Summer 2016 Helping Hands Newsletter

HELPING HANDS summer 2016

your donor newsletter 2015 Annual Report

See page 12

POST OFFICE BOX 66 • CLINTON, MS 39060-0066 • OFFICE: 601-853-5000 • FAX: 601-853-5010 • WWW.MCHMS.ORG

Letter from CEO Dear MCH Family and Friends,

MCH Advocates

One of our primary goals for all of our youth is to help them make it home.

Home to some may mean reunification with their families or placed with one of our foster parents. Regardless of where home is, they are always part of our family.

We need you, our biggest fan, to become an Advocate in your community. Advocates are passionate about promoting the mission of the children’s home, and work to educate, encourage, and invite others in their community to take part in our mission.

Recently, I was leaving my house on campus and as I drove past our younger girl’s home, I noticed a police car parked in the driveway. Of course, my first thought was “Oh no!

What’s going on now?” I rolled the window down and all the girls waved and smiled. At that point, I knew something wasn’t right. I asked the girls and staff if everything was okay and they all said yes.

I got out of the car and walked over to the police cruiser, and the officer told me that she picked up a young girl outside of our gate. The officer rolled down the back window and it was one of our former baby girls sobbing in the back seat. She said, “Mr. Duggar my mom was threatening me and I knew I would be safe here.” I attempted to console her and the officer said she would take care of her.

The girl had run away from home and came back to us.

She had walked several miles to the one place she knew she would be safe.

Over the last several years, our team has embraced our mission of healing, hope, and service. We helped this young girl achieve her permanency goal of reunification with her biological family but when they failed her, she came back to her MCH family. While this story is sad in many ways, it is a perfect example of why we keep pushing forward.

When a former resident walks from South Jackson to our campus because we are her “safe family”, then I know we are certainly fulfilling our mission because of Christ. Thank you for all of your prayers and support and thank you for loving our kids.

Because of Christ,

Mike Duggar President and CEO *Our youth’s names/pictures maybe changed for their safety.

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Advocates play an important role in caring for our youth; they are the link between the children’s home and those individuals who desperately want to be involved. When you sign up to become an Advocate you will be given the tools to share stories and needs of our youth.

Contact Robyn Burchfield at Rburchfield@mchms.org or 601-853-5000 ext. 1222.

Why I Support MCH “Getting to know some of the kids and telling others about them has enabled me to get others involved in supporting the children’s home.

Volunteering isn’t like a job where you do the same thing every day.

When I arrive at the children’s home, I don’t know what I will be doing. It may be updating the data base, counting out golf tees, stuffing envelopes for a mass mail out or organizing the supply room. It’s all fun! I keep volunteering because I love those who I work with, but more importantly, like the kids at the children’s home, I know that I am loved!”

— Anita Johnson

The Best Summer Ever!

Get Involved There is always that one summer that changes you. And THIS is going to be that summer for MCH! Because of our amazing donors this summer is packed with trips, outings, and lazy days relaxing around our pool.

Most of our youth have never experienced a youth camp. Our youth have been given an incredible opportunity to attend Kids Across America camp in Branson, MO. During camp, they will focus on living a Christ centered life through basic bible classes and spiritual life training activities. The week will also be filled with canoeing, swimming and their choice between 30 sports.

As a donor, you make it possible for our youth to create memories and relationships that will last a lifetime. There is no doubt that this is going to be the summer that changes lives!

Coming Home When Jamal finished his first year of college, he literally had no home to go to for the summer.

Because of your support, we were able to offer him an apartment on campus.

Jamal is excited to share with you that he made all A’s and B’s and one C this year. He worked hard, and has started to turn his life around. College has been good for him and it shows. Jamal knows that MCH is his family, and he is always welcome here.

By providing an apartment for him on our campus, you have rescued him.

If he did not have anywhere to go, he would be homeless, and back to just trying to survive. Returning to college after summer would be out of the question. This apartment does not only provide safety and security, it is also saving him from dropping out of college. You have become Jamal’s hero, and for that we thank you!

Heal with your prayers Pray for our children and staff.

Heal with your resources Donate monetary gifts. Your financial support allows our children to be raised in a safe and spiritually grounded home.

Join our Circle of Protection by giving as little as $1.00 per day or $30.42 per month.

Remember the children in your Will. After taking care of your family, please consider making our children part of your legacy.

Bequests may be made to “The Methodist Children’s Home, Inc.”

Donate Assests. Some of our donors find that giving stock is easy and best for them. When you give a donation of stock, you do not have to pay capital gains tax on the stock.

Give items from our Wish List.

Heal with your time Volunteer to serve at events.

Share the story of the Methodist Children’s Homes with someone you know.

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Youth Spotlight Shanika She is the sweetest, kindest, most well mannered young lady!

Being around her brings JOY and HAPPINESS!

Age: 17 years old Birthday: June 11th Tell me about yourself. I am a Christian, and I love the Lord. I like gospel rap and acting.

What is one thing other people might not know about you? A lot of people do not know the “real” me because I don’t show it too often. I love to explore and help people. I love to make people laugh and teach them that they can be somebody. My motto is to make myself happy every day, because if you don’t love yourself, nobody will.

Think back to the first day you stepped on campus and describe how you felt. I was nervous and scared.

I can’t explain it… it was hard, but I had this feeling that I was going to be ok. The outside world is horrible, just a nasty place, and I knew that I was safe here. I think about it like a stepping-stone. I am here for a reason, and only God knows why. I have learned that change isn’t bad and I have been taught to use coping skills to handle my problems.

How long have you lived here? I have been at MCH for 1 year and 8 months, but hopefully I am going to a foster home soon!

Who is the one person that you look up to the most at MCH? I look up to Ms. Cammy and Ms. Regina the most because they always encourage me. They know when I’m down and they find ways to help me get back up. I thank God for them because it’s hard to find good people who care about you. They have given me a normal teenage life that my parents couldn’t give me. I love them.

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What are your goals for the future? I am going to begin my GED in the fall, and then I would like to become a veterinarian one day. I also love to act, so it would be a dream to work with Tyler Perry one day!

What advice would you give the “newer” youth on campus? MCH is a good place, and you need to cherish the moments you are here. The staff is here to help you, and you always need to be respectful and honest with them. They are here to help build a better life for you, and to prepare you for the outside world. Find goals and achieve them… use the staff because they love you and support you.

What are you most excited about going to your new foster home? I am glad that they are Christian parents and I will have the right kind of people around me. I am hoping that this will be my best home and I pray that we will have the kind of relationship where we can lean on one another. I am most excited about being able to go to the movies with my friends and studying together and just being a normal kid.

How would you say “Thank You” to our donors? I wish that I could call up every one of them and say “Thank you.” They gave me a roof over my head and a place to stay when I didn’t have anywhere else to go. They are a blessing, and I’d rather be at MCH than anywhere else in this world!

Why I Support MCH “I have been giving to MCH for over 25 years, and I just think MCH is a wonderful place. I feel like I am really putting my money where it does a lot of good.”

— Helen Parish

Day of Hope The 3rd Annual Day of Hope was perfect! Over 300 individuals toured our homes and met our youth. The BBQ lunch was delicious and the Live auction was a blast. Thanks to all of our sponsors and those who donated auction items. A special “thank you” to everyone who volunteered to make this day such a success. The Day of Hope could not have been possible without our incredible supporters! You are making the difference that matters…and bringing HOPE to our children!

Community Counseling Clinic MCH will soon welcome the Community Counseling Clinic to our campus. MCH staff are experts in caring for children that have dealt with extreme trauma.

Right now in the neighborhoods right around our campus there are families that desperately need help.

MCH is blessed and excited to provide the same care that our group home youth have received with the outside community. Renovations have begun on the building that will become the Community Counseling Clinic.

The clinic will also provide medical services and a family visitation room.

Family visitations will be monitored by therapists, and families will receive the support they need to begin the process of reunification.

Delicious BBQ Lunch Brandon UMC Crossgates UMC Marvin UMC Parkway Hills UMC McLaurin-Heights UMC Galloway UMC Fantastic Tour Busses First UMC Clinton Alta Woods UMC

Guardian Sponsor Mr. Discount Drugs MS Plastic & Packaging, Inc. Shane Ormon Construction Management Design

Through faithful supporters like members of Starkville UMC, the UMC Mission Grant, and a $40,000 grant from St. Dominic Foundation the clinic will become a reality.

MCH is still in need of $46,000.00 to complete the renovations and open the clinic. If you would like to help, please contact Kate Williams at KWilliams@mchms.org or 601-853-5000 ext. 1222.

Friend Sponsor Atmos Energy Galloway UMC Ross Furniture Sids Trading Company, Iuka Wagner Consulting Group

Faithful Sponsors Title Sponsor Bancorp South Insurance Services Blue Cross & Blue 5

2015 ANNUAL REPORT WHERE DID OUR YOUTH COME FROM?

North – 14 Central - 51 South - 27

2015 FINANCIAL REPORT

2015 Revenue & Other Support $2,821,683.00

6% Rental 7% Interest & Dividends 30% Donations 55% Reimbursement 1% Wills & Bequests

$178,440.00 $206,311.00 $849,181 $1,560,153.00 $27,598.00

2015 Expenses $3,830,482.00

7% Foster Family Care 6% Fundraising 9% General 78% Group Homes

$281,636 $212,336 $349,827 $2,986,683

*The board for the Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi, has not formally met to approve 2015 financial statements.

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DID YOU KNOW?

That our youth drink 1,248 gallons of milk!

That 93 handmade quilts were given to our new residents!

That our youth received over 900 hours of tutoring!

Did you know that all of this is possible because of you!

103 youth called MCH their home.

19 youth lived with MCH Foster Parents.

Our generous donors like YOU gave $876,779.00 in donations.

Why I Love MCH For me, it was my first trip to Clinton, at the second annual Day of Hope.

While touring the homes, I saw hope & excitement for the future in the eyes of the young people. I got the feeling that hope was not a word those kids had always felt. Thankfulness for the very basics of life came from every young person that we talked to. But more than anything, I felt the love that the staff had for them. Every child deserves a chance to grow up with the essentials in life and in a place where they feel secure and loved.

MCH is truly a HOME for hurting kids. The Bible says: But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17(ESV) How can we not share what God has so abundantly blessed us with? God placed us here to be His hands & feet to those who are hurting and in need.

We are so thankful to God that He led us to MCH and the wonderful staff who help us to help the kids!

—Carla & Jerry Gant

Nick Myers, Board Chair Terry, MS Allen Wood Greenwood, MS Rev. Clint Ware Pascagoula, MS Don Garforth Clinton, MS J.T. Rowell Brandon, MS Joe Miller Jackson, MS Honorable Judge John Hudson Natchez, MS Kirk Graves Ridgeland, MS Lamar Nesbit Jackson, MS Margaret Davis Clinton, MS Ramona Jones Jackson, MS Ray Miller Clinton, MS Ron Gardner Ridgeland, MS Ross Henley, Esq. Jackson, MS Dr. Sarah Smith Ridgeland, MS Tom Wagner Madison, MS Turner Arant Sunflower, MS

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Night to Remember

Golf Tournament

Every girl deserves a chance to look and feel beautiful. Puttin’ on the Glitz, a local formal dress shop in Clinton, MS invited our girls to come to their store and pick out their favorite dress to wear to prom.

The special attention they got there, and the opportunity to pick out anything they wanted was absolutely incredible.

The day of prom the girls their hair and nails done and a professional photographer came and took pictures. It is because of you, that these girls were able attend their prom. As each girl tried on their dresses, they giggled with excitement at how beautiful they looked. This confidence is because you care and support them. Thank you for allowing them to feel beautiful this prom season!

The Tee Off for Missions Golf Classic began 4 years ago when a few men from Crossgates UMC wanted to take their love for golf a step further. This year the 5th Annual Tee off for Missions, exceeded expectations. It was held in May at Patrick Farms Golf Course in Pearl. There were 25 teams (100 golfers), and over $17,000 was raised for the children’s home!

Cheronda Minor helps youth get ready for prom.

Carl Tudor, one of the founders, said “We chose Methodist Children’s Homes to be the beneficiary of the tournament because we know that MCH is helping children in Mississippi who need a safe home. We feel confident that MCH is making a difference.”

Thank you to everyone who played golf, donated door prizes, volunteered, and especially to the planning committee. You have made a HUGE impact in the lives of our youth this year. Thanks for being their hero!

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Day of Hope Awards

Grace Home

Methodist Children’s Homes cannot do what we do without the help of faithful donors and volunteers. The recipients of this year’s Day of Hope awards have gone above and beyond to love and care for our youth.

Did you know that MCH cared for over 15 youth during 2015 who were victims of human trafficking? Most of them were “sold out for sex” by their own family members.

Because of the need MCH has plans to open the Grace Home to provide a special home for youth that have been victims of human trafficking. Specialty trained staff will lead this program, and youth will receive a safe home where they can receive the therapy and medical care they need to heal from their past and begin to plan for their future.

Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson, UMC West District and UMC East District have partnered with us in funding and renovating the Grace House. Together, we have a mission to rescue as many youth as possible.

2015 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award Anita Johnson has been faithful to volunteer at MCH for the past two years. She comes every Wednesday and does anything from stuffing envelopes to organizing our donation supply closet.

She always has a cheerful smile and a warm hug to extend.

Anita is a blessing to MCH.

You can be a part of the Grace Home too! By giving financially we can purchase the materials needed to complete the renovations. By praying for the young girls who will be living at the Grace Home, you will offer a peace and hope that can only be received by Jesus Christ.

By volunteering your time, you will be the hands and feet of Christ creating a beautiful and safe home for these young ladies.

If you would like more information on Human Trafficking, or to get involved in the Grace Home, contact Kate Williams at KWilliams@mchms.org or 601-853-5000 ext. 1222.

2015 Outstanding Missions Award The Naomi Circle at First United Methodist Church in Clinton has dedicated their time and talents each month to serve at the McCarty Home. This group faithfully mentors our girls through bible studies, crafts, and spending time getting to know each girl on a one-on-one basis. The Naomi Circle have shown our youth what the love of Jesus Christ looks like, and the time spent here each month is priceless.

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Making a difference The Friends in Faith Class at Madison United Methodist Church provided our youth with the Jelly Bean Gospel this Easter. Each youth received one, and the message of the resurrection was shared.

Thanks Friends in Faith for sharing Christ’s love with our youth.

Thanks to Hartfield Academy for inviting our youth to a Crawfish Boil. It was delicious, and our youth enjoyed it. This was a first for several of them… and an experience they won’t forget!

At this year’s Day of Hope, we were able to honor our past Alumni. They shared hugs, laughs, and stories. It was a wonderful morning, and we always look forward to spending time with these wonderful individuals.

It is the thoughtfulness that we love so much about the Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. This is the second year that they have held a Caring Cases Suit Case drive for our youth.

This is wonderful because many of our youth come to MCH carrying all of their belongings in a garbage bag. Now, they will have their very own suit case! Thanks for sharing your love and supporting MCH.

A BIG thanks to the Kissimee Social Tribe from Mississippi College for all of their support this year. They competed in the Swerve competition among all the tribes on campus and won $6,000 for their charity…MCH! Way to go girls, and thanks for loving our kids!

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Nothing like a game of “Pie in the Face!” To make it more fun, the youth threw Cheetos into the whip cream and the one who had the most stuck to their face won!

Honor/Memorial In Honor of

(Given 2/6/2016 – 5/19/2016)

Amy’s Hallmark in Ridgeland helped to make Easter special by sending cards and candy to our youth.

They were delighted to received these, and felt the love you shared. Thanks for remembering MCH during this time of year!

The Junior Auxiliary of Clinton hosted a “Girl’s Pajama Game Night.”

Everyone had so much fun playing games and winning prizes! Thanks to these special ladies for a wonderful night!

Jimmy and Felicia Carpenter

By Cecelia Burks Anna Coates

By Renee H. Berry Carolyn Davis

By Jas Boozer Ginny Entrekin

By Gayle Entrekin Ezra Garforth

By Ezra Garforth Stanly Godbold

By Lyle E. Nelson Jane Heslep

By Don Conger Temeka Jefferson

By Temeka Jefferson Helen Klemm

By Friendship Sunday School Class Gene Lewis

By Owen Warren Gwen Lindsey

By Glenn Harmon Cathy Morris

By Wesley United Methodist Church Mark and Patricia Nelson

By John W. Land Violet Powell

By Violet Powell Carrie Roberts

By John Roberts Stephen Simmons

By Don Conger Becky Smith

By Anne Sanford Sissy Smith

By Jas Boozer Radie Tatum

By Sue Brooks Bobbie Jean Walker

By Marjorie Walker Allen Wood

By William Kirby

In Memory of

(Given 2/6/2016 – 5/19/2016)

Carmen Alford

By Nancy Breland Mr. and Mrs. E J Ashely

By Wally Ashley

Ralph and Jonnie Autrey

By June C. Sullivan Edwin Batte

By Ted Kendall Alma Berry

By William E. Berry Mildred Bethany

By Lois G. Smith Sam Billingsley

By Wilodean Porter

By Picayune United Methodist Women Sammy Billingsley

By Robert G. Lowery Lynn Brady

By Thomas G. Clark Jennifer Brown

By June C. Sullivan Rex Burrow

By Joyce R. Hall Betty Jo Chain

By June C. Sullivan Ronnie Gene Coghlan

By Joe Woodard Peggy Coleman

By Ted Kendall Frances Collins

By Mary Mitcham

By Virginia Johnson Doris Cooper

By Treves H. Cooper Charlene Cotton

By Jane C. Hanes Ted Crouse

By Marion L. Towery Greg Dotson

By William O. Moore Doris Dukes

By Glenn Harmon Joann Edward

By June C. Sullivan Ralph Farrell

By Calvin B. Pugh Herman Freeman

By Mary Gail Freeman Billie Fuggit

By Malcolm Smiley Sallie Gough

By Joy Wright Opal Griffin

By Jerald W. Calhoun Rita Griffith

By Joyce R. Hall Leonard Hannah

By Haywood Hannah

David Hannon

By Lillie Hannon Gene Hannon

By Lillie Hannon Lynne Schoonover Harris

By Harrison V. Pittman Pam Hoots

By G. A. Thomas Dru Hudspeth

By Dorothy Crocker Dru Hudspeth

By Lenoir Booth Hubert C. Hunter

By Patricia Triplett Philip Jones

By Michael Allen HIllary Kissinger

By Ed Kissinger Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Landrum

By Thomas M. Landrum Jan Lee

By Patricia M. Bailey-Brown Stuart Leggett

By June C. Sullivan Thomas Giles Lindley

By Hembree Brandon Frederick Long

By Louise W. Long Gary L. Mahan

By Robert McBryde Boyd Malone

By Rachel Malone Joe Milano

By Ted Kendall Mabel Nail

By Glenn Harmon Bill Parker

By C. Wayne Halford Tena Pellegrine

By Louis J. Pellegrine Carol Perdue

By Robert McBryde Lisa Pirkle

By John Mac Curlee Mr. and Mrs. L.R. Poole

By Rachel J. Sullivan Jack Reed

By John Mac Curlee Elsie Riddle

By James W. Sacca Robert Sanders

By Earnest D. Sanders Keith Scarborough

By Mildred Scarborough

Leon Scarborough

By Mildred Scarborough Betty Sekul

By Clifton Taylor Jake Sessions

By Rebecca Ellis

By Martha Bergeron

By Martha Bergeron

By Dottie Hunt

By Bess Stacy Joe Skinner

By Betty Skinner Elaine Smith

By Ted Kendall Faye Smith

By Mary Roberts

By Nan Proctor

By James Sanders

By Carol and Jeff Dale

By Alethea Straight Elizabeth M. Sparks

By Charles H. McClatchy Milton Sparrow

By James M. Sparrow Joe Stoner

By Joe Woodard Paul Sullivan

By Jan Randle O. C. Tissue

By O. C. Tissue Betty Trotti

By Stanley Johnston

By Debbie Robinson

By Carter P. Milner James Vance

By Patsy Vance Dave Whaley

By Hembree Brandon Jackson Woodall

By Thomas M. Landrum Tom Woodard

By Elizabeth Ramsey Tom Woodard

By Murray Lindsey

By Hembree Brandon Harvey Wright

By Joy Wright Contact Robyn Burchfield, Rburchfield@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

Post Office Box 66 Clinton, MS 39060-0066

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER Keep in Touch with the Methodist Children’s Homes on Facebook and Twitter Find the MCH on Facebook and “like” our page to receive frequent updates. www.facebook.com/pages/ Methodist-Childrens-Homes-ofMississippi/272796689457795 Follow us on Twitter. Our Twitter handle is #MCHMSHelping

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Little Light of Mine Mark your calendars for December 11th, 2016 as the 1st annual Little Light of Mine Special Offering benefiting the children at the Methodist Children’s Homes Methodist Children’s Homes is phasing out of the apportionments from the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church. We need your help to promote and educate your congregation on the children’s home and the special offering. 100% of the money collected from the Special Offering will fund our programs helping foster children and families.