Many students chose to take part in the program’s objective [...]]]> 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.

“All my expenses cost more than I ever really thought!” “It makes me want to save just in case of unexpected incidents.” “It [...]]]> 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!”
“It makes me want to save just in case of unexpected incidents.”
“It helped me learn how to balance my money more.”
“I realize that I definitely need a college education to live well.”

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:
HOUSING – renting vs. purchasing, house vs. apartment, etc.

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.

Visit LMCH.org and explore the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home web site!

Gary brings with him nearly 16 years of experience in the field, having worked for Louisiana Tech University and Capital Area [...]]]> 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

A tour of the Main Campus takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. We will tour the 40 [...]]]> 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.