Sunshine

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Bobby and Linda Gilliam Celebrating a life of influence Visionary. Advocate. Servant leader. Mentor. Friend. Hero. These are just a few of the words used by Methodist Children’s Home alumni and staff members, as well as professional colleagues, to describe Bobby Gilliam’s influence on their lives. For nearly four decades, including 30 years at MCH, Gilliam fulfilled his calling to offer hope to at-risk children and youth while bringing out the best in those who worked alongside him. Throughout his career, Gilliam earned widespread respect at the local, state and national levels for his passion to serve at-risk children. Staff members, MCH youth and friends of this ministry honored Bobby and Linda Gilliam for their commitment and contributions to the Home during special events in April. Gilliam retired March 31 as president of MCH. MCH youth on the Waco campus, Boys Ranch and Waxahachie campus joined the Gilliams and their family for a worship service April 25. Josh, a senior on the Waco campus, expressed appreciation to the Gilliams on behalf of current residents. Alumni Josh Shroyer and Pablo Villanueva shared their testimonies about the Gilliams’ influence on their lives. Following the service, the student representatives from each residential campus hosted the Gilliams and their family for lunch. A public reception was held April 30 for the Gilliams. Special presentations were made by the MCH Board of Directors, the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Waco and state officials, and child care agencies. Bobby and Linda Gilliam were joined by several members of their family for a worship service at MCH on April 25. Pictured (l-r) are: daughter-in-law Jennifer Gilliam; Mr. Gilliam’s sister, Glenda Huang; Mr. Gilliam’s parents — Bobby Joe and Roma Gilliam; and the Gilliam’s three children — Leah, Luke and Rebekah. Bobby and Linda Gilliam were honored at a retirement reception April 30. The framed jersey was presented to Mr. Gilliam by MCH youth in recognition of his service as the 9th president of MCH. During the reception, Mr. Gilliam was honored for his contributions to the growth of the Home. One of his most significant achievements at MCH came in the 1990s when he led an effort to implement the strength-based philosophy of care and structured care home units when he served as vice president for child care. The strength-based philosophy and structured care program enabled MCH to serve youth who had a level of needs the Home could not effectively meet at that time. Along with the commitment and expertise of child care staff and the financial support entrusted to the Home by its donors, the transition to the strength-based philosophy has enabled MCH to continue to expand services while many agencies are eliminating residential care programs or closing their doors. In 2003, Mr. Gilliam fulfilled his dream to serve as president of MCH. Not long after he began his tenure, he challenged his staff to find ways to serve more children. Today, MCH serves more than 1,400 children and youth through a variety of programs in Texas and New Mexico. Although MCH has achieved significant growth under his leadership, Mr. Gilliam gives credit to God, dedicated staff members, faithful donors and resilient children for the success of this ministry. The Methodist Children’s Home family is grateful for the contributions Bobby and Linda Gilliam have made to this ministry and the field of child care. Their legacy of love will continue to impact the lives of children today and in future generations. 2 <strong>Sunshine</strong> I Summer 2010
Pablo Villanueva (left), a former resident at the Boys Ranch and current MCH staff member, talks about Mr. Gilliam’s influence on his life during a worship service April 25. Mr. Gilliam (left) enjoys a visit with Dr. Jack Kyle Daniels at the retirement reception April 30. Dr. Daniels served as president of MCH from 1978-2003. Members of Student Council (below) present a Bible to Mr. Gilliam. MCH alumnus Josh Shroyer thanks Mr. and Mrs. Gilliam for their love and support during the worship service. Anne Heiligenstein (below), commissioner for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, presents a proclamation from Texas Governor Rick Perry. Bishop J. Michael Lowry (above) of the Central Texas Conference shares words of appreciation from the Bishops of the seven annual conferences that support MCH. Mr. Gilliam (below) delivers his final message to residents as president of MCH. Mr. Gilliam is pictured with his administrative team: (l-r) Tim Brown, vice president for community services; Moe Dozier, vice president for residential care; Sandy Matus, administrative secretary; Judy Broadway, vice president for human resources; Ron Schwartinsky, vice president for finance; and Trey Oakley, vice president for development. 3
Page 1 and 2: Sunshine The magazine of Methodist
Page 3: Methodist Children’s Home youth h
Page 7 and 8: Methodist Children’s Home Class o
Page 9 and 10: ANNUAL REPORT 2009 Annual Report Ex
Page 11 and 12: Circle of Friends Recognizing the f
Page 13 and 14: CIRCLE OF FRIENDS 2009 Lewis H. Poo
Page 15 and 16: CIRCLE OF FRIENDS 2009 Challengers
Page 17 and 18: CIRCLE OF FRIENDS 2009 Charles and
Page 19 and 20: CIRCLE OF FRIENDS 2009 Wesley Sunda
Page 21 and 22: Thera LaVerne Bowman Freed Ms. Barb
Page 23 and 24: Jon and Debbie Vinson Mr. and Mrs.

Sunshine

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?