Winter/Spring 2022 Newsletter

HELPINGHands Winter/Spring 2022

YOUR DONOR NEWSLETTER

Bernice Turner,

Foster Parent, page 4 805 N FLAG CHAPEL ROAD

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JACKSON, MS 39209

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OFFICE: 601-853-5000

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FAX: 601-853-5010

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WWW.MCHMS.ORG

LETTER FROM CEO 2021 would not have been possible without YOU and we still need your help to continue serving children in 2022. we were able to make the necessary adjustments to maintain our programs and make an impact on the children and youth we serve. However, these staffing shortages mean we are able to serve less children.

There are children who need a safe home like MCH and we need your help in order to serve these children.

Dear Friends, As you know during 2021, Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi celebrated 125 years of serving the children of Mississippi. During this momentous year, we began accepting children for our Permanency Assessment Center, the first of its kind in the state. Additionally, MCH’s Residential Program became nationally accredited through the Council on Accreditation. The year continued with success as we were honored to be named one of MS Business Journal’s Top Non-Profits of MS for 2021.

While these are amazing milestones which means we can serve children at a higher level of care, the work of MCH is not yet done.

As the country faces an ongoing staffing crisis, MCH is no different. In spite of ongoing staffing challenges,

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Do you know of someone who is interested in working with children and youth and has a heart for those in foster care? Send them to our website www.mchms.org/careers to learn more about our current open positions.

2021 would not have been possible without YOU and we still need your help to continue serving children in 2022. God is using you in a vital way to provide for the children who need it the most.

Only By Grace,

Devon V. Loggins, LCSW-S President and CEO

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT Written by Tichina Wilson As we sat down at a desk, what I thought would be a conversation about his dreams and aspirations turned into him sharing his story of survival. “Okay, we’re going to start with the background,” the curly-haired teen uttered as he shuffled in his seat.

“Obviously,” he paused, “No, this isn’t obvious,” he said as he gathered his thoughts. He began to tell me he had only lived with his mom and dad for eight months. He claimed they were more like friends than parents, describing his dad as an “egotistical tyrant” who would take his anger out on everyone.

Andy later moved to live with his grandmother in hopes that the abuse would end. Instead, it continued until one day the now 18-year-old said, “it’s not happening anymore.” So, he dialed 911.

From one family member to the next, his grandmother would later drop him off to his other grandparents’ house, where he would live for two years.

Fueled by alcohol, his step-grandfather made Andy the target of homophobic slurs and rage. When his grandmother passed away, the cycle of abuse was so apparent that a case worker decided Andy had to pack his bags for yet another placement. It was a reminder that when we are born, we do not get a choice as to who our parents are or the class we’re born into. While some explain family to be happy, cheerful and constantly giving reassurance, Andy didn’t know what that was like.

andy’s story

Sometimes life gives you a bad hand. With your cards already dealt, there’s nothing else to do but take a seat and play the game. So that’s exactly what Andy did.

Multiple group homes and a brief stay in Georgia later with his cousin, Andy finally arrived at Methodist Children’s Homes in Spring of 2021. “I didn’t want to be here. I felt like I deserved more than a group home,” he said. Andy is among the more than 400,000 youth in foster care across the country. Some return to their original families. Some wait for new families that may or may not appear. The latter is Andy’s case.

Even 18 year olds want a home, not just in the physical sense. “Home” for Andy meant belonging, security, and freedom that not all group homes can provide. After so many broken relationships, the charismatic teen soon made connections with MCH staff. He was in a constant pursuit of surrounding himself with positive people. He took a liking to staff who would go the extra mile to show him that he matters.

Andy also longed for independence outside of the system. For youth who have been living in foster care, the transition to life outside of care can be daunting but Andy was hopeful.

He began to plan what he wanted his future to look like because, in a few short months, he would be graduating from high school. “I just want to be self-sustaining and independent.

I don’t want to struggle. I want to be happy.” Andy envisioned a career as a travel nurse where he could help others. This fall, he will take the first step in making his dreams a reality when he begins college as a Biomedical Science major.

It is because of supporters like you that Andy’s story did not end in tragedy. He has a safe space to dream, imagine and just be.

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FOSTER CARE

kayson

For the past seven years, Bernice Turner has been a foster parent with Methodist Children’s Homes.

During that time, she has lost count of the number of children who have found a home with her. She has welcomed all ages and allowed them to stay for however long was needed. Her heart for fostering stems from the need each child has for a loving home.

“It’s one of my callings that God gave me to help take care of kids who can’t take care of themselves. —Bernice Turner

“When I came to the presentation [about foster care], I cried like a baby,” she explained. She knew she had to do something.

“When you see kids, they didn’t ask to come into this world. They just need someone to love.”

After years of fostering, she adopted Kayson. This sweet child’s smile lights up a room. He just turned 7.

As with any 7-year-old, he has plenty of energy and laughter. He is such a blessing to Ms. Turner and her family. Adopting one child didn’t stop her from continuing to help others. She has kept an open door to many more children and just welcomed a newborn.

“I’m currently fostering a newborn that is four months old. She was a preemie and weighed only 900 milligrams. Now, at 4 months old she weighs 7 pounds.” After her mom was discharged from the hospital, she never came back. It was abandonment and that’s when CPS became involved.

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It is truly heartbreaking to hear of babies being abandoned at hospitals but because of people like Ms. Turner, this sweet baby had a safe place to come home.

“It’s one of my callings that God gave me to help take care of kids who can’t take care of themselves. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” she shared.

If you’re interested in fostering, contact Foster Care Director, Josie Higgins-Latham at jhiggins-latham@mchms.org or call 601.853.5000.

Thank you for impacting the lives of foster children of Mississippi!

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The Facts about Human Trafficking It’s described as “a crime that hides in plain sight.” Though the phrase “human trafficking” has generated much interest in recent years, many are still unsure exactly what it is and its prevalence in the United States.

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is an issue not only abroad but in our country too, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimating more than 100,000 children currently being exploited in the U.S. Our most vulnerable children, foster children, often fall victim.

There are many misconceptions floating around the internet about human trafficking. MCH believes that it is important to identify the facts in order to understand the actual grave impact of human trafficking on youth in care.

The National Foster Youth Institute estimates that 60 percent of child sex trafficking victims have been within foster care (or another part of the larger child welfare system). ● Those who have a history of run-

ning away who have diagnosis or undiagnosed depression and behavioral conditions

● Those

who are unemployed or lack a sense of security through income and/or relationships

● Those

● Those

who are experiencing homelessness, including those who are LGBTQ+ and those who have aged out of the foster care system

Suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking? Call the National Human Trafficking Resources Center Hotline at 1-(888)-373-7888.

Traffickers often target youth and teens previously or presently in foster care. The National Foster Youth Institute estimates that 60 percent of child sex trafficking victims have been within foster care (or another part of the larger child welfare system).

A number of high-risk attributes for human trafficking are aligned with experiences of many children and teens in foster care, including: ●

hildren and teens with adverse C childhood experiences (ACEs) and/or who have experienced trauma, especially those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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MAKING A

difference

TICKET TO DREAM MONETARY DONATION Ticket to Dream & Famous Footwear made the holiday season a joyful one for our youth by helping us fulfill Christmas wish lists!

SUITCASE DONATION Thank you Greater St. James Baptist Church for donating dozens of new suitcases! Our youth will be able to move their belongings with dignity instead of using trash bags.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY Galloway United Methodist Church and Wells United Methodist Church helped our youth create unforgettable memories by hosting a “Happy Birthday Jesus!” party.

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING Thank you to the volunteers who spent hours wrapping gifts to ensure each youth had a special Christmas!

MAKING A

difference JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF CLINTON We are so thankful for the Junior Auxiliary of Clinton! Members of the nonprofit organization led a cooking activity where the youth prepared a dessert or side dish for Thanksgiving.

NEEL -SHAFFER MONETARY DONATION Neel-Schaffer’s monetary donation made both Thanksgiving and Christmas one to remember. They provided holiday meals, parties, and gifts. Thank you for your generosity.

SANTA’S SOUP KITCHEN Thank you to Brandon First United Methodist Church for their ongoing support! During their annual “Santa’s Soup Kitchen”, the Sunday school classes raised funds and collected dozens of gift cards for our youth.

COX FOUNDATION Thank you to the Cox Foundation for putting our youth first! They hosted a holiday mixer to raise funds for MCH. Interested in hosting a third party fundraiser? Go to www.mchms.org to learn more!

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SHARE THE

light

This event would not have been possible without our sponsors!

Event Sponsors Event Sponsors

Thank you to each company and all the individual donors.

Your lightSponsors madeSponsors a difference!

Event Event Event Sponsors

Event Sponsors Event Sponsors

Event Sponsors

TINA LAKEY TINA

TINATINA LAKEY TINA TINA TINA LAKEY LAKEY TINA LAKEY TINA LAKEY LAKEY LAKEY LAKEY

ACKERMAN UMC ACKERMAN ACKERMAN

ACKERMAN ACKERMAN UMC UMC ACKERMAN ACKERMAN UMCUMC ACKERMAN ACKERMAN UMC UMC UMC

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UMC

SHARE THE

light

The MCH campus was transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season! We hosted our second annual “Share the Light” Christmas light show. The mile-long route included captivating lighting, animated displays, whimsical characters, storybook scenes, and more. This event would not have been possible without everyone who attended, volunteered, and donated. The event saw nearly 400 cars over the course of 4 nights. We look forward to even more this Christmas season.

Thank you for letting your light shine for the youth of MCH!

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WE’RE HIRING!

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HONOR MEMORIAL In Honor of (Given 9/09/2021 - 2/04/2022) Addison R. Melton Mrs. Jamie Erwin Alli S. Yoste Belinda B. Roark Amelia W. Mockbee Mr. David W. Mockbee Ann Henley Mr. and Mrs. Richard Henley Ann Maranto Mrs. and Mr. Betty A. Crawford Ara M. Pratt Mr. and Mrs. W. Stan Pratt Becky Crawford Mr. Rick S. Tapp Betty Jane J. Chatham Mr. Larry C. Brewer Big Creek UMC Rev. and Mrs. George Buell Biily Blain Mrs. Karen Blain Bill Howell Mr. Bobby Howell Billie R. Marshall Mrs. and Mr. Betty A. Crawford Bishop H. Musgrove Daughters of Deborah Boyd and G. Randolph Ms. Debbie Holland Brandon Halford & Family Mr. and Mrs. W. K. McCaskill Bruce and Ann Bartling Mr. Clayton Leech Mr. and Mrs. Eric Ebers Mrs. Lauren Pearce Mrs. Alice Quimby Bryan Lott Ms. Kathy McPherson Gibson Byron Hines Friendship Sunday SSC, Carthage UMC Carolyn Purvis Mr. and Mrs. Dale Purvis Charles W. Nicholson Rev. and Mrs. Michael Hicks

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Chris McAlilly Dr. and Mrs. W A. Spencer Chris Waterer Mr. Edie and Ronnie Waterer Cynthia E. Ware Mr. and Mrs. L. Edwin Alford, Jr. Deanna, Rebecca, Richard McKenzie Ms. Joyce Orr Donnie Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Taylor Eddie Rester Dr. and Mrs. W A. Spencer Ethan and S. Oltremari Mrs. Emily Shafer Floyd Neupert and Ryan Butcher, administrators of E. School Mrs. Candice Stephens Freddie Shelton Blue Hill United Methodist Church George Pickett Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cole Gerogio Aru Mr. and Mrs. W. Stan Pratt Gibson and Mila S. Reid Ms. Debbie Holland Gloria Cranford Mrs. Lisa Horton Hattie L. Smith Mrs. Connie Tutor J B. Burns Mr. and Mrs. J. Carlos Smith Jack Alexander Mr. and Mrs. John D. Sadler Jack Bishop Aldersgate SSC Jack James Ms. Norma P. Caviness James Glisson Mrs. Marcia Glisson Jane Leech Mrs. Lauren Pearce Jean Duckett Mr. and Mrs. George Scott Jim C. Moore Ms. Diana Rotenberry Jimmie L. Whitt Mr. Barry Whitt Jimmy C. Smith Mr. Charles Pardue

Joe Barber Friendship Sunday SSC, Carthage UMC John D. Sadler Mr. and Mrs. Jack Alexander Joy Morgan Mrs. Karon Scott Kathryn Steele Mr. and Mrs. Heyward C. Green Keith Gaughf Mr. James Erwin Mr. and Mrs. James Allison Lacy J. Blanton Mrs. and Mrs. Betty Blanton Laurel and Cade C. Ethan Ms. Debbie Holland Lottie Witt/ Great Grandchildren Mrs. Becky Smith Marty Herndon Mr. and Mrs. Marty Herndon Meade Entrekin Ms. Gayle Entrekin Megan Howe Mrs. Heather Russell Melanie Snell Mr. and Mrs. Jesse McDonald Mike and S. Boler Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Hines Mr. & Mrs. Brandon White Mr. and Mrs. W. Stan Pratt Mr. & Mrs. Grover Greer Family Mr. Wix Crawford Nick & Lacy Blanton Mrs. and Mrs. Betty Blanton Norma Fulcher Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Jackson Patsy Harris Mrs. and Mr. Betty A. Crawford Prayer Hearts Sunday School C. Allison Mr. Lou Erwin Rev. & Mrs. Jimmy Elam Elam Consulting

Rob Snell Mr. and Mrs. Jesse McDonald Mr. Robert & Martha Watts Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Watts Mr. Travis Watts Rose Pitts Mrs. Merre T. Dorman Sam and R. Cole Mr. George Pickett Sandra Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Don Jackson Sara Dobbs Ms. Mary Shannon Sarah Love Ms. Evelyn B. Wofford Sarah Saucier Mr. Billy D. Fielder Selena and B. Nause Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Hines Sherry Jones Mr. and Mrs. David Taylor Smith Family Ms. Cathy Sibley Susan Caldwell Mrs. Sue Taylor The children and Devon and his Methodist Children’s Homes Mr. Ken Melichar Tony & Barbara Woodall Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Heep Trey Jones Mr. and Mrs. Marty Herndon Veneda Ruby Mr. and Mrs. Abner C. Young Vivian M Presley Ms. Evelyn B. Wofford Wayne Ferrell Mr. and Mrs. W. Stan Pratt

In Memory of (Given 9/09/2021 - 2/04/2022) Alice Kent Mr. and Mrs. Abner C. Young Angela Schrieffer Mr. and Mrs. William R. Yordy Angela W. Spencer Mr. and Mrs. Donald Dodd

Angela W. Spencer Dr. Steve Shirley Annie Pearl Belk Mr. and Mrs. Marion L. Towery Archie Baldwin Ms. Bonnie Baldwin Archie M. Douget Mrs. Jamie Erwin Bernard Campbell Ms. Brenda Knight Beth Meador Mr. and Mrs. John C. Meador, Jr. Bill Spalding Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Moore Billy Poinders Mr. and Mrs. Billy G. Anglin Brad Watkins Mrs. Matt Howard Bud &. Stephens Mr. and Mrs. William K. Waddell C. W. White Dr. and Mrs. Wonso Hayes Caleb Luckey Mr. Ross & Wendi Steadham Carolyn Brown Mr. and Mrs. Gene Ward Charlene Cotton Mrs. Janie C. Cotton Charlene Eichelberger Mrs. Joanne & Lindsley Keeton Charlene Kelly Mrs. Mary Youngblood Charles Carter Mrs. Willie Bobo Charles Denson Mr. and Mrs. Ted Kendall Charles Walters Mr. and Mrs. Dwright McRaney Lone Star United Methodist Church Clinton C. Moore Ms. Miffy Woods Coy Waller Mr. and Mrs. Jim Carnathan D. W. Holaday Mr. and Mrs. Dennis H. Perkins

HONOR MEMORIAL David McIntosh Mrs. Eva Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Dennis H. Perkins Diane Sanders J.O. and Jane Morris Donald Estes Mrs. Shirley Estes Mr. and Mrs. John A. Hennessey Donna Born Mr. and Mrs. David H. Cox Dorothy B. Clark Rev. and Mrs. George Jackson Dorothy Lance Mr. and Mrs. William R. Yordy Dorothy Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Moore Ed Harding Mrs. Charlotte B. Harding Mrs. Esther Busby Edward Hunt Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hunt Elizabeth Combs Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Anderson Ellen Austin Mr. Dwight A. Austin, Jr. Emmett Mitcham Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Mitcham Esther Busby Mr. Gabriela West Mr. Ruthie & Robert Warner Mrs. Frances Whitman Mrs. Emma Xue Mr. Jim and Sheryl Teske Ms. Ann Nichols Eva Pierce Ms. Frances McEwen Faye Edwards Mrs. Beth Pharr Frances D. Gilliland Dr. and Mrs. Robert N. Gilliland Fred Waits Dr. and Mrs. James L. Waits Gail Wood Mrs. J. O. Wood Gene T. Fenn Mrs. Deborah Biediger

Gloria Dent Mr. and Mrs. Melvin T. Roland Guyla Dixon Benton United Methodist Church Harry P. Hoffman Ms. Marilyn Hoffman Hazel Rivers Ms. Hazel Rivers Helen McNeely Ms. Anita Thomas Helen Yordy Mr. and Mrs. William R. Yordy Henry C. Waterer Dr. Chris Waterer Hurston L. Newcomb Mrs. Lisa Newcomb Irene Cook Ms. Joyce R. Hall Iris P. Boggan Mr. and Mrs. Charles Boggan J O Wood Mrs. J. O. Wood Jackie Crosby Mrs. Karen Wagner James C. Moore Ms. Miffy Woods James W. McBeth Mrs. Carol Stavinoha Janice D. Daniel Ms. Sue Bennett Ms. Beth Thomas Mrs. Jean Polk Janice Duckworth Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sartin Jeannie Hicks The ASSET Company, PLLC Jo and Bill Holladay Mr. Robert Lawson Holladay Jodie Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Ted Kendall Joe Skinner Mrs. Betty Skinner Joel Kovarcik Mr. and Mrs. Jim Meyer John Crocker and K. Knee Mr. and Mrs. John N. Hudson

John L. Calcote Mr. and Mrs. John L. Calcote, Jr. Joy Joyner Ebenezer United Methodist Church Katherine C. Hunt Mrs. Earl Hunt Kelly B. Hutchison Mrs. Hutchison Kerry Saylors Christ United Methodist Church L. R. Poole Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Bounds Lace & Dorothy Butler Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Butler Lemauel & Virginia Tate Ms. Leanne T. George Loftie Davis Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Walters Margaret Crook Mr. Ronnie Crook Margaret Miles Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Dennis H. Perkins Marge Voorhies Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Walters Mary Ellen Leftwich Mr. and Mrs. Jim Meyer Mary Ellen Leftwich Mr. John Dempsey Michael Maranto Mr. Harold McGarrh Mike Mazhis Mrs. Willie Bobo Mike Vinson Mrs. John Curlee Miles C. Mitchell Mrs. Mona Harrison Mr. & Mrs. Eastland John R. Nunnery Mrs. C.A. Luper Mrs. Luran L. Buchanan Mrs. Esther O. Busby Mrs. Janet Wallace Mrs. Mayfield Ms. Mary Kathryn Mayfield Nell Barnes Mr. Haldon Kittrell Nell Randolph Ms. Debbie Holland

Nellie J. Smith Mr. Michael Easterling Nick Nicholson Mrs. Dimple G. Nicholson Nonie C. Franklin Mrs. Barbara Camp Olivia Parks Mr. and Mrs. Dennis H. Perkins Pam Webb Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis Ralph Dean Mr. Phillip J. Bailey Richard Yordy Mr. and Mrs. William R. Yordy RM Rieves Dr. Chris Waterer Robert Jordan Ms. Bettie Cox Robert Reyes Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. Garner Rodney Chamblee Mr. Phillip J. Bailey Rose Ready Mrs. Warren Strickland Russell Miller Mrs. Nancy Munn Mrs. Beth Shows Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Miller Sheila Puryear Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Puryear Shirley Cole Ms. Kathy Green Shirley L. Piper Mr. and Mrs. Richardson Susan Donohue Mr. and Mrs. Marion L. Towery Tom Fuller Mrs. Wanda Fuller Trice Lilly Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Lilly Turner Arant Mrs. Kathryn Anne Arant Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. McLaughlin V. B. Young Mr. and Mrs. Abner C. Young

V.J. Robinson Ms. Bettie Cummings Vashti Muse Mr. Vernon Muse Virginia Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Dennis H. Perkins W. B. Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Dennis H. Perkins Walter Lance Mr. and Mrs. William R. Yordy Warren Housley Ms. Lynn McAdams William D. Matlock Ms. Billie Hughey William H. Lancaster Mr. and Mrs. William Lancaster Wilma Cain Mr. Michael Easterling Zac Mapp Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mapp Zenobia Oaks Mr. and Mrs. James F. Oaks Contact Trina McNair, tmcnair@mchms.org if any changes need to be made.

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PA I D Jackson, MS Permit No. 450

805 N Flag Chapel Road Jackson, MS 39209

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