Sunshine

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Remember who you are
A dear friend of mine, who is very skilled and successful at working with traumatized children and
youth, frequently tells me that her work is not “rocket science.” She describes it as the “stuff your
grandmother knew and did instinctually.” However, she reluctantly admits that “rocket science” is
now proving that her work is effective and the reasons it is so powerful.
As a young man, I frequently heard my grandmother tell me as I left the house, “Remember who
you are!” She was telling me to make sure my decisions and actions were consistent with my family
values. If I messed up, it would not only reflect negatively on me, but it would have consequences
for my family as well. The charge I received from my grandmother was to behave in a way that
created a positive image of our family.
TIM BROWN
President
Q & A with Tim Brown
This issue of Sunshine features
the second interview
in a three-part Q & A series
with Tim Brown, who is
serving in his first year as
president of MCH. The Q & A
begins on page 10.
This issue of Sunshine highlights our six core values at Methodist Children’s Home. These values
are Christian principles, relationships, responsibility, service, growth and hope. Our core values
reflect what we believe about the power of positive relationships and the belief in our potential for
good, no matter how great the temptation of evil. We believe our core values have an extremely
powerful impact on our children as they are incorporated and practiced on a daily basis. As
employees of Methodist Children’s Home, we are expected to consistently reflect the core values in
our decisions, actions and relationships.
We cannot be successful in our work with at-risk children and youth unless we define our values,
model them in all we do, defend them against criticism, and hold ourselves accountable to them.
We cannot expect greatness or success from our children and youth unless we equip them with
the beliefs and values that “rocket science” is now proving are important and necessary for young
people to grow and mature successfully.
Aristotle said, “There are two kinds of learning: knowledge and virtues/capacities.” We can teach
the knowledge and share examples of that process. However, living out our core values creates
another learning process in and of itself – one that is unfortunately lacking in our society today.
I hope you will be inspired and encouraged as you read profiles of staff members and youth who
exemplify our core values in their lives. And, as my grandmother impressed upon me, teach your
children well, and hold them accountable to remember who they are.
Blessings,
Tim Brown
MISSION STATEMENT
Methodist Children’s Home
offers hope to children, youth
and families through a
nurturing, Christian community.
Special Thanks
Methodist Children’s Home appreciates the support and encouragement from our friends during
an ongoing investigation we initiated. Please continue to pray for Mr. Tim Brown, the Board of
Directors, our employees and, most importantly, the children and youth we serve each day. To
read a statement from Mr. Brown regarding the investigation, please go to the MCH website:
http://www.methodistchildrenshome.org
Sunshine I Winter 2011