Greetings!
Greetings! Now that summer is upon us, the youth here at the United Methodist Children's Home are getting a break from academics and focusing on new activities. A summer softball league, hiking and swimming are great ways to rejuvenate the spirit.
Children and families here are still in need, however, and don't get to take a break from life's difficulties. If you would like to help enrich a child's summer - and yours, too - by volunteering your time, contact our volunteer coordinator. We especially need volunteers to help serve dinner at our Thursday evening softball games. If you or your group is interested, send us an email. The entire UMCH community participates in the Twilight Softball League, a tradition that is the highlight of the summer! Thank you for all you do to support our ministry to children and families! We pray that your summer is off to a great start. |
| CELEBRATING ACCOMPLISHMENTS | |
| Congratulations Graduates!
 This year UMCH had the honor of celebrating with seven of our youth graduating from high school. Each graduate was presented with a new suitcase to accompany them on new endeavors. Many of these students already have plans to attend college and continue their education. Four scholarships were also handed out to deserving young people who were recognized for overcoming hardships with determination and a sense of humor. Join us in congratulating:
Andrea W.
Ebony M.
Desiree W.
Dustin P.
Jerrod M.
Latisha B.
Mirian J.
and also Jessica M., a rising 9th grader who received her school's Outstanding Science Award. We are so proud of the educational success of our students.
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| INDEPENDENT LIVING COTTAGE REOPENS | |
| Room to Bloom
 About 200 people recently gathered on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to celebrate the reopening of Leigh Cottage. Many volunteers, inlcuding local firefighters who helped put out the fire, came out to enjoy music by Wild At Heart, plant sunflowers alongside the cottage and enjoy cake.
UMCH would like to thank local fire fighters for their help in rebuilding along with the United Methodist Men and GlenCastle Construction. A big "thank you" also goes to the many churches and individuals who pitched in with gifts and service. Every effort is appreciated and a blessing to us. The cottage will be the new home of Independent Living students who are preparing for life on their own. Six apartment style rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and bath to provide opportunities to live independently but with close supervision to ensure success. To see more photos of the celebration service click here. |
| THE "HOW TO" CORNER | |
The Advantages of Pet Ownership
 Spring and early summer are popular times to add a furry friend to your family. Children raised with pets show many benefits. Positive relationships with pets can contribute to a child's self-esteem and aid in the development of trusting relationships with others. A pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy. Pets can serve many different purposes for children:
They are safe recipients of secrets and thoughts.
They help develop responsible behavior.
They provide a connection to nature.
They teach respect for other living things.
Other physical and emotional needs fulfilled by pet ownership include p hysical activity, comfort, love, loyalty, and affection.
From American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry |
