Christmas in Lubbock

Recently, Lubbock staff arranged, through a partnership with the South Plains Food Bank, for twelve families in our Grandparents As Parents Program and Partnership In Parenting Program to have food for Christmas. Helen Crossland and Abbie Garcia delivered boxes of food to twelve families on Friday, December 18.

Abbie and Helen also prepared Christmas gifts for two of the Lubbock-area GAPP families. These two families care for a total of 20 grandchildren, so there were plenty of gifts to go around!

It is inspiring to see the personal impact that Methodist Children's Home is making on the lives of these parents, grandparents and children. Way to go MCH Lubbock!

Commissioners visit Waco

This week marked our annual Commissioners Meeting. The two-day event kicked off with a lively dinner and program in the brand new Boys Ranch Recreation and Activities Center on Tuesday evening.

Several boys from the Ranch shared the story of how their lives have been impacted by life at Methodist Children's Home. In fact, one young man gave us permission to share his comments here on the blog so that you can hear his testimony. Click here to read Chris's inspiring story.

Trey Oakley, vice president of development, welcomed the Commissioners.

Bobby Gilliam, MCH president, addressed the meeting attendees.

Commissioners and Boys Ranch staff and students enjoying the evening.

Jordan, a Boys Ranch resident, shared his story.

Reverend Travis Franklin from Salado brought the Tuesday evening message and encouraged Commissioners to provide light in the darkness for youth in need of guidance and support.

Reverend Franklin, a former MCH chaplain who was with MCH
for 12 years, shared inspiring stories from MCH alumni.

On Wednesday morning, the Commissioners gathered at the Johnson Student Center on the Waco campus and heard reports and stories from a variety of departments across the organization. The highlight of the morning was a special performance by the MCH Charter School choir.

Becca McPherson, director of development,
planned and organized the successful event.

Commissioners and development staff sharing morning fellowship.

Dr. Jack Kyle Daniels, former president of the Home,
held a book signing for his memoir.

MCH student athletes shared about their experiences.

MCH Charter School choir offered several musical selections.

The Meeting concluded with a luncheon in the Community Room where Commissioners were joined by members of the MCH Student Leadership Team.

Methodist Children's Home Commissioners are nominated by MCH development staff or benefactors and serve as liaisons for the Home. Commissioners help raise funds and promote Methodist Children's Home in their churches and communities across Texas and New Mexico.

Did you attend Commissioners? Tell us about your experience in the "Comments" section below!

GAPP Banquet

The Methodist Children's Home Grandparents as Parents Program in Waco held a recognition banquet to honor local grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The banquet was held last Friday, September 25.

Rehan McNeil, coordinator of the Grandparents as Parents Program, was glad the Home was able to provide a night of relaxation and fun for hard-working grandparents.

"We wanted to let our grandparents know how we, as a community, appreciate the sacrifices they are making to care for their grandchildren," said McNeil.

Mayor Virgnia DuPuy was in attendance and honored grandparents during her speech, as did several administrators from Methodist Children's Home. Guest speaker, Antonio Brown, shared his personal experience of living with his grandmother and the impact she made on his life and future choices.


The evening of dining, music and speakers was capped off with awards for the grandparents.



Kaleigh (pictured above), and other MCH residents, volunteered their time to help with the grandchildren in attendance.

For all the grandchildren and grandparents in attendance it was definitely a night to remember!

GAPP Night Out

For many of the grandparents connected with our Grandparents as Parents Program, having a night to themselves is not a regular occurrence. For these grandparents, their time is filled with raising busy grandchildren and staying on top of all of their activities. And many times these grandparents are still juggling other responsibilities to their work, church and community.

Seeing the need for a night of freedom for grandparents, Rehan McNeil, coordinator of the Grandparents as Parents Program organized a Grandparents Night Out event. The kids were whisked off to the Waco campus where they took part in an exciting evening of relaxation and fun. The grandchildren went swimming in the pool, held relay races, bounced on inflatables, ate snow cones, cotton candy and pizza, and even had face-painting and karaoke!

Meanwhile, the grandparents enjoyed a night of relaxation knowing their grandchildren were in good hands. Youth from the Waco campus volunteered to help with the children during the festivities, and staff from the Transition Services department were on hand to make sure everyone had plenty of food and fun. Here are some photos from the event.





Thank you to everyone who made this event possible!