</u></b> On Aug. 14, Waco Outreach participated in Meet the Teacher night at Indian Springs Middle School to share information about programs.<br />
<br />
Thank you to all organizations who partnered with us to support children headed back to school.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-32289586081530641032018-08-31T08:50:00.001-05:002018-08-31T08:50:41.804-05:00Connecting through a common interest<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYNCQcHaytOIIB1E911HoUukaYSBFuErCVi3sZH6aAycY-RSnab6VWKdNcfekwcYh55Nx9-rHxozEg75RQMFotmUHOP93CHooMC4U32xAbEzPEs-1wtm_zrCS7w72-iyXCWkclnAWvm0/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYNCQcHaytOIIB1E911HoUukaYSBFuErCVi3sZH6aAycY-RSnab6VWKdNcfekwcYh55Nx9-rHxozEg75RQMFotmUHOP93CHooMC4U32xAbEzPEs-1wtm_zrCS7w72-iyXCWkclnAWvm0/s320/IMG_1082.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH encourages staff members to utilize their gifts and
talents in serving youth. For school support staff member Michael Lewis, his
interest in fitness enabled him to help a student make a positive
transformation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lewis was approached by Bryce, a student at the charter
school, in February 2018. Bryce, now a freshman, wanted to know how Lewis was
able to maintain his muscular physique at age 61. Lewis gave him some tips on
exercise and nutrition and Bryce took his advice and put it into action. Within
only a couple of months, Lewis noticed that Bryce’s appearance was changing. Bryce
said he lost around 30 pounds before the end of that school year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I started changing my diet and eating things that I knew
were good for my body, beneficial,” he said. “Not just empty calories that you
get from chips and sodas. It is to the point now that I don’t even like other
foods anymore. I got used to eating fruits and vegetables and healthy foods
that I know help with building muscle.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the summer hit, Bryce and Lewis began meeting three or
four days a week to work out at the gym on campus. Lewis said he is proud of
the sacrifice and motivation Bryce has shown in continuing his good habits.
Lewis said they spend their time in the gym not just working out, but also
talking about life and have built a positive relationship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It is more than just working out,” Lewis said. “I’ve seen
him become more responsible, grow mentally and sometimes I have to remind
myself that he is only 14.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lewis said he hopes he is helping Bryce build a solid
foundation for the future by living a healthy lifestyle now in order to prevent
diseases such as diabetes or heart failure. He also hopes these efforts will
inspire other students at MCH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The physical body is something God wants us to take care of,”
Lewis said. “How to eat is in His Word. The physical body has to be maintained
just like the mental and spiritual.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bryce has now dropped around 50 pounds and said he has gained
confidence and will continue working out with Lewis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I feel stronger since I’ve been in the weight room,” he
said. “People have given me more respect because I’ve been willing to do this.
It got me out of my comfort zone and I will feel better in the future.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-70089562517281176232018-08-23T15:47:00.006-05:002018-08-23T15:47:48.394-05:00MCH youth gain perspective through summer trips<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-6MQMkf3lTrnlGlVvNGlNinuT2_TNYZE6OYRXGWcFSDmsPpO33SIL0php8zRouYlVDiiA2tT-5uGJcr-gaA_dqhVbpb94qinI1TmtiIkxJjNL-YUSFODlytr76TpJqfXhOeihXrYBj0/s1600/file3e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-6MQMkf3lTrnlGlVvNGlNinuT2_TNYZE6OYRXGWcFSDmsPpO33SIL0php8zRouYlVDiiA2tT-5uGJcr-gaA_dqhVbpb94qinI1TmtiIkxJjNL-YUSFODlytr76TpJqfXhOeihXrYBj0/s320/file3e.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nikkie attended a mission trip and Glen Lake camp this summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each summer, MCH youth have a chance to rejuvenate and grow
closer to God through summer mission trips and Christian camps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, MCH youth had the option to travel with Spiritual
Development staff to off-campus trips including Central Texas Conference Youth
in Mission (CTCYM) in Lovington, New Mexico; Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center
in Glen Rose, Texas; and United Methodist Action Reach Out Mission by Youth
(U.M. ARMY) in Longview, Texas, as part of a partnership with Kingwood United
Methodist Church. For the final trip opportunity, students were led by
recreation and other staff to the Shepherds of the Ozarks camp in August. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="fontstyle01"><span style="color: windowtext;">“We
consider attending a Glen Lake Camp or a mission trip to be a privilege set
aside for students who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ,”
said Kim Clark, director of spiritual development. “We also take into
consideration their level of responsibility and social and leadership skills. We
take students who are able to take direction well, work hard, work with a team,
are eager to deepen their relationship with Christ, and have a positive
attitude.”</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="fontstyle01"><span style="color: windowtext;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eligible students fill out an application and must also have
staff recommendations. They then must be approved by unit managers and
administration with factors such as summer school, home visit schedules, and behavior
being considered in the approval process. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nikkie, age 15, attended the CTCYM trip as well as Glen Lake
camp for the first time. She said she wanted to go on the mission trip because
she likes to help others and felt it would be a good experience to spend some
time away from campus. While on the trip, she worked with youth from different
areas on three homes completing projects such as building wheelchair ramps,
installing porch railings and making home repairs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When I came back I felt like a whole different person,”
Nikkie said. “Something had changed in me. I felt like God was telling me to
work hard to get something done and to believe in myself.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During camp, Nikkie said she gained a fresh perspective and
enjoyed her time with other MCH youth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At Glen Lake my favorite thing was getting closer to MCH
kids,” she said. “I feel like Spiritual Development and these trips are helping
me get closer to God and closer to everyone else. You learn on these trips that
God is always here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MCH staff from different areas accompanied seven youth to Shepherds
of the Ozarks, a Christian conference and retreat center in the Ozark Mountains
in Arkansas. During the trip, youth were able to explore an underground cavern,
hike up to a cave, and participate in a service project. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clark said she has seen many positive transformations in the
youth when they return from summer trips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have had the pleasure of seeing lives changed, lives
given to Christ and baptisms,” she said. “I have witnessed our kids being kids,
laughing, having fun, and trying new things. I have seen relationships formed
and others mended. I have witnessed students come back and be the catalyst for
change in their homes and our community.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR14Y9w5d8QHrK1BlzxwsTzea4vFsXL0ldGOU9VlrFghgTVRbcRisa5DJiApSvYKEzJJycGhXNzL1l93O6cQsqOwngGp9mVMAa81QjnyP2evjsRIMX9D9JDSTfIuhMWMJjiXAGmL2yalo/s1600/IMG_7571e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR14Y9w5d8QHrK1BlzxwsTzea4vFsXL0ldGOU9VlrFghgTVRbcRisa5DJiApSvYKEzJJycGhXNzL1l93O6cQsqOwngGp9mVMAa81QjnyP2evjsRIMX9D9JDSTfIuhMWMJjiXAGmL2yalo/s320/IMG_7571e.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrO6n-wHmootTVCxmrwkOCGdNSKn5e1h1ZTg6NUIHhM-zLiDuXWVJSxSH_8hQgMsnkJOQ51hgDtJaW70pmdDiHvjgCKRy-BCMdMH_C4r15CNFDKVy2JOwcnarEPU0T-vHEBM-FUAcwLQ/s1600/IMG_7587e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrO6n-wHmootTVCxmrwkOCGdNSKn5e1h1ZTg6NUIHhM-zLiDuXWVJSxSH_8hQgMsnkJOQ51hgDtJaW70pmdDiHvjgCKRy-BCMdMH_C4r15CNFDKVy2JOwcnarEPU0T-vHEBM-FUAcwLQ/s320/IMG_7587e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fxhQTxpwizOJWxt15B5faqK6PY8N03BlZibn_uaeSXBk6JD-l-vkJGYRpitt3G9dKGPSlOkSGpswwsj_WRMBy-OtJnd8TXQZO9FwhXZM_yLp7_sQIOAMgN_02NQgLT0LwvaK9m1V8Vs/s1600/IMG_7103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fxhQTxpwizOJWxt15B5faqK6PY8N03BlZibn_uaeSXBk6JD-l-vkJGYRpitt3G9dKGPSlOkSGpswwsj_WRMBy-OtJnd8TXQZO9FwhXZM_yLp7_sQIOAMgN_02NQgLT0LwvaK9m1V8Vs/s320/IMG_7103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi451kQJa02gy79sH-a3rCA6vjAPXlggESNlHw4BM49XY7_nc2Bc3d8vfowj-yBkdBZIEouVCyicsEci7qwSVnR0tFz3fWGu-EDUsMIYpZW3ZQpLAobprdkkBJEb-TLcoxBEtHEbXe1S6A/s1600/IMG_7002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi451kQJa02gy79sH-a3rCA6vjAPXlggESNlHw4BM49XY7_nc2Bc3d8vfowj-yBkdBZIEouVCyicsEci7qwSVnR0tFz3fWGu-EDUsMIYpZW3ZQpLAobprdkkBJEb-TLcoxBEtHEbXe1S6A/s320/IMG_7002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-39349766340810203012018-08-01T08:31:00.003-05:002018-08-01T14:38:56.434-05:00MCH charter school hosts “Fish Camp”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTm5kk0Va-F-45csmqHiLMABkqGkavg_OOFcNs-Jr_MwlVjnzFSrL31a5Mcf4q8BLTKFKoFokK-QG47W458VxesaajSpLOgRqhxD6IzePlA4xtEfogu7TPWuOWD9uBHPuiOHikKkE3MY/s1600/Fish+Day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTm5kk0Va-F-45csmqHiLMABkqGkavg_OOFcNs-Jr_MwlVjnzFSrL31a5Mcf4q8BLTKFKoFokK-QG47W458VxesaajSpLOgRqhxD6IzePlA4xtEfogu7TPWuOWD9uBHPuiOHikKkE3MY/s320/Fish+Day+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Incoming freshmen for the charter school at Methodist
Children’s Home received an introduction to high school during “Fish Day” on
July 19. The two-hour event at the school, located on the Waco campus, served
as freshman orientation to prepare students before the school year begins and
introduce them to MCH and school staff who will be working with them.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the orientation, freshman students listened to
several presentations and toured the high school areas of the school where they
will attend classes. Jeff Creel, program administrator for school and
transition services, talked to students about expectations for each year of
high school. Executive Principal Michelle Arocha introduced changes for the
next school year such as new teachers, new district theme, and dress code,
schedule and policy adjustments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students
also participated in an activity with MCH recreation staff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freshmen were also introduced to Transition Services, a
program serving MCH students as they transition to independence. TS
coordinators begin working with MCH students during their junior year of high
school in creating post high school graduation plans. They assist students in
preparations such as college visits, applications for financial aid and
scholarships, and life skills training. TS coordinators shared information with
the students about their role and gave specific information regarding tests
they will encounter such as the Texas Success Initiative Assessment college
readiness exam and the SAT/ACT standardized tests used to determine college
admission and scholarships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Presentations emphasized the importance of academic performance
during high school with the intention of getting them off to a positive start.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We want to make sure they stay focused and maintain their
GPA because that is important when looking at college,” said Dorothy Phillips,
director of educational services at MCH.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The MCH charter school is operated in partnership with the
University of Texas-University Charter School system. The 2018-19 school year
will begin on August 15.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-12780527133747156032018-07-20T13:11:00.004-05:002018-07-20T13:12:10.319-05:00Bryan mother finds financial stability with help of MCH Family Outreach<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIHW6gIJVdNC3FGMc8a2agMjGfsDlQQxswu9V2Y88lr3Zn_ZY6yt3-Hihn-FzOS8uSqncqmyueaGl4yKRovosg_sPoIlcvX9icmqMuUxOr-A9OOBHLsiXl1U0fbNeKx7teBmum6LYpqk/s1600/Kerrianna+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIHW6gIJVdNC3FGMc8a2agMjGfsDlQQxswu9V2Y88lr3Zn_ZY6yt3-Hihn-FzOS8uSqncqmyueaGl4yKRovosg_sPoIlcvX9icmqMuUxOr-A9OOBHLsiXl1U0fbNeKx7teBmum6LYpqk/s320/Kerrianna+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerrianna worked with MCH Family Outreach to become financially stable<br />
and recently received a vehicle thanks to a partnership with OnRamp. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kerrianna is a single mother of six children, ages 3-16, and
was doing her best to make ends meet working as a substitute teacher. However,
with limited financial means and transportation, she could only accept
substitute jobs at schools close to her home. As a necessary solution, she
accepted full-time employment at a local pizza chain near her apartment so she
could walk her younger girls to child care before going to work.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kerrianna learned about MCH Family Outreach in Bryan/College
Station through a local childcare and educational program and hoped they could
help her find a solution to her challenges. She began working with MCH case
manager Susan Hays in February 2018 as part of the Family Solutions program. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through the program, Hays was able to assist Kerrianna with
identifying her goals and developing strategies to meet those goals. Kerrianna desired
financial stability and also wanted to increase healthy experiences for her
family. Hays provided her with support and encouragement through her journey and
connected her with resources in the area to assist her in gaining financial
stability.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think the program was very helpful,” Kerrianna said. “Since
starting the program I have developed a ton of self-worth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hays knew that a reliable vehicle would be a crucial part of
Kerrianna’s goals. She nominated her to a local nonprofit called OnRamp that assists
hardworking families in need with vehicles. She learned about the organization
through friends and thought Kerrianna would be a great candidate for the opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through this partnership, Kerrianna received a 2005 Dodge
Caravan in June that is able to accommodate her six children. She is now
searching for full-time employment at College Station ISD and will no longer
have to worry about limiting her search to schools within walking distance. Kerrianna
said she has also seen improvements in her relationships with her children. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It has helped us become closer,” she said. “It’s given me
the strength to listen to my kids more and we go and do a lot more now. I’m
feeling happy and overjoyed that my family and I are closer and we can now
travel more.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hays said she has enjoyed working with Kerrianna and is
impressed by her ambition to do whatever it takes to support her family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kerrianna has persevered through a lot of stress and
hardship,” Hays said. “I don’t know many people who would walk their kids to
child care and then walk to a job they don’t like every day in hopes of
providing a better future for their children. She continues to move
forward and do the ‘next right thing.’” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-11999800997156389982018-06-29T11:44:00.000-05:002018-06-29T11:45:07.873-05:00MCH Family Outreach in Waco offers free parenting classes at McLennan Community College<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDDbly0Xsc-cM-8oAl6RfNeH8em3sFqg_6bUGa1h8uANcYyEVEBwPleNLFWpSB5_UVZ9H6GSHSZKeqnN-PlF7DvXzBqOflIGxVlmGgzheOPdt1eMHrUM0fOr4wUX5uaLn7P7Ly9wOJd4/s1600/IMG_3335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDDbly0Xsc-cM-8oAl6RfNeH8em3sFqg_6bUGa1h8uANcYyEVEBwPleNLFWpSB5_UVZ9H6GSHSZKeqnN-PlF7DvXzBqOflIGxVlmGgzheOPdt1eMHrUM0fOr4wUX5uaLn7P7Ly9wOJd4/s320/IMG_3335.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Staff from MCH Family Outreach if Waco recently wrapped up
its first parenting class as part of continuing education at McLennan Community
College (MCC). The class, Connected Caregiver, was a success and will be
followed up later this summer by a class covering Circle of Security®
Parenting™ program.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Working with MCC has been incredibly positive,” said Brooke
Davilla, director of MCH Family Outreach in Waco. “In partnering with MCC we
are able to reach the broader Waco community. MCC has been supportive and eager
to share our mission with others. At MCH Family Outreach we are always looking
for creative ways to serve and engage our local community.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The parenting classes are appropriate for anyone who is a
caregiver for children and youth including parents, teachers, or childcare
professionals. Participants learn about trauma-informed and evidence-based
practices that will help them better understand behaviors and connect with
children. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One class participant, Lori Colunga, decided to attend the
Connected Caregiver class after hearing about it through her church. A former
teacher, Colunga volunteers for a reading mentorship program where she works
with children in Waco schools. She said she has learned a lot about how
relationships can factor into children’s ability to interact and learn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’re hearing about how important those connections are,”
Colunga said. “If you don’t have those personal connections, the brain is not
turned on for anything.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Connected Caregiver classes ran through June, and Circle of
Security classes will be Aug. 6 through Sept. 10 on Monday evenings. Circle of
Security is a program that helps parents and caregivers better understand their
child’s needs. Facilitators will work with parents and caregivers to better understand
a child’s emotions, support their ability to manage those emotions, enhance
their self-esteem, and honor the innate wisdom and desire for the child to be
secure. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To sign up for the free class, <a href="https://cereg.mclennan.edu/courses.aspx?Search=circle%20of%20security"><span style="color: windowtext;">click here</span></a> to visit the McLennan Community
College website. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWV_7vHq-1Ub8pFe4ct6TRcpVcJleI0Qq1EYqyGCz6_v_zmUeFvkW5jQXOpO_Th_7NCzDHNi26yTU1Ap68pCiEd1NbRsWVvgppvm4mMioM5fZx4FrccMFpfQAgPuXCtZFXQ8qWaLzfTw/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWV_7vHq-1Ub8pFe4ct6TRcpVcJleI0Qq1EYqyGCz6_v_zmUeFvkW5jQXOpO_Th_7NCzDHNi26yTU1Ap68pCiEd1NbRsWVvgppvm4mMioM5fZx4FrccMFpfQAgPuXCtZFXQ8qWaLzfTw/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ana Chatham, case manager for MCH Family Outreach in Waco,<br />
facilitates a Connected Caregiver class at MCC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-45666179206681332402018-05-24T08:38:00.002-05:002018-07-20T10:49:03.473-05:00MCH youth receive awards for academics, activities<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi8OlrDi2C927cCuyOlVhoyG_66tdDVt2dqBEvnWJBSgOaMzwpPSwLJeAV3wnmCXGmoHLDun7doVqs2GYjDkoKBbdeRTMzK45Qhyn8uErxyJt_WR_Kk-TUpELdEJJnyek_GKQksWYhrM/s1600/IMG_8992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi8OlrDi2C927cCuyOlVhoyG_66tdDVt2dqBEvnWJBSgOaMzwpPSwLJeAV3wnmCXGmoHLDun7doVqs2GYjDkoKBbdeRTMzK45Qhyn8uErxyJt_WR_Kk-TUpELdEJJnyek_GKQksWYhrM/s320/IMG_8992.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congratulations to students at the Methodist Children’s Home charter school who were recognized for achievements during the 2017-18 school year! Students were celebrated with certificates, letter jackets, patches, and other items during a school awards ceremony on May 18 and an Activities Banquet on May 22. Below is a list of recipients:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Charter School Awards</u></b><br />
<b>Bulldog Pride: </b>Middle school – Lacey-Ann, Lucas, Dathan, Blake, Christina, Brittney; High school – Nikkie, Julianna, Emily, Josh, Faith, Kameron, Charles, Madison, Jaelyne, Marisa, Galen, Dina, Dominic, Synia, Alexis, Soleana, Jasmine, Daniel, Nebiyat, Arianna, Deborah<br />
<br />
<b>Academic Honor Roll:</b> Middle school – Alin; High school - Noah, Chandler, Rainn, Jaelyne, Marisa, Galen, Duane, Dina, Selam, Julio, Alexis, Soleana, Jasmine, Daniel, Nebiyat, Arianna, Deborah<br />
<br />
<b>Safe School Ambassadors:</b> Noah, Dan’tavion, Jaelyne, Marisa, Galen, Tremya, Amashia, Julio, Alexis, Adrianna, Damonte<br />
<br />
<b>Art Awards:</b> Kelsey, Soleana, Tremya, Daniel, Lacey, Faith, Alayah, Jasmine, Deborah, Selam, Emone, Alexis N., Abigail, Charles, Alyssa<br />
<br />
<b>English Awards: </b> English 3 – Deborah, Nebiyat, Arianna; English 4 – Rainn, Dan’tavion, Soleana<br />
<br />
<b>FFA Awards:</b><br />
Ag Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Noah; Diversified Livestock – KK; Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Galen; Vegetable Production – Jaelyne; Wildlife Production – Ladarius; Star Green Hand – Duane; Chapter Star Farmer – Galen; Chapter Star in Agriscience – Galen; Ag Education and Placement – Julio; Chapter Discovery (best 8th grader) – Sam<br />
<br />
Crew Champions: Beef production – Marisa; Swine production – Roger; Sheep production – Layla; Goat production – Dustin<br />
<br />
<b><u>Athletics Awards</u></b><br />
Football: Co-MVPs – Julio, Damonte; Most Improved – Kendrick<br />
Volleyball: MVP – Amashia; Most Improved – Armani<br />
Boys Basketball: MVP - Sir Dautrel; Most Improved – Xaivier<br />
Girls Basketball: MVP – Emone; Most Improved - Ari<br />
Boys Track & Field: MVP - Sir Dautrel; Most Improved – Dremon<br />
Girls Track & Field: MVP – Justine; Most Improved - Rainn<br />
Boys Golf: MVP – Angel; Most Improved - Daniel<br />
Girls Golf: MVP - Dina<br />
Bobby Gilliam Leadership Through Athletics Award – Tayshawn, Soleana<br />
<br />
<b><u>Fine Arts Awards</u></b><br />
Theatre: Most Valuable – Lacey; Most Improved – Juliana<br />
Cheer/Dance: Most Valuable – Jaelyne; Most Improved - Christina<br />
Choir: Most Outstanding – Layla; Most Improved - Faith<br />
Photography: Most Outstanding – Alexis T.; Most Improved – Lauren<br />
<br />
The charter school, located on the MCH Waco campus, is operated in partnership with the University of Texas – University Charter School system. Thank you to all our supporters and staff who contributed to another successful year for our students!</div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPI_tUJjVQlNk4AIakLJrOCPMOcNZNnLSXQmDvvR4PBjUrY7eWDCfDOCnDQq5SSHMT9b4qNxx7wZOlmAosItdJPT51H7DKL9mow_JrFj97aeHWqIZNz1Wnt4wCUWOrWIncay8ZWnx9zk/s1600/IMG_9063e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPI_tUJjVQlNk4AIakLJrOCPMOcNZNnLSXQmDvvR4PBjUrY7eWDCfDOCnDQq5SSHMT9b4qNxx7wZOlmAosItdJPT51H7DKL9mow_JrFj97aeHWqIZNz1Wnt4wCUWOrWIncay8ZWnx9zk/s320/IMG_9063e.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeKAj-CPbP5ZyKtK_xLP1hyRHILeESU4OLiDEeJyjwbJvg_tD3Av3vjUwywzJRmKh_gqScam4jzTF13MuEkzSpREYwHFYL7Kq5ECBLOCjui_bh7Q_DQF4z2SmYC81YtC4BlGS4Ui9VyA/s1600/IMG_8980e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeKAj-CPbP5ZyKtK_xLP1hyRHILeESU4OLiDEeJyjwbJvg_tD3Av3vjUwywzJRmKh_gqScam4jzTF13MuEkzSpREYwHFYL7Kq5ECBLOCjui_bh7Q_DQF4z2SmYC81YtC4BlGS4Ui9VyA/s320/IMG_8980e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuHVC4bPATIzHUzuAcC4nSLpHrgT-a8DNhVO7cI_yefLlP_zERCqdQ4RWrBP8vBT2yPAoJ9Opt4elGxoG_JCok1fndbMMxfeb5lSa4bxbD72rew93c0P9-imU3QxI0WGN2ryt4b8eX80/s1600/IMG_9003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuHVC4bPATIzHUzuAcC4nSLpHrgT-a8DNhVO7cI_yefLlP_zERCqdQ4RWrBP8vBT2yPAoJ9Opt4elGxoG_JCok1fndbMMxfeb5lSa4bxbD72rew93c0P9-imU3QxI0WGN2ryt4b8eX80/s320/IMG_9003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiewxORoqrlylatWq9QRwOD9VI1twWR1xvdjj4Qt-d7_DZ0oQUz8_tRsxuWPDci6N1TKYKfpmwWphxOvQyU2tJwGTkPeHnUhltEC8dxEnUSyS0drjCuXkYAdIUhBi0sOW-7tPzcZL7nQ/s1600/IMG_9024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiewxORoqrlylatWq9QRwOD9VI1twWR1xvdjj4Qt-d7_DZ0oQUz8_tRsxuWPDci6N1TKYKfpmwWphxOvQyU2tJwGTkPeHnUhltEC8dxEnUSyS0drjCuXkYAdIUhBi0sOW-7tPzcZL7nQ/s320/IMG_9024.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau5TEch62FMxoQRfR6DYn469uqoxPp31e0CszuDO3qniARjqlyOOZjZN0tW6pTOf-_KzFANALP1usYR0DJQWtLmQg1TDf-spj1EGJ3TUFdRgvgCAXTLcYwsB0QspPDS5uGSGJfqsN1aE/s1600/IMG_9052e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau5TEch62FMxoQRfR6DYn469uqoxPp31e0CszuDO3qniARjqlyOOZjZN0tW6pTOf-_KzFANALP1usYR0DJQWtLmQg1TDf-spj1EGJ3TUFdRgvgCAXTLcYwsB0QspPDS5uGSGJfqsN1aE/s320/IMG_9052e.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI8uPaJNf61ZylBSUZrK6Mexepuydbi3N9FJwJ3_fUT7npFVK01nDeVLLeAX1jtK8doyrUUiNNZwpOx170-DcijWR9C42ag1wUNsWC1EBN1_xwbwrgGI6EtNybHuvO9MehAHkVty8OBY/s1600/IMG_9066e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI8uPaJNf61ZylBSUZrK6Mexepuydbi3N9FJwJ3_fUT7npFVK01nDeVLLeAX1jtK8doyrUUiNNZwpOx170-DcijWR9C42ag1wUNsWC1EBN1_xwbwrgGI6EtNybHuvO9MehAHkVty8OBY/s320/IMG_9066e.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62729637668831620.post-29651274803680330182018-05-23T08:40:00.001-05:002018-05-23T08:40:49.182-05:00Students think like entrepreneurs for school project<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5iYeu4hc8Q_c1iO2lZjt5R2LuylonB7eYfMpaLuRc0_Evl_s_AHR6qM9M04fyS3uCuq3F3t93xrnXlj8UO3uVtBF5OMWzu-f_wbJ6t6TqfXnnj58CpwiUl8YwLUrpLeQYx63A6UNaBI/s1600/1st+place.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5iYeu4hc8Q_c1iO2lZjt5R2LuylonB7eYfMpaLuRc0_Evl_s_AHR6qM9M04fyS3uCuq3F3t93xrnXlj8UO3uVtBF5OMWzu-f_wbJ6t6TqfXnnj58CpwiUl8YwLUrpLeQYx63A6UNaBI/s320/1st+place.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team for "The Beez Kneez Sweets" won first prize<br />
in the food truck contest. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Students at the Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) charter
school were recently challenged to show their creativity and mind for business
during a recent class project. Angie Hammond’s food science classes
participated in the project which involved groups of juniors and seniors
developing their own food truck businesses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The charter school, located on the Waco campus of MCH, is
operated in partnership with the University of Texas-University Charter School system.
Hammond, a teacher at the charter school for 13 years, came up with the idea
for the project after watching a show on The Food Channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wanted them to learn what was involved in starting a food
truck business and how to put together a proposal to present to a committee in
the city where they want to set up your business,” Hammond said. “They also had
to come up with a menu that would work for their truck, along with marketing
slogans, jingles and models.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The students were graded on the different aspects of their food
truck project including their ideas for business structure, miniature truck models,
menu items, design, and marketing ideas. They were also asked to make an item from
their menu and bring to class. Students could work as part of a group or
individually. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was very impressed with the thought and creativity that
went into each individual or group project,” Hammond said. “The groups worked
together very well and the individuals also did an excellent job. They all
said that they liked the project.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Staff and students voted on the projects and winners were announced
during the school awards ceremony on May 18. Winners were: 1<sup>st</sup> Place:
The Beez Kneez Sweets; 2<sup>nd</sup> Place: Koi Lantern; 3<sup>rd</sup> Place:
Mobile Munchies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I found this project to be an inspiration and it brought
our group closer together,” said Nikki, 18, a member of The Beez Kneez group.
“It was a really fun project that brought out our creativity.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Hammond said as part of her food science class, students also
learned about taste test panels where the class conducted their own panel. She
said they also compared fat-free foods to regular foods, and gluten free with
regular foods. Hammond said she plans to include the food truck project in
her curriculum next year and hopes to also add a field trip to local food
trucks as part of the lesson. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbzY89AfzkcvKegP-usNHehRbSHFSm00eCaIXIPckTM4f7R649anLSwAE9tZMu6VcVeS3Er-34VcN1_QogOzg2GnuOc61pEeiP3f-fD5k0Vu4jZsIJPhofPLcfGWab04_3yXkgwCbhQI/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbzY89AfzkcvKegP-usNHehRbSHFSm00eCaIXIPckTM4f7R649anLSwAE9tZMu6VcVeS3Er-34VcN1_QogOzg2GnuOc61pEeiP3f-fD5k0Vu4jZsIJPhofPLcfGWab04_3yXkgwCbhQI/s320/IMG_5372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aasninL-LrI57BHeMpa0mHtuTTFpBbZ33oBVe2fye3mB4pqp-lYGVRyMfBqdM4UWHFisiWGSQoWnsWOuELDs9zTAF1zQ1r8J3O9CYpZ0UYrVQWxSe5ThfefvZarKhqENBd6ENlTt_4E/s1600/IMG_5375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aasninL-LrI57BHeMpa0mHtuTTFpBbZ33oBVe2fye3mB4pqp-lYGVRyMfBqdM4UWHFisiWGSQoWnsWOuELDs9zTAF1zQ1r8J3O9CYpZ0UYrVQWxSe5ThfefvZarKhqENBd6ENlTt_4E/s320/IMG_5375.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTxLvwuUoWEy8dlvKG62VxtB079chak9eGptu18jCUw_IHId5MdwDDLxCkFoHVNTTJUCpJvd9DCpMAWEaQOhhLfL8Lbm3C0gkDzN7bYPYkZfscg7fQMVtGkgO0FgoYBL0aZ2AUFWx65w/s1600/2nd+place.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTxLvwuUoWEy8dlvKG62VxtB079chak9eGptu18jCUw_IHId5MdwDDLxCkFoHVNTTJUCpJvd9DCpMAWEaQOhhLfL8Lbm3C0gkDzN7bYPYkZfscg7fQMVtGkgO0FgoYBL0aZ2AUFWx65w/s320/2nd+place.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Place - Koi Lantern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTO7F80mIfGBFcvSOVfkqROFXWIAtruNOoIkD4LYvhYke2sEGZ7lHfUI-eZEEzLRvTfFTsRX-3iMF5ob39roCvMtLLtCQCMH-nX8cjN54abTKQlQjCakcKfocjW1w6PG4wS8Z_0Y9Mxk/s1600/3rd+place.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTO7F80mIfGBFcvSOVfkqROFXWIAtruNOoIkD4LYvhYke2sEGZ7lHfUI-eZEEzLRvTfFTsRX-3iMF5ob39roCvMtLLtCQCMH-nX8cjN54abTKQlQjCakcKfocjW1w6PG4wS8Z_0Y9Mxk/s320/3rd+place.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd Place - Mobile Munchies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Methodist Children's Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15970513656431616517noreply@blogger.com0