NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

New athletic program provides competitive sports for Waco campus
MCH began a new athletic program in August for students in the MCH charter school on the Waco campus. Student-athletes will compete in flag football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, soccer and track. Kevin Henry, a Baylor University graduate, serves as the Home's athletic director. MCH teams compete against schools in the Texas charter school league.

MCH youth participate in national leadership event
Five MCH youth joined 200 teens from other child care agencies for a weeklong national leadership conference in Arkansas prior to the beginning of the school year. Participants enjoyed worship, discipleship and recreation at the Group Home Summer Leadership Conference at Shepherd of the Ozarks in Harriet, Ark.

MCH reaches goal to serve 1,000 children
Methodist Children's Home reached a special milestone in April by serving 1,000 children and youth in daily care. The Home offers services to children in Texas and New Mexico through residential care, foster care and a variety of family services.

Mary Bilheimer receives national award
Mary Bilheimer, a member of the Home's child care staff, was named Residential Supervisor of the Year by the Coalition for Residential Education (CORE). Mrs. Bilheimer served 34 years as a social worker at MCH before being named manager of one of the Home's 16 units on the Waco campus in May 2007. CORE is the national nonprofit organization of residential education programs for economically and socially disadvantaged youth.

MCH students earn UIL Recognition
Three MCH youth have advanced to the state UIL music competition. Ashleigh, Irwin and Sean received a first division rating in Class I vocal selection during the UIL Solo/Ensemble contest in February. They will compete at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest, which will be held in San Marcos in May.

Lindy Dehm receives distinguished staff award
Lindy Dehm, director of transition services at MCH, received the distinguished staff award from the Home's Alumni Association in March. Dehm directs a program that supports former residents as they make the transition to independent living, including college or full-time employment.