Many children across Louisiana have attended Vacation Bible School at various churches recently. Several churches took up offerings during VBS and donated the proceeds to our Home. We are grateful to all of them for thinking of us and for the work these churches are doing in the lives of children across our state.
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July 21st, 2010
Arlene Banks, a teacher at Howard School on the Ruston campus of Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, implemented a voluntary Summer Enrichment program. Mrs. Banks’ students were offered the opportunity to take part in the program from June 1-30 from 8:00-12:00 each week day. Many students chose to take part in the program’s objective to improve math and reading skills for each participant. The youth enjoyed many educational, fun, hands-on activities. The program culminated in a celebration of the youth’s many accomplishments. Each participant was given the opportunity to read some of their work to a group of their peers and staff. Lunch and snacks were served after the youth did their readings. July 15th, 2010
Our youth in the residential program at our sister campus of the Methodist Home for Children of Greater New Orleans, visited the Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center June 11-14 to experience a taste of the wilderness! Youth and staff participated in various activities such as swimming, boating, mountain biking, fishing, field games, ropes course, maze games, and horseback riding. The kids also visited our main campus in Ruston for an afternoon of relaxation and swimming in the pool and playing games in the gymnasium. Once the youth were settled into the Bunkhouse at the OWL, the fun began in earnest. We consider it such a blessing that we are able to provide such wonderful opportunities to the youth in our care from all across the state of Louisiana. July 9th, 2010
Welcome to the Real World! Reality City 2010 was a huge success. More than 105 north Louisiana youth in foster care and Office of Juvenile Justice care attended the event. “All my expenses cost more than I ever really thought!” These are just a few of the comments expressed by young people who participated in the Reality City program provided by the Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc.’s Life Skills Training Center. The Welcome to the Real World! program consists of four parts: career exploration, expenditure decision making, money management, and choice evaluation. The program is an active hands-on activity which gives young people the opportunity to explore career opportunities and make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those that adults face on a daily basis. In this simulation of the real world, participants are to assume that they have completed basic educational requirements for their chosen career. They are independent with no financial support from family or others. Once they have chosen an occupation, they receive a monthly salary. They then proceed through the Reality City activity, determining a savings amount, and spending their “salary” on the necessary and luxury items that reflect the career and lifestyle they have chosen. Each participant receives a sample packet of checks, a deposit slip, and a checking account register. The “net” salary figure is deposited into the checking account and recorded in the checkbook register. Throughout the activity, the participants keep track of their finances by recording purchases and payments in their checkbook and then balancing it. Whether they have adequate funds or run out of money, they continue through the activity and finish with either a positive or negative balance. Some of the spending choices they will have to make are: TRANSPORTATION – The participants choose from a selection of options regarding new or used autos. They also figure in a predetermined cost for gasoline, oil changes, etc. INSURANCE – Renters, Car, Medical, Life UTILITIES GROCERIES – The grocery cost is only for food purchased at the grocery store and prepared at home. Their debit card is used to pay for groceries. FURNITURE – Participants select the amount of furniture needed that corresponds to their income level. ENTERTAINMENT – Participants are offered many choices: concerts, eating out, professional sporting events, etc. LIFE HAPPENS- This expenditure or income offers participants a view of how life can throw a curve ball when least expected. They choose a card from a large deck of “chances” that represent some of the unexpected expenses and income often encountered in adult daily life: “You received a speeding ticket, pay $75;” “You had an accident and have to pay the $250 deductible.” After drawing a card, the participants either write a check for the stated amount or add the amount to their checking account. Participants may also have to do a field sobriety test using “drunk” simulation goggles after being suspected of driving while intoxicated. Some participants may draw a card indicating a diagnosis of HIV and have to pay the medical costs related to treatment of a sexually transmitted disease. PAY DAY LOAN- Participants are given the option of taking out a payday loan if they cannot afford what they need. The participants learn after completing the module that if they chose a payday loan the interest rates were so high they may never be out of debt and could have potentially damaged their credit. The participants go through a processing exercise after completing Reality City program and are asked how they did. Some will finish with a positive checking account balance, while others have a negative balance. Participants must understand that a negative balance (overdrawn account) is not permitted in real life! If they had a negative balance, they consider the choices they made and discuss what alternatives might be taken. The LUMCFS Life Skills Staff (Angie Thomas, Casey Morace and Teprika Parks) would like to extend a special thank you to all who volunteered their time and resources to make this event possible: Children’s Home employees for their time and help, the Recreation staff for set up and all day assistance, Don Johnson and Chris Willis for cooking, the City of Ruston Utilities Dept., US Army representatives, Ruston Police Department, Jack Allen (Cupio Media), State Office representatives Bernadine Barber and Carmen Spooner, and staff that transported the youth. This event could not have been the success it was without everyone involved. June 28th, 2010
Greetings from your staff and thank you on my behalf of all the boys and girls that you help support on all the campuses and outreach programs of the Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services. Our Mission and value statement serve as a constant reminder of our goals to provide innovative and quality services to the families and youth we serve. To that concern I am pleased to inform everyone of the following memorandum which I just received from the Council on Accreditation (COA) informing us we have been reaccredited by the COA. The result of the review process was that we achieved all compliance ratings in all of the practice standards. An amazing achievement which is credited to our dedicated staff and governing body. Let me briefly update you with regard to current activities pertaining to operations at the various campuses. The Methodist Home of Greater New Orleans on the Mandeville Campus is providing excellent care to an average of 15 to 18 youth on any given day. We continue to have to work at developing a work force. The leadership is very stable and is providing excellent supervision. My greatest concern is in the drop of financial support, particularly the Christmas Offering. Since we assumed the responsibility for its operations we have been blessed by those who have continued to support its operation. We have even acquired new donors. But overall the financial support has dropped. I realize that part of that is the economy and all the other issues that accompany this area of our Conference and State. However, it is critical that this trend be turned around. The Methodist Children’s Home of Southwest Louisiana Campus in Sulphur is progressing very well. Construction should be completed by the end of September. Operations will probably start in November or January. An open house and dedication program will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2010, between 2 and 4 pm. Bishop William Hutchinson will be present to help with the dedication event. I must commend the Lake Charles District, following the leadership of a group of volunteers who have been about raising friends and funds to help us complete construction and begin operation on such a positive note. I must also thank a group of volunteers from the Acadiana District which have organized a fund raising trip which will occur on Saturday, October 9. This is indeed an exciting time. The Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home Campus in Ruston continues to operate at full capacity. Funding is a concern for us as it is for all non-profits at this time. Our Mother’s Day offering for 2009 was not what it should be. Overall giving was 17% down during 2009. I am not complaining. I know of other agencies whose donations were down by 50%. We are blessed to have been able to build up some reserves during our 108 years of operation. We used some of those reserves to cover the shortfall, however, we cannot do that very long without using up what reserves are left. I am pleased to report that the new Vo-Tech Career Training Center is to be complete by early July. We will be able to move this program into the new building this Fall semester allowing us to expand this greatly needed service for the youth, who are turning 18 years of age and aging out of the foster care system. We are now able to launch them into gainful employment careers which will assure them of a successful adult life, enabling them to apply all the life skills and life lessons learned while in our care. I must remind you of my retirement plan which I informed our Board of Directors of 5 years ago. I know from visiting with some of you this has caused some anxiety and concern. Let me assure you that our Board has a strategic plan in place to assure a smooth and effective leadership transition. Part of that plan is the employment of a full time Executive Director of Public Relations, Development and Marketing (PRDM). That person is Mr. Gary Strebeck who comes to the position with a great deal of experience. Most recently with similar duties at the Louisiana Tech University Foundation. He and his family are members of Trinity UMC in Ruston. Please invite and welcome him to your churches. In closing I remind you we are your connection in ministry to children, youth and families throughout every community in our Annual Conference. We could not do what we do without you and you cannot do what you do without your Children’s Home. Remember that every time you make a donation, volunteer, or even buy a jar of OWL Salsa you are also helping heal young lives that otherwise would most probably never be introduced to Jesus Christ or experience God’s Love. May God’s Blessings be with all his children regardless of age. Your Servant in Christ, June 15th, 2010
Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc., affectionately known as Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, is pleased to announce Gary Strebeck has been hired as Executive Director of Public Relations, Development and Marketing. Gary brings with him nearly 16 years of experience in the field, having worked for Louisiana Tech University and Capital Area United Way. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University and a law degree, Juris Doctor, from Louisiana State University. Prior to joining Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Gary held a management role at Louisiana Tech in the Division of University Advancement. In this position, Gary played a key role in the areas of planned giving, scholarships and other endowments, the Annual Fund, and also provided legal counsel. Gary will apply his expertise in the same areas as Executive Director of Public Relations, Development and Marketing for the “Home”. We look forward to a continuing standard of excellence and growth with his leadership. He is committed to the established program and mission that exist and is eager to develop positive relationships with everyone involved in the care and development of our youth. Gary commented on his new position, stating, “I am excited to join the work and ministry of the Children’s Home and look forward to working with all of our partners to expand the resources needed to improve the lives of the children and families we serve.” Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, President/CEO, Terrel, J. DeVille stated, “Gary brings to us a level of expertise and experience that will allow us to provide the highest possible service to our donors and partners in ministry. As a result of all of our efforts, children, youth and families will be provided the opportunities to experience our Mission, which is ‘Guiding children and families home to experience love by following the teachings of Christ’.” We invite you and/or your group to call our office and arrange a tour of the campus and learn more about the ministry the “Home” provides. 318-255-5575 June 2nd, 2010
The Council on Accreditation (COA) is delighted to inform you that Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc has been reaccredited. COA’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of standards and quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have set high performance standards for themselves and have made a commitment to their constituents to deliver the highest quality services. COA is proud to recognize Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc as one of these outstanding providers. COA reaccreditation is an objective and reliable verification that provides confidence and support to an organization’s service recipients, board members, staff and community partners. The COA reaccreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of both an organization’s administrative operations and its service delivery practices. All are “measured” against national standards of best practice. These standards emphasize services that are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence based, and outcomes-oriented, In addition, they confirm that the services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Because COA reviews and reaccredits the entire organization, not just specific programs, you can have confidence in the credibility, integrity and achievement of your entire organization. COA congratulates Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc for their hard work and wonderful achievement and is proud to have it as part of COA’s Community of Excellence. Founded in 1977, COA is an independent not-for-profit international accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and human service organizations. Today, over 1800 organizations—public and private—are either COA accredited or are in the process of seeking accreditation. These organizations serve over 7 million of our most vulnerable individuals each year! May 19th, 2010
You are most cordially invited to schedule a tour of our Main Campus and Outdoor Wilderness Learning (OWL) Center. We welcome you anytime to see firsthand the ministry you provide to Louisiana’s abused and neglected youth. A tour of the Main Campus takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. We will tour the 40 acres by visiting the buildings and can meet some of the staff. A sampling of what you would see is: a look in a classroom at Howard School where youth receive accreditation for a GED, the residences, CAB Program, Emergency Shelter, recreation areas, swimming pool, counseling center, chapel, and the vo-tech building currently under construction. A tour of the Outdoor Wilderness Learning (OWL) Center takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You will be amazed at this 800-acre site that was given to the Home by Lorraine Howard. The OWL tour includes the bunkhouse; camp cabins; conference center; hot houses; low and high ropes courses; fields for softball, baseball and soccer; equestrian center; pavilion; wooden maze; and several more attractions. If the weather is nice, we may take the Arbor Walk through the woods. We might see some deer and turkey plus other forms of wildlife. Between the tours of the two campuses, we can make arrangements for lunch, or you might bring your own and enjoy the open air pavilion. If you live over 100 miles from Ruston, you can make arrangements to spend the night at our bunkhouse or family lodge for a restful night at our “heaven on earth” at the OWL. Please call at 318-255-5575 to arrange a tour. Hope to see you soon. Come enjoy God’s creation during the wonderful springtime weather. May 12th, 2010
Almost all of us have heard that question asked from our kids while on the road. Most of us have heard it several thousand times! Usually the answer is, “No, not yet”. I’ve been asked the “Are we there yet?” question about funding our Vo-Tech Building. The answer is “No, not yet.” To date, $350,000 has been pledged toward the $1.5 million needed for completion. The amount to be raised is still huge at $1,150,000. We need the help of those who have been blessed with financial resources. Already several of our board members and donors have stepped up to get us to $350,000 but there is a big gap to fill. Please consider your church, UMW, UMM, or small group holding a fundraiser and give the proceeds to help us meet the challenge. The Vo-Tech Program has proven itself to be a worthy addition to serve the educational needs of the youth in our care. The program gives youth an opportunity to learn a skill to become employed when they leave our care. Before the Vo-Tech Program, youth had the opportunity to earn a GED, but when they left our care they had to take unskilled, low paying jobs without a future. Now, youth are given the opportunity to learn a skill and take advantage of higher paying jobs that lead to a better future. In addition to the skill, the youth have increased self-esteem and are better equipped to be tax-paying citizens. The program was first housed in a former church building adjacent to the main campus. However, the state fire marshal deemed the building not up to code for use in vo-tech training. The Board of Directors decided to construct our own building on the main campus, because the program was so successful and the need so great. Construction is ongoing and we are on target to occupy the building this summer. The 11,000 square foot building can be seen on our webpage (www.LMCH.org). Currently, skills being taught are carpentry, barbering and hairstyling. When the new building is complete welding, small engine repair and other skills will be added to the curriculum. Youth begin skills training at age 16.5 and earn a National Certification in Safety before embarking on one of the specialty fields. For the past three years we have received earnest help from Louisiana legislators; specifically Rep. Jim Fannin, Sen. Bob Kostelka, Rep. Hollis Downs and Rep. Rick Gallot; who have worked hard to see that the program was funded. If not for these legislators we would not have the Vo-Tech Program. Because the state faces a shortfall and no new items are allowed in the state budget, we are again at the mercy of our Legislature to fund the Vo-Tech Program another year. Are we there yet? No, not yet. Is the Vo-Tech Building completely funded? No, not yet. Is the Vo-Tech Program funded for next year? No, not yet. But I pray that my appeal will stir your heart to see this project to completion. Naming opportunities in memory or honor of a loved one are available. Please contact me if you have questions or need additional information: 318-243-4325 OR bob.flournoy@lmch.org. May 5th, 2010
Ratik Kuyana was a guest in the home of DJ and Sandy Allen of Ruston during the month of February. Ratik is of the Masai Tribe from the country of Kenya. While in Ruston, Ratik enjoyed speaking to civic groups and students of all ages about growing up as a Masai and the amazing wildlife in Kenya. Ratik refers to the wildlife in Kenya as “neighbors” and shared fascinating details about these animals and their habitat. A freelance safari guide, Ratik has worked on documentaries for Disney Channel, Discovery Channel, National Geographic and Animal Planet. He is involved with the Ministry of Tourism of Kenya, has served as an escort to U.S. Marines in Uganda, and advocates on behalf of his tribe to the Kenyan government. Ratik demonstrated an African dance during our annual Black History Month Celebration. Later residents enjoyed hearing his presentation on Kenyan life. |
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