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ANNUAL REPORT 8 Growth PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. Life lessons Woodcarvings of the words “believe” and “patience” motivate students and staff in Angie Hammond’s science classroom at the MCH charter school. They are an especially meaningful source of encouragement when students prepare for the state’s TAKS tests, which determine whether they advance to the next grade level or graduate from high school. In February, Hammond worked with Willis learned to believe in himself three seniors who needed to pass the science TAKS test to graduate. One of those teacher, Angie Hammond. through the commitment of his science students, Willis, returned to MCH during the spring after leaving the Home last year. He had only two weeks to prepare for the TAKS. Hammond committed as much time as possible to help Willis study for the test. They spent hours going over science concepts and working on his vocabulary and reading skills so he could understand questions on the exam. Getting Willis to the point where he believed he could pass the test was the greatest challenge. “Willis thought he was a failure because he didn’t pass a previous TAKS test,” Hammond said. “I told him that I didn’t want to hear that word come out of his mouth. I told him that failure is giving up and not trying. He tried his best to pass that test.” Hammond’s encouragement inspired Willis. She said he gave “110 percent” to prepare for the TAKS test. “We worked hard every day and she kept pushing me,” Willis said. “She put it in my head that I could pass the test.” After Willis took the TAKS, Hammond said she was more anxious than he was to find out his results. One afternoon, she returned to her classroom and found a note on her desk. The note listed the names of the three seniors who needed to pass the TAKS to graduate. Next to each name was written the word “passed.” “I couldn’t believe it,” Hammond said. “I threw that note to the ceiling, I was so excited.” She then went on a search to find Willis. “When I told him that he passed, he started jumping around, dancing and screaming with excitement,” Hammond said. Hammond said the other seniors had similar reactions when they heard their news. “Those are the moments when I’m reminded that our efforts as teachers are worth it,” Hammond said. “Their reactions are the ultimate rewards for teachers.” Looking back on his journey, Willis appreciates Hammond’s commitment to his personal growth and success. “It felt good to know that she wanted to spend so much time with me,” he said. “She not only helped me with my test, she helped me become a better person. She helped me see the big picture.” MCH: AT A GLANCE Transition Services The Transition Services Program provides support for former residents, ages 18-25, as they adjust to independent living. Staff members work with the Home’s high school juniors and seniors as they prepare for graduation and pursue advanced education or enter the workforce. Residents who graduate from high school while under the care of the Home are eligible to apply for financial assistance from MCH to help meet their college expenses. MCH graduates have recently attended Baylor University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, the University of North Texas, Stephen F. Austin University, Tarleton State University, McLennan Community College and other universities and community colleges throughout Texas. Prevention Services The Grandparents as Parents Program (GAPP) supports the increasing number of grandparents who serve as the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. GAPP services include case management, parent education, support groups and limited financial assistance. MCH provides a recreational and educational program for at-risk children in Crockett, Texas. The program offers tutoring, recreation and community service projects. “ Methodist Children’s Home is always right there for me. They look out for grandparents and their grandchildren. LORI BATTLES Grandparent ” <strong>Sunshine</strong> I Summer 2009
ANNUAL REPORT MCH: AT A GLANCE Hope BELIEVE IN THE POSSIBILITIES OF THE FUTURE. Ways to Support MCH MCH is grateful for the support we receive from individuals, churches, classes and other organizations. The following are ways you can become actively involved in this ministry: Pray for our children and staff. We believe in the power of prayer. Every day we witness the results of prayer. Provide a gift to the children. Your financial support allows our children to be raised in a strength-based, spiritually-grounded environment. Everything you give is used directly for the children we serve. Plan a trip to Waco to tour the campus and Boys Ranch and see how your prayers and gifts help save and change lives. Remember the children in your will. Take care of your family first, and then decide to make our children a part of your legacy. Call the Home to set up a speaking event at your church or for your Sunday School class or special program. Ask your local church staff if your church supports the Home. We receive no funds from apportionments. We depend on giving from individuals like you from churches like yours. Share the story of the Home with someone you know. You can help us tell others about the special work God is doing for children through this ministry. If you have questions about ways you can support the Home, please call our development office at 1-800-853-1272 or go to our website at www.methodistchildrenshome.org. “ REGINA Methodist Children’s Home has a vision to help children receive a bright future and hope for tomorrow. ” AKERS Dietician Services Staff Member <strong>Sunshine</strong> I Summer 2009 A promising future Monica is a bright, responsible and mature young woman in the Methodist Children’s Home foster care program. A star on her high school volleyball and softball teams and an honor roll student, she excels in sports and academics. However, things have not always been this hopeful for Monica. “Things weren’t always this good,” she said. “Before coming to Methodist Children’s Home, my parents really struggled to provide for us.” Monica, left, has developed hope for the future through the love and support she With her parents working long hours receives from Lecia Lewis, right, and the and her older siblings busy with their rest of her foster family. lives, the responsibility of caring for the three youngest children fell to Monica. She made their meals, helped keep them clean and sent them off to school. With the pressure of caring for her siblings, young Monica gradually placed less emphasis on school. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go to school,” Monica said. “We just didn’t always get there because of little things. And that made me fall behind.” Monica, then an elementary school student, was already at a disadvantage in school. With Spanish as her primary language, communicating in English was a challenge, and missing school prevented her from grasping the subtleties of the language. “I didn’t know if I would ever be able to do well in school,” Monica said. When she moved in with the Brookhouse/Lewis family to begin foster care through Methodist Children’s Home, Monica blossomed and became a leader at school. “I loved the attention and being able to focus more on school,” Monica said. “It was such a blessing to basically get another set of great parents.” Monica’s foster mother, Lecia Lewis, remembers when Monica joined their family. “It was like she was experiencing freedom,” Lewis said. “She was able to relax and just be a kid. It was hard to convince her to stop trying to take care of everyone.” Monica’s caring nature helped her quickly settle into life with her foster family. When they received the good news of Monica’s permanent placement with them, her foster parents decided to send her to the private school where Lisa worked and their own children attended school. The small school has been a good fit for Monica and encouraged her to develop her mind and body through academics and athletics. “Being in this school and having the support of my foster parents has been amazing,” Monica said. “I know that the only reason I am looking toward college is because of Methodist Children’s Home.” While she’s unsure what her future holds, Monica knows she wants to give back. “I just want to say thank you for all I’ve been given,” Monica said. “My life is really wonderful.” 9
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