Sunshine

COVER STORY
Mims had a difficult transition to the Home, primarily because
of the numerous moves he had previously made to different foster
homes or agencies. During his first days at MCH, he made no effort
to build relationships with staff or peers.
“I had moved around so much I was never at a place long enough
to build relationships,” he said. “I thought I would be moving again,
so I didn’t see a need to get to know anyone. I just stayed in my room
and cried.”
Mims often questioned why his life was turning out like it did.
He desperately wanted to return to Dallas to live with his mother,
although she couldn’t care for her children due to personal issues.
Mims became increasingly frustrated as staff members tried to help
him feel a sense of belonging at the Home.
“I didn’t understand what they were trying to do for me,” he
said. “I didn’t want adults telling me what to do. I was homesick and
I was hurt.”
Although his actions didn’t show it, Mims admits he longed for
meaningful relationships. He said it took him awhile to learn to trust
adults at MCH. He is thankful that they continued to reach out to
him despite his resistance.
Initially, two staff members, Candice Darwin and Betty Black,
began to connect with Mims. Darwin served as his social worker and
Black was one of his homeparents. They knew how much Mims
worried about his mother’s well being, and they helped him maintain
communication with her during his stay at the Home.
“They did a lot of things for me outside the normal part of their
jobs,” he said. “Ms. Betty and Ms. Candice showed me that people
really do care about me.”
During his five years at the Home, Mims and Black developed a
close relationship. Her concern for Mims’ family and for his personal
growth and success enabled Black to earn his trust.
“Ms. Betty is open-minded with kids; she doesn’t care about their
race or backgrounds,” Mims said. “She speaks her mind but respects
them as people. She just loves kids and that’s what they need.”
Through the self-confidence he gained from Black, Darwin and
other staff members and teachers at the MCH charter school, Mims
began to build relationships with his peers and participate in campus
activities. He especially enjoyed his involvement in a student-led
organization that educated residents about the dangers of drugs,
alcohol and violence. Mims also served on the yearbook staff and
played basketball, and he participated in a study program sponsored
by SMU’s Perkins Youth School of Theology in New Mexico.
As his life began to change, Mims wanted to tell others about his
success. He often shared his testimony at churches around the state
as a member of Ambassadors. He received numerous awards
throughout his stay at the Home, including the LaTonya Bassey Circle
of Courage Award, presented to a resident who demonstrates resiliency
and courage despite having faced adversity.
As one of the staff members who knew him best, Black
admired Mims for the efforts he made to improve his life.
“I loved all the boys in that home, but I believe I was harder
on Lonnie,” Black said. “I expected more out of him because I
could see his potential. I wanted him to become a leader in our
home, and he did.”
Mims admits he was motivated to succeed in part because of
stereotypes he faced before coming to the Home. Growing up in
adverse conditions, his future looked bleak. However, he refused
to give in to the perceptions and expectations of others.
“I’m big on proving people wrong,” he said. “I know people
stereotype me, but I’ll tell you today, I have never used drugs or
alcohol and I try to make good choices. I work hard because I
know my actions speak louder than my words.”
Mims believes he sent a strong message to those in his past
when he graduated from high school in 2005. After he left the
Home, he joined the Job Corps and later moved back to Dallas so
he could help support his family. Today, Mims is attending Eastfield
College where he is pursuing a degree in automotive design, and
he is working part-time in the banking industry through support
provided by TRAC. His interest in cars was identified during his
early days at MCH.
Dr. Dan Jackson, educational administrator at the Home,
Enjoying a morning in the
snow with friends and
staff is one of Lonnie
Mims’ favorite memories
of living at MCH.
See Mims, page 6
“If you want to prove people wrong, to let them know that you are somebody special,
then you need to take advantage of what you’ve been given at Methodist Children’s Home ...”
— LONNIE MIMS, during a speech to current MCH residents.
Summer 2008
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