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# Summer at MCH
October 18, 2024
* !
!!!!!!!!!!
Summer 2024 was full of fun, fellowship and growth at Methodist Children’s Home. Family Outreach staff educated and supported families with a variety of events, gatherings and services in our 14 communities across Texas and New Mexico. A group of Waco campus residents experienced a faith formation camp at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose, Texas. Youth and staff also enjoyed several field trips to fun locations like Austin Park N’ Pizza and The Dallas World Aquarium. Day Students volunteered with Meals on Wheels throughout the summer. Spiritual development ministers and a group of students worked with UM Army on various home repair and construction jobs for those in need in the Athens, Texas community. MCH staff members taught youth about vaping prevention and healthy relationships during residential summer camp. Youth were further inspired by motivational speakers including Prairie View A&M University athlete Camdyn Parsee. Summer camp concluded with a water day at Heritage Park on the Waco campus, where residents enjoyed water slides and field games. MCH is blessed to have had such a joyful season empowering all we serve to experience life to the fullest.
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# Youth Profile: Kristopher – From Anger to Aspiration
At just 17-years-old, Kristopher has already experienced a lifetime of challenges and transformations. Leaving his home in Dallas, where he was one of nine siblings, he arrived at Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) in September 2022 seeking a fresh start.
Reflecting on his past, Kristopher openly discusses the circumstances that led to his decision to seek supports offered at MCH.
“I didn’t like people,” he admits. “I was angry and kept people at a distance because of how I was treated.”
Struggling both academically and behaviorally, Kristopher’s anger drove him to run away multiple times, finding temporary comfort being unhoused and forgotten until authorities located him and brought him home.
Adjusting to life at MCH came with its own challenges. Kristopher’s ongoing battle with anger and resentment led to frequent fighting and required clinical interventions to manage his feelings and outbursts. Since then, he has become more self-aware of his need for care.
“I’ve matured a lot and am more emotionally intelligent today than I was two years ago,” Kristopher explained. “I now know how to ask for what I need and that there are people here willing to listen to me.”
Kristopher’s journey is one of remarkable personal growth, transitioning from a place of strong anger to one of emotional regulation and academic focus. With a background in drum line, Kristopher anticipates getting involved in the after-school program this fall as he completes his last semester at MCH.
In addition to his personal interests and pursuits, Kristopher works at a local shoe store. His responsibilities include assisting customers, managing the cash register and taking inventory of merchandise. This job serves as a stepping stone toward his larger goals.
“Now that my schooling is back on track, I want to work on my business degree so I can be financially independent one day,” he said. “I realize I have control over my actions and my dreams and know what I need to do to set myself up for success.”
Kristopher plans to attend Tarleton State University through the McLennan Community College University Center after graduation and then go into car sales or real estate. Despite his past, Kristopher’s hope for the future is grounded in his faith and commitment to personal accountability.
“I believe in kindness because I’ve always believed in Christ,” Kristopher explained. “Despite everything that has happened in my life, my faith is what I can count on when people let me down.”
Among the many supports MCH provides residential youth, Kristopher’s case manager stands out as a significant source of stability in his continuous growth and development. Walter Rusek, case manager for residential services, speaks highly of Kristopher, emphasizing he is a motivated and self-sufficient individual.
“I’m proud of Kristopher’s growth and how he has come out of his shell since coming to MCH,” Rusek praised. “He is a man of his word and I respect him for that. I wish nothing more than for him to accomplish his goals and continue trusting his support team who care deeply about him.”
Kristopher’s advice to other young people who might be struggling or considering a place like MCH is to focus on doing what’s right.
“Do what you think is best for yourself,” he said. “If you trust your instincts and make the best of your situation, then places like MCH can offer you possibilities you didn’t know you had.”
Kristopher’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and perspective. Coming from a place of anger and apathy, he has grown into a young man with clear goals and the determination to achieve them.
“I feel confident about my future because I know who I can trust,” Kristopher said. “I will always be flawed, but I am able to prosper because of who the Lord promises to be.”
# Summer 2024 Advancement News
## MCH Celebrates $500K Day Success
On July 11, the Department for Advancement held its annual $500K Day fundraiser, a one-day online matching gift challenge. Thanks to our generous partners, donations were doubled and MCH raised $541,542.37 from 559 gifts through this year’s campaign. Every dollar raised covers direct care costs.
Kelly Lawson, advancement administrator, said, “We are incredibly humbled by and thankful for the individuals, groups and churches that participated in $500K Day this year. This extraordinary response demonstrates the heart our donors have for each young person and family in our care. $500K Day is just one of many days throughout the year we get to celebrate those who give generously to MCH. It is a tremendous blessing to have such tangible reminders of those who are praying for and supporting the children and families we serve across Texas and New Mexico.”
$500K Day began in 2014 as $100K Day. Due to an increase in interest and popularity, this special fundraiser has grown to what it is today. We celebrate the success of $500K Day and our amazing donors for the crucial role they play in our mission. Thanks again to all MCH supporters for your invaluable friendship and generosity.