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TRANSITION SERVICES God’s girls Lori Battles draws strength from the Lord and Methodist Children’s Home as she raises her grandchildren. Each morning when Lori Battles prepares to take her grandchildren to day care, they stack their hands on top of each other and shout “1-2-3 God’s girls!” and then pray for their day. These moments together help Battles and the girls – Sierra, 5, and Mya, 3 – prepare for a new day and remind them of the importance of keeping God as the top priority in their lives. Battles knows that it takes God’s strength in her life to help meet the daily needs of her grandchildren, who were placed into her custody last December. “I want to make sure we keep God in our daily lives,” said Battles, who enjoys singing at churches, revivals and special events. “The most important thing I can do as a grandparent is to help them know the Lord.” When Battles accepted custody of the girls, she understood the challenging circumstances she would face. She must now get up early enough to help the girls get dressed before driving them to day care. She then works until 6 p.m., when she picks up the girls from their other grandparents’ home and starts their evening routine, which often includes a trip to a local park or other activity before going home. “It has definitely changed my lifestyle,” Battles said. “They depend on me for their basic needs, guidance and support. I’m doing everything I can to provide for them.” Battles admits that she would not be able to care for her grandchildren without the assistance of the girls’ other grandparents, James Dolan Williams Jr. and his wife, Denise, who spend time with the girls daily. Mrs. Williams took care of the girls for five months before they started day care so Battles could maintain full-time employment, and Mr. Williams changed jobs so he could spend more time at home. “They are truly a blessing and the girls just love them,” Battles said. “This situation has created a special lifetime friendship.” Battles also values the support and resources provided by Methodist Children’s Home through its Grandparents As Parents Program (GAPP), which is under the direction of Rehan McNeil. Through this program, MCH supports grandparents who serve as the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. The Home provides support groups and workshops, assistance with legal issues and governmental agencies, case management, limited financial assistance and referrals to community-based services. MCH provided financial support to help Battles place her grandchildren in a quality day care program and assisted with a few electrical bills during emergency situations, and the Home helped Battles find legal assistance during the custody process. Lori Battles and her granddaughters, Sierra, left, and Mya, enjoy spending time together at a Waco park. Battles is one of more than 1,500 grandparents in Waco who serve as the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Battles values the support she receives through the Grandparents As Parents Program at Methodist Children’s Home. “Rehan and Methodist Children’s Home have been wonderful,” Battles said. “This is a great program for grandparents. If I need help with something, Rehan will either provide it or find someone who can. She has been a special blessing to me.” McNeil has been impressed with Battles’ commitment to her grandchildren. “When I see Lori, I think of Lori Battles is grateful for the support of James Dolan Williams Jr. and his wife, Denise, grandparents of Sierra and Mya. one of my favorite scriptures, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’” McNeil said. “Her life is a testimony of all the grandparents who are making it work, regardless of the odds.” Battles believes more grandparents need to learn about the services and support provided through GAPP. According to the latest census figures, 6.7 million children in the United States are being raised by grandparents and other relatives. In Texas, more than 257,000 grandparents are raising their grandchildren in their homes, and this total includes more than 1,500 in Waco. “Without the Home providing services through GAPP, many grandparents would not be able to provide the basic necessities for their families,” McNeil said. “It is our charge to equip grandparents and families with tools and resources that will strengthen the familial ties, increase feelings of self-worth, foster self-preservation and encourage self-sufficiency.” While MCH can help meet a variety of needs, Battles believes one of the greatest benefits for grandparents is having a person like McNeil working alongside them. “Rehan is a sweet and wonderful person and I know she truly cares about our family,” Battles said. “Methodist Children’s Home is always right there for me. They look out for grandparents and their grandchildren.” 10 <strong>Sunshine</strong>
Thank you! In April, Methodist Children’s Home reached a special milestone of 1,000 children and youth in daily care. Our ministry is grateful to the individuals, families, churches and groups that chose to provide charitable donations to help the Home expand its services. By reaching this goal, MCH has doubled the number of children and youth served by the Home just four years ago. This achievement is the culmination of years of planning and hard work. While we celebrate this goal, Methodist Children’s Home is not finished growing. Today, the needs of at-risk children and youth in our communities are more complex and numerous than ever before. Join with this ministry as we seek ways to serve more children from Texas and New Mexico who are in need of the hope found through our nurturing, Christian community. 1,000 To learn more about Methodist Children’s Home or to make a financial contribution, call the Development Office at 800-853-1272.
Page 1 and 2: Sunshine The magazine of Methodist
Page 3 and 4: METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME Waco, T
Page 5 and 6: 2007 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS Missio
Page 7 and 8: COVER STORY Mims had a difficult tr
Page 9 and 10: AROUND CAMPUS CORE recognizes Mary
Page 11: Methodist Children’s Home 2007 -
Page 15 and 16: PRESIDENT’S AWARD One Anonymous G
Page 17 and 18: Mrs. Dixie A. Heinle Bill and Mary
Page 19 and 20: Mr. and Mrs. Donald H. Morman Ouida
Page 21 and 22: Mary Frances Farris Dolores and Kir
Page 23 and 24: Mr. Rodney Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Bil
Page 25 and 26: The Friendly Class Bascom UMC, Arp,
Page 27 and 28: Memorial Gifts The following gifts
Page 29 and 30: Ms. Virginia A. Laxson Marburt Moff
Page 31 and 32: Bill Wolston Margaret A. Hill Harle

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