C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Southwest Center for Higher Independence students CinthiaAmaro and Christopher Ramirez attend the 15th Annual Walkwith Jesus retreat at MMH in April.

SUMMER 2011

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSAN ANTONIO, TX

PERMIT #244

Return Service Requested

Walk with Jesus celebrates 15 yearsSCHI students learn about faith, create meaningful relationshipswith Christ

Blue Skies

To help SCHI students find a church they would like to call their own,

Chaplain Williams spends time with them visiting area churches so they

may become familiar with their choices.

“Each student can decide where they want to go,” said Williams. “God

works on us in different ways. What’s right for one person is not for the

other. Some people like a more traditional service, while others like

something more modern.”

Currently, SCHI students attend service at a number of churches

across the city, including Bandera Road City Church, Grace

Point Baptist and Western Hills Christian Church, where

volunteers pick up students on Sundays. Many deaf and hard-

of-hearing students attend New Life Deaf Fellowship at

the Northern Hills United Methodist Church campus.

“I really like my church,” said Oiram Alanis, who goes

to Bandera Road City Church. “There is live music and

lots of praise and worship.”

Students find church that suits them best

Since joining Methodist Mission Home (MMH) two years ago, Chaplain Carol Williams

has seen a spiritual growth within the students at the Southwest Center for Higher Independence

(SCHI), a transitional education center for young adults with disabilities.

Walk with Jesus is a three-day retreat designed to provide students with the opportunity to

talk about Jesus and learn how to have a relationship with Him. Walk with Jesus is the beginning

of their transformational experience. This year marked the 15th year of the event.

“You could really feel the presence of the Holy Spirit working with the students,” said Williams.

“Walk with Jesus showed them ways to overcome barriers in their lives and adjust their priorities.”

Williams herself was moved by a student’s heartfelt confession during the event, which

includes discussions, art projects, theatrical skits and other activities, all conducted by committed

volunteers. (Story continues on page 2)

From My Heart(Page 2)

2010 Annual Report(Page 3)

Matching Gifts(Page 4)

Adoption Services:Ian and Denetrice

(Page 5)

Top Giving Churches(Page 6)

Honors & Memorials(Page 7)

Around Campus(Page 8)

IN THIS ISSUE

SCHI student Kristian Thomas hangs outwith the Easter Bunny during the Easteregg hunt at MMH.

SCHI students Tyler Kowald and Kathy Biggspresent MMH board member Heb Cutrer with aphoto of students saying thank you for thedonation of a big-screen TV for the SCHI dormitory.

SCHI student Meagan Lemon accepts God

into her life during her baptism at the MMH

chapel alongside family and friends.

SCHI Assistant Residential Services SupervisorWanda Poppell visits with former SCHI studentMichael Maxey, who graduated from theprogram in the early 80s.

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Your giving spirit enables Methodist Mission Home to offer

hope and abundant life to people we serve. Lives are transformed

for people in our Home facing spiritually, emotionally and physically

challenging circumstances.

For 116 years, we have prepared the way for people to lead

enriched, rewarding and satisfying lives. Vulnerable and confused

pregnant teens and young women seeking a loving home for their

child. Couples anxious to adopt a child. Young adults with disabilities eager to gain

confidence and competence to be independent in their own home.

Our ministry has opened doors of promise for more than 5,760 children placed

into loving homes and more than 1,360 young adults with disabilities who reached

their personal level of independence.

Thank you for being a doer of the Word. Helping someone who can’t repay you.

Leaving others a little better than you found them. Evaluating your actions not by

the harvest produced, but by the seeds you’re sowing. Together we are transforming

lives and reshaping futures.

With Faith, Hope and Love,

Jennifer Sample

Executive Director

Blue Skies is the official newsletter of MethodistMission Home. We welcome your comments,suggestions and ideas.

Contact usKiko Martinez, Methodist Mission Home,

6487 Whitby Road, San Antonio, TX 78240(210) 696-2410 x177 • kiko@mmhome.org

Visit us on the Web at: www.mmhome.org

If you would like to join or leave our mailing listor change your address, please fill out the returnenvelope enclosed in this newsletter. Be sureto check the “change of address” box.

Please note: Our mailing list is for internal useonly. We do not sell or release names to otherorganizations or businesses.

Visit MMH on Facebook and Twitter

“We chose adoption as our way to grow our family. Everyone at Methodist Mission Home

(MMH) worked tirelessly to find the perfect match between our family and the birth family.

We are now blessed with a beautiful little girl named Savannah Grace.” ~ Frank T.

“The staff at Methodist Mission Home guided my husband and I through the adoption

process from start to finish. All team members we encountered were professional, helpful,

caring and more than exceeded our expectations in what we wanted to achieve in our adoption

experience.” ~ Crystal C.

“We adopted our son through Methodist Mission Home (MMH) 18 months ago. MMH

guided us through the paperwork and supported us through the waiting process. They also

helped us at the hospital and with all of the legal issues surrounding adoption. They are

professional and, more importantly, kind.” ~ Amanda B.

“I am an adoptee from this wonderful Home. Many years ago I was placed with the

most incredible parents that the world has ever known. My life has been exceptional

and very happy. I owe so much to MMH for the fabulous life I have been fortunate

enough to live.” ~ Sharon D.

“I was adopted from the Methodist Mission Home in 1969. I am very appreciative for what

MMH did for my birth mother during her challenging times as a mother who was too young

to properly care for me at the time.” ~ Kenner C.

We are grateful for your ongoing support of MMH.Please consider leaving a legacy of love for thisministry with a gift in your will or estate plan.

METHODIST MISSION HOME

Honorary Board

Pat CampSharon Lord Daggett

Jenks GarrettRev. Dr. Joan Labarr

Advisory Board

Rev. Charles AndersonDr. Mario BarreraRev. Ann BartonDr. Raymond BrighamDr. Harold BurkhardtRev. Dale ChanceNanci GibbonsRev. Chris HayesDr. Ronald HendersonNancy Hunt

John MackenzieTim MerriweatherDr. Tammy MurdockDr. Thomas PaceJudge Henry SantanaA. Ray StephensAbel Vega, Jr.Karen WellsRev. Mark Woodward

Board of Trustees

Jay AldisDr. William BryanRev. Steve ChappellKenner CoonBishop Jim DorffRev. Greg EdwardsRev. Richard EdwardsTom GiltnerJacquelyn GuzleyDan Hanke

Rev. Dr. Tom HudspethRev. Katherine LyleRaquel MariscalRichard PlantoEula PurnellRev. Tom RobbinsKen SchwenkeRev. Nick SholarsDr. Ron Swain

Louise Taylor, ChairKent Leighton, Chair-ElectDavid Kinder, Past Chair

Bill Avera, SecretaryHeb Cutrer, Treasurer

Walk with Jesus (Continued from Page 1)

“One of the students came

up and said, ‘Carol, I go to

church but I really don’t know

how to pray,’” Williams said.

“I thought if she feels that way

then others probably do, too.”

During Walk with Jesus,

Williams taught her students

about prayer and what it means

to pray to God. She continued

the lessons after Walk with Jesus

by offering Prayer 101 classes to students

interested in more of these spiritual

conversations.

“Our students are young adults, but

sometimes they might not understand

some of the concepts about prayer,”

Williams said. “As they experienced

Walk with Jesus, they realized Christ is

there for them, and wants to see them

succeed. I think that is a message many

of them hadn’t heard before.”

Students and volunteers at the 2011 WalkWith Jesus retreat.

Meagan Smith was one of the 25

SCHI students who participated in Walk

with Jesus this year. She urged more

students to take advantage of the

fellowship.

“Walk with Jesus taught us to know

Jesus and how to accept him,” said Smith.

“It was a really amazing weekend.”

People speak their mind about adoptionand Methodist Mission Home

In Honor ofIn Memory ofEileen Lehmbergfrom Aldersgate-Highland TerraceUnited Methodist WomenKaralyn Marie Hollisfrom Mrs. Helen HollisSean and Kevin Hellmonfrom Mr.and Mrs. George CrooksSuzanne Elliottfrom Mrs. Phyrne O'DayOur Four Grandchildrenfrom Jerry and Laverne JohnsonTom Butlerfrom Robert and Jane ButlerRev. and Tina Forehandfrom Ms. Marian ForehandBishop Jim Dorff and Barbara Dorfffrom Dalia Treviño

Mrs. Lena Crosby ...................................................Dr. and Mrs. Anton OstroffArt O'Connell ..........................................................Louise A. TaylorDoris Bennight Schmidt .........................................Charles and Dorothy TiptonJoseph Jamieson ...................................................The Acklie and Ostergard FamiliesTalmadge H. Bredemeyer on his 80th Birthday ......Martha BredemeyerHazel Leissner ........................................................Martin and Pat FiedlerRobert Kirksey........................................................Esther DixonVerla Lewis .............................................................Sonya WillisCraig Muenzler .......................................................Mr. and Mrs. Marvin MuenzleEdna Colmenares ...................................................Felix ColmenaresJohn Doggett..........................................................Mr. James Davis and Dr. Julianne DavisRuth Howard ..........................................................Connie and David BrakebillWillie Mae Beckendorf ...........................................Rev. Harvey BeckendorfLinda Lay Shulen....................................................Blanche Turner HextMaxine Kissman .....................................................Mr. and Mrs. Billy ReagorDavid Howell...........................................................Jean and Leon ReevesAngela Blachard .....................................................Mrs. Helen LeiningerGeorge Linnstaedt..................................................Rev. Robert LinnstaedtJanet Lynn Perry ....................................................Mr. J. W. PerryBetty B. Jackson ....................................................Mr. James A. JacksonRita Polen, Beloved Wife and Mother ......................Mr. Jerry W. Polen and Jeremy B. PoleJana Blaire Nunnally ..............................................Mr. and Mrs. James NunnallyJames H. Addison ..................................................Louise Addison Taylor

Bob and Linda EiddBarbara, Nancy and Louise Hagoo

Angela Barnett........................................................Neil and Kathleen BlanchardJames H. Stewart, Jr. ............................................Mr. and Mrs. Hubert F. Williams

Mrs. James Stewart, Jr.My Husband, J.R. Bates ........................................Mrs. Shirley Bates

Some of the best results from the Great

Nonprofits survey were the heartwarming

reviews people shared about their

experience with us. Testimonials included

everything from the joy of raising an

adopted child to someone revisiting their

own happy childhood as an adoptee.

Jennifer Sample, Executive DirectorCarol Williams, Chaplain

Helen Huff, Adoption Services DirectorDennis Tucker, SCHI Director

Catherine Walker, Development DirectorKiko Martinez, Marketing Director

Saren Spicer, Development &Planned Giving Officer

Philip Garza, Development &Community Relations Officer

Elizabeth Sullivan,Development Coordinator

Administration

2Blue Skies SUMMER 2011 7

From My Heart

Gifts

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

• Our Adoption Services served 248 pregnant teens and young women inquiring

about adoption. Of these, 49 enrolled as birth mothers, 11 resided in our Maternity

Center and 57 percent placed babies with adoptive families. We placed a total of

34 babies and children with loving adoptive families through Domestic Infant,

International and Older Child adoptions. In all, we served 553 adoptive families.

• We provided post-adoption services to 422 adult adoptees, adoptive parents, birth

parents and other relatives.

• Through Adoption Education and Outreach Services, we provided information

about adoption to more than 1,107 families, at-risk youth, healthcare professionals,

teens and young women.

• Our Southwest Center for Higher Independence (SCHI) provided transitional education,

including life and vocational skills to 134 young adults with disabilities. SCHI students

work to overcome barriers and achieve their personal level of independent living.

• Generations of Promise, our campaign for the future, raised $3,753,762 and allowed

us to complete Phase 1 renovations of the SCHI Dormitory and Maternity Center.

Our endowment fund raised $765,562 of our $1 million goal. Phase 2 began in

January 2011, with goals of $5.5 million for campus renovations and a $1.3 million

endowment.

• Our Genesis Cooperative is a self-supporting collaborative of five nonprofits located

on the MMH campus. We hosted campus activities, including Easter and

Thanksgiving church services and a Christmas celebration for women recovering

from substance abuse and their children, adults who are deaf/blind, young people

with disabilities and pregnant teens and young women.

• In collaboration with the San Antonio Food Bank, we provided basic culinary

training to 12 SCHI students, opening the door to a job in a commercial kitchen.

Program Services.......................$2,159,575Management & General..................622,657Fundraising .....................................354,549Total Expenses**........................$3,136,781

2010 Year in Review

SCHI graduate Anastacia Saenz prepares ameal to complete her final with the San AntonioFood Bank’s culinary arts program.

2010 Annual Report2010 Donations

Church donations by Conference*

*MMH does not receive apportionments

**Includes $74,607 Revenues and Expenses for CapitalCampaign

Texas ..............................................$69,839Southwest .........................................63,760Northwest Texas ...............................32,812North Texas.......................................29,649Central Texas....................................21,345New Mexico ......................................10,132Rio Grande.............................................753

Church Total.................................$228,290Individual Gifts/Board .....................585,118Foundations/Corps ...........................80,000Bequests.........................................184,186

Total Donations.........................$1,077,594

Sources of Revenue

Contributions..............................$ 997,594Fees for Services .........................2,403,892Grants & Corp. ..................................80,000Investments & Royalties..................125,479Other Income ..................................109,822

Total Revenues**.......................$3,716,787

Contributions26.8%

Fees for Services 64.7%

Grants & Corp.2.2%

Investments & Royalties3.4%

Other3.0%

Expenses

ProgramServices68.8%

Fundraising11.3%

Marvin UMC .......................................Tyler ........Dr. John C. Robbins...................$14,835.00Lake Ridge UMC .........................Lubbock........Rev. Bill J. Couch...........................9,327.59Coker UMC .............................San Antonio........Rev. Barbara R. Galloway..............8,147.33St. Luke’s UMC........................Haltom City........Rev. Tom Connolly .........................5,664.00Tarrytown UMC ................................Austin........Rev. Robert E. Hall.........................4,788.65John Wesley UMC ........................Houston........Rev. James W. Foster ....................4,500.00First UMC................................Marble Falls ........Rev. Ralph D. Mann .......................3,911.50Bethany UMC...................................Austin........Rev. Thomas F. Deviney ................3,790.19First UMC ...........................................Paris ........Rev. Van L. Lazaroff.......................3,374.16Crosby UMC...................................Crosby........Dr. Barbara G. Harrelson ...............3,224.84First UMC........................................Boerne........Rev. Fred E. Martin ........................3,152.99First UMC...................................Fort Worth........Dr. Timothy K. Bruster....................3,000.00Trietsch Memorial UMC.......Flower Mound........Dr. John S. Allen ............................2,553.00Plymouth Park UMC ..........................Irving........Dr. William E. LaBarr ......................2,502.00Memorial Drive UMC ....................Houston........Rev. Charles B. Simmons ..............2,500.00St. Paul UMC.................................Amarillo ........Rev. Steven T. Chappell ................2,393.95Kingwood UMC..........................Kingwood........Rev. Jimmy M. Welch.....................2,350.00Cedar Bayou Grace UMC ............Baytown........Rev. Carol Turner ...........................2,236.40First UMC....................................Huntsville ........Rev. Scott Dornbush ......................2,197.03First UMC ....................................Gonzales........Rev. William A. Smith .....................2,150.00Tomball UMC ................................Tomball ........Rev. Thomas Lyles, Jr....................1,903.92First UMC ..........................................Irving........Rev. David J. Turner ......................1,775.00First UMC ...............................Georgetown........Dr. Steve Langford.........................1,716.00Windcrest UMC ......................San Antonio........Rev. Lonnie B. Phillips ...................1,705.00First UMC .....................................Hereford........Rev. Kevin S. Bushart ....................1,678.83St. John’s UMC .....................Albuquerque........Rev. Craig Cockrell ........................1,619.50First UMC.....................................Rockwall ........Rev. Joe C. Pool.............................1,563.00First UMC .......................................Temple........Rev. Thomas Q. Robbins, Jr. .........1,402.00First UMC............................New Braunfels........Rev. J. Keith R. Wyatt.....................1,376.12First UMC ......................................Garland........Rev. Frederick L. Durham..............1,275.00

First UMC...........................................Olton........Rev. Larry Holder .........................$7,386.00Fellowship UMC .....................Trophy Club........Rev. Daniel D. Humbert .................3,526.00First UMC................................Sterling City........Rev. Richard M. West ....................2,194.29First UMC............................San Augustine........Rev. Sara V. Barberee ...................2,150.00First UMC ....................................Seminole........Rev. C. M. Gregory ........................1,868.48First UMC ...................................Shamrock........Rev. Lewis A. Brooks .....................1,850.79First UMC........................................Bullard........Rev. Randy Fitzgerald....................1,772.00Texico-FarwellHamlin Memorial UMC....................Farwell ........Rev. Randall Partin.........................1,750.00First UMC ....................................Smithville ........Rev. Karen S. Boehk ......................1,392.03First UMC.....................................Littlefield........Rev. Gary D. Boles.........................1,230.00First UMC....................................Muleshoe........Rev. Monty J. Leavell .....................1,141.50Axe Memorial UMC .......................Garland........Rev. E. Ben Read...........................1,140.00Kessler Park UMC............................Dallas........Rev. David Carr..............................1,044.25Berkeley UMC ..................................Austin........Rev. Jeanne D. Devine ..................1,036.00Trinity UMC .............................San Antonio........Rev. Anna M. Decker .....................1,023.00First UMC................................Daingerfield........Rev. Dan Gilliam ...............................993.39Gaddis Memorial UMC..................Comfort ........Rev. Jason A. Teague.......................976.00New Home UMC ..........................Lubbock........Rev. Rick Wolfe .................................910.00Crestview UMC ................................Austin........Rev. Linda S. Elford ..........................903.50Highland Lakes UMC........Buchanan Dam........Rev. W. Grady Roe ...........................871.22First UMC .......................................Dimmitt ........Rev. Derrel Evins...............................850.00First UMC ...................................Iowa Park........Rev. John Kay ...................................828.00First UMC.........................................Gallup........Rev. Scott Penrod .............................813.45New Fountain UMC .........................Hondo........Rev. Charles L. Parker ......................771.21First UMC......................................Lockney........Rev. Richard S. Carstensen..............770.00Linden UMC ....................................Linden........Rev. Kevin D. Young .........................750.00Coldspring UMC ......................Coldspring........Rev. David N. Green .........................740.00First UMC ......................................De Kalb........Rev. Tony E. Hoefner ........................724.00Monthalia UMC ...................................Cost ........Rev. Paul N. Smith ............................723.00Asbury UMC ..................................Odessa........Rev. Rick Ennis .................................716.26

Methodist Mission Home recognizesour churches for their 2010 supportWhile Methodist Mission Home

(MMH) does not receive

apportionments from the Methodist

Church, we see evidence every day of

God working in the lives of the people

we serve through the generosity of

churches and their pastors.

Churches, 500 Members or More

Marvin United Methodist Churchin Tyler, Texas.

Churches, 499 Members or LessMMH would like to

express sincere

gratitude to all of our

churches for being an

instrument of God’s

grace through prayers

and financial support.

Management & General

19.9%

36Blue Skies SUMMER 2011

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Many companies have corporate matching gift programs to match

employee or even retiree donations to charitable organizations. Corporate

matching gifts are a way for you to make a larger gift to MMH,

sometimes even doubling your original gift. Look into it to see

if this might be a simple way for you to increase the impact

of your gift to MMH.

What you’ll need to do:

• Check with Human Resources or your Payroll

Department to find out if there is a

matching gift program and ask for the

guidelines for the program.

• Ask for the form or online

application to fill out and enclose

with your gift to Methodist Mission

Home.

• When we receive your form and

contribution, we’ll verify the details and

return it to your employer to receive the

matching amount.

It’s that simple.

Birth parents give their childthe gift of a loving family

Seventeen-year-old Denetrice was scared when she found

out she was pregnant. How could she afford to raise a baby

when she was still in high school?

“I didn’t want to tell anyone,” Denetrice said. “I didn’t

know what I was going to do.”

Denetrice called her boyfriend Ian to let him know she

was pregnant with his baby and they decided together she

should get an abortion.

“I thought it was a good route at first,” Ian said. “We were

very young, didn’t have jobs and weren’t ready to raise a child.”

But Denetrice always knew she wanted to have a baby. As

a little girl, she would think of names for her future child and

dream of being the type of mom she never had.

“I wanted to raise my daughter the way I knew a mom

should raise a child,” Denetrice said. “I wanted to be the best

mom I could be, but I was too young to take care of my baby.

I didn't want to raise her on food stamps and welfare, because

that’s how I was raised.”

Although she knew she could not raise a baby even with

Ian’s support, the idea of getting an abortion slowly weighed

on her more and more and Ian saw Denetrice’s unhappiness.

“When I looked at her, I could tell she was feeling really

bad about it and I knew we needed to come up with another

option,” he said.

Researching online, Denetrice read about

adoption and liked the fact that in an open

adoption, birth parents can choose the adoptive

parents for their baby. She was also glad to see

that both families develop the adoption plan,

which could include occasional updates and

photos of the baby and even yearly visits.

“At first, I thought adoption meant I

had to give my baby away and never know

about her again but always wonder about

her,” Denetrice said. “I didn’t want her

to think I chose adoption because I didn’t

love her. Adoption was the best thing

I could do for my daughter.”

At Methodist Mission Home (MMH), Adoption Services

Director Helen Huff explained everything Denetrice and Ian

needed to know about open adoption and answered all their

questions, reassuring them that they were in good hands if

they decided to choose adoption.

In May 2010, Denetrice gave birth to a baby girl. She

and Ian decided to place her with a loving family from

Lewisville, Texas. They felt the family was open-minded,

creative and would raise their daughter to take pride in her

biracial background.

“We picked the family we felt was right for us,” Denetrice

said. “We made the right decision and we’re happy because

now she can grow up with the parents she needs.”

Ian and Denetrice placed their daughter foradoption at Methodist Mission Home in May.

Matching GiftsDoes your company offer a corporatematching gift program?

Another idea: Watch for

matching opportunities

through community or

Internet fundraising efforts

if your company doesn’t offer

a matching gift program.

Scan this tag withyour mobile SmartPhone

to see our 2011 video.

Get a free mobile appat http://gettag.mobi

2011MMHVideo

54Blue Skies SUMMER 2011

Methodist Mission

Home was named a

Top-Rated Children &

Families Nonprofit at

GreatNonprofits.org.

Since its founding in

2007, Great Nonprofits

has quickly grown into the leading provider of reviews and ratings of nonprofit

organizations throughout the U.S.

Thanks to everyone who shared their positive experiences working with

MMH. If you haven’t had a chance to visit our page, stop by and also take a

look at our new 2011 Overview video. We’d love you to share it with your

friends and family.

Great Nonprofits givesMMH a top rating

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Many companies have corporate matching gift programs to match

employee or even retiree donations to charitable organizations. Corporate

matching gifts are a way for you to make a larger gift to MMH,

sometimes even doubling your original gift. Look into it to see

if this might be a simple way for you to increase the impact

of your gift to MMH.

What you’ll need to do:

• Check with Human Resources or your Payroll

Department to find out if there is a

matching gift program and ask for the

guidelines for the program.

• Ask for the form or online

application to fill out and enclose

with your gift to Methodist Mission

Home.

• When we receive your form and

contribution, we’ll verify the details and

return it to your employer to receive the

matching amount.

It’s that simple.

Birth parents give their childthe gift of a loving family

Seventeen-year-old Denetrice was scared when she found

out she was pregnant. How could she afford to raise a baby

when she was still in high school?

“I didn’t want to tell anyone,” Denetrice said. “I didn’t

know what I was going to do.”

Denetrice called her boyfriend Ian to let him know she

was pregnant with his baby and they decided together she

should get an abortion.

“I thought it was a good route at first,” Ian said. “We were

very young, didn’t have jobs and weren’t ready to raise a child.”

But Denetrice always knew she wanted to have a baby. As

a little girl, she would think of names for her future child and

dream of being the type of mom she never had.

“I wanted to raise my daughter the way I knew a mom

should raise a child,” Denetrice said. “I wanted to be the best

mom I could be, but I was too young to take care of my baby.

I didn't want to raise her on food stamps and welfare, because

that’s how I was raised.”

Although she knew she could not raise a baby even with

Ian’s support, the idea of getting an abortion slowly weighed

on her more and more and Ian saw Denetrice’s unhappiness.

“When I looked at her, I could tell she was feeling really

bad about it and I knew we needed to come up with another

option,” he said.

Researching online, Denetrice read about

adoption and liked the fact that in an open

adoption, birth parents can choose the adoptive

parents for their baby. She was also glad to see

that both families develop the adoption plan,

which could include occasional updates and

photos of the baby and even yearly visits.

“At first, I thought adoption meant I

had to give my baby away and never know

about her again but always wonder about

her,” Denetrice said. “I didn’t want her

to think I chose adoption because I didn’t

love her. Adoption was the best thing

I could do for my daughter.”

At Methodist Mission Home (MMH), Adoption Services

Director Helen Huff explained everything Denetrice and Ian

needed to know about open adoption and answered all their

questions, reassuring them that they were in good hands if

they decided to choose adoption.

In May 2010, Denetrice gave birth to a baby girl. She

and Ian decided to place her with a loving family from

Lewisville, Texas. They felt the family was open-minded,

creative and would raise their daughter to take pride in her

biracial background.

“We picked the family we felt was right for us,” Denetrice

said. “We made the right decision and we’re happy because

now she can grow up with the parents she needs.”

Ian and Denetrice placed their daughter foradoption at Methodist Mission Home in May.

Matching GiftsDoes your company offer a corporatematching gift program?

Another idea: Watch for

matching opportunities

through community or

Internet fundraising efforts

if your company doesn’t offer

a matching gift program.

Scan this tag withyour mobile SmartPhone

to see our 2011 video.

Get a free mobile appat http://gettag.mobi

2011MMHVideo

54Blue Skies SUMMER 2011

Methodist Mission

Home was named a

Top-Rated Children &

Families Nonprofit at

GreatNonprofits.org.

Since its founding in

2007, Great Nonprofits

has quickly grown into the leading provider of reviews and ratings of nonprofit

organizations throughout the U.S.

Thanks to everyone who shared their positive experiences working with

MMH. If you haven’t had a chance to visit our page, stop by and also take a

look at our new 2011 Overview video. We’d love you to share it with your

friends and family.

Great Nonprofits givesMMH a top rating

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

• Our Adoption Services served 248 pregnant teens and young women inquiring

about adoption. Of these, 49 enrolled as birth mothers, 11 resided in our Maternity

Center and 57 percent placed babies with adoptive families. We placed a total of

34 babies and children with loving adoptive families through Domestic Infant,

International and Older Child adoptions. In all, we served 553 adoptive families.

• We provided post-adoption services to 422 adult adoptees, adoptive parents, birth

parents and other relatives.

• Through Adoption Education and Outreach Services, we provided information

about adoption to more than 1,107 families, at-risk youth, healthcare professionals,

teens and young women.

• Our Southwest Center for Higher Independence (SCHI) provided transitional education,

including life and vocational skills to 134 young adults with disabilities. SCHI students

work to overcome barriers and achieve their personal level of independent living.

• Generations of Promise, our campaign for the future, raised $3,753,762 and allowed

us to complete Phase 1 renovations of the SCHI Dormitory and Maternity Center.

Our endowment fund raised $765,562 of our $1 million goal. Phase 2 began in

January 2011, with goals of $5.5 million for campus renovations and a $1.3 million

endowment.

• Our Genesis Cooperative is a self-supporting collaborative of five nonprofits located

on the MMH campus. We hosted campus activities, including Easter and

Thanksgiving church services and a Christmas celebration for women recovering

from substance abuse and their children, adults who are deaf/blind, young people

with disabilities and pregnant teens and young women.

• In collaboration with the San Antonio Food Bank, we provided basic culinary

training to 12 SCHI students, opening the door to a job in a commercial kitchen.

Program Services.......................$2,159,575Management & General..................622,657Fundraising .....................................354,549Total Expenses**........................$3,136,781

2010 Year in Review

SCHI graduate Anastacia Saenz prepares ameal to complete her final with the San AntonioFood Bank’s culinary arts program.

2010 Annual Report2010 Donations

Church donations by Conference*

*MMH does not receive apportionments

**Includes $74,607 Revenues and Expenses for CapitalCampaign

Texas ..............................................$69,839Southwest .........................................63,760Northwest Texas ...............................32,812North Texas.......................................29,649Central Texas....................................21,345New Mexico ......................................10,132Rio Grande.............................................753

Church Total.................................$228,290Individual Gifts/Board .....................585,118Foundations/Corps ...........................80,000Bequests.........................................184,186

Total Donations.........................$1,077,594

Sources of Revenue

Contributions..............................$ 997,594Fees for Services .........................2,403,892Grants & Corp. ..................................80,000Investments & Royalties..................125,479Other Income ..................................109,822

Total Revenues**.......................$3,716,787

Contributions26.8%

Fees for Services 64.7%

Grants & Corp.2.2%

Investments & Royalties3.4%

Other3.0%

Expenses

ProgramServices68.8%

Fundraising11.3%

Marvin UMC .......................................Tyler ........Dr. John C. Robbins...................$14,835.00Lake Ridge UMC .........................Lubbock........Rev. Bill J. Couch...........................9,327.59Coker UMC .............................San Antonio........Rev. Barbara R. Galloway..............8,147.33St. Luke’s UMC........................Haltom City........Rev. Tom Connolly .........................5,664.00Tarrytown UMC ................................Austin........Rev. Robert E. Hall.........................4,788.65John Wesley UMC ........................Houston........Rev. James W. Foster ....................4,500.00First UMC................................Marble Falls ........Rev. Ralph D. Mann .......................3,911.50Bethany UMC...................................Austin........Rev. Thomas F. Deviney ................3,790.19First UMC ...........................................Paris ........Rev. Van L. Lazaroff.......................3,374.16Crosby UMC...................................Crosby........Dr. Barbara G. Harrelson ...............3,224.84First UMC........................................Boerne........Rev. Fred E. Martin ........................3,152.99First UMC...................................Fort Worth........Dr. Timothy K. Bruster....................3,000.00Trietsch Memorial UMC.......Flower Mound........Dr. John S. Allen ............................2,553.00Plymouth Park UMC ..........................Irving........Dr. William E. LaBarr ......................2,502.00Memorial Drive UMC ....................Houston........Rev. Charles B. Simmons ..............2,500.00St. Paul UMC.................................Amarillo ........Rev. Steven T. Chappell ................2,393.95Kingwood UMC..........................Kingwood........Rev. Jimmy M. Welch.....................2,350.00Cedar Bayou Grace UMC ............Baytown........Rev. Carol Turner ...........................2,236.40First UMC....................................Huntsville ........Rev. Scott Dornbush ......................2,197.03First UMC ....................................Gonzales........Rev. William A. Smith .....................2,150.00Tomball UMC ................................Tomball ........Rev. Thomas Lyles, Jr....................1,903.92First UMC ..........................................Irving........Rev. David J. Turner ......................1,775.00First UMC ...............................Georgetown........Dr. Steve Langford.........................1,716.00Windcrest UMC ......................San Antonio........Rev. Lonnie B. Phillips ...................1,705.00First UMC .....................................Hereford........Rev. Kevin S. Bushart ....................1,678.83St. John’s UMC .....................Albuquerque........Rev. Craig Cockrell ........................1,619.50First UMC.....................................Rockwall ........Rev. Joe C. Pool.............................1,563.00First UMC .......................................Temple........Rev. Thomas Q. Robbins, Jr. .........1,402.00First UMC............................New Braunfels........Rev. J. Keith R. Wyatt.....................1,376.12First UMC ......................................Garland........Rev. Frederick L. Durham..............1,275.00

First UMC...........................................Olton........Rev. Larry Holder .........................$7,386.00Fellowship UMC .....................Trophy Club........Rev. Daniel D. Humbert .................3,526.00First UMC................................Sterling City........Rev. Richard M. West ....................2,194.29First UMC............................San Augustine........Rev. Sara V. Barberee ...................2,150.00First UMC ....................................Seminole........Rev. C. M. Gregory ........................1,868.48First UMC ...................................Shamrock........Rev. Lewis A. Brooks .....................1,850.79First UMC........................................Bullard........Rev. Randy Fitzgerald....................1,772.00Texico-FarwellHamlin Memorial UMC....................Farwell ........Rev. Randall Partin.........................1,750.00First UMC ....................................Smithville ........Rev. Karen S. Boehk ......................1,392.03First UMC.....................................Littlefield........Rev. Gary D. Boles.........................1,230.00First UMC....................................Muleshoe........Rev. Monty J. Leavell .....................1,141.50Axe Memorial UMC .......................Garland........Rev. E. Ben Read...........................1,140.00Kessler Park UMC............................Dallas........Rev. David Carr..............................1,044.25Berkeley UMC ..................................Austin........Rev. Jeanne D. Devine ..................1,036.00Trinity UMC .............................San Antonio........Rev. Anna M. Decker .....................1,023.00First UMC................................Daingerfield........Rev. Dan Gilliam ...............................993.39Gaddis Memorial UMC..................Comfort ........Rev. Jason A. Teague.......................976.00New Home UMC ..........................Lubbock........Rev. Rick Wolfe .................................910.00Crestview UMC ................................Austin........Rev. Linda S. Elford ..........................903.50Highland Lakes UMC........Buchanan Dam........Rev. W. Grady Roe ...........................871.22First UMC .......................................Dimmitt ........Rev. Derrel Evins...............................850.00First UMC ...................................Iowa Park........Rev. John Kay ...................................828.00First UMC.........................................Gallup........Rev. Scott Penrod .............................813.45New Fountain UMC .........................Hondo........Rev. Charles L. Parker ......................771.21First UMC......................................Lockney........Rev. Richard S. Carstensen..............770.00Linden UMC ....................................Linden........Rev. Kevin D. Young .........................750.00Coldspring UMC ......................Coldspring........Rev. David N. Green .........................740.00First UMC ......................................De Kalb........Rev. Tony E. Hoefner ........................724.00Monthalia UMC ...................................Cost ........Rev. Paul N. Smith ............................723.00Asbury UMC ..................................Odessa........Rev. Rick Ennis .................................716.26

Methodist Mission Home recognizesour churches for their 2010 supportWhile Methodist Mission Home

(MMH) does not receive

apportionments from the Methodist

Church, we see evidence every day of

God working in the lives of the people

we serve through the generosity of

churches and their pastors.

Churches, 500 Members or More

Marvin United Methodist Churchin Tyler, Texas.

Churches, 499 Members or LessMMH would like to

express sincere

gratitude to all of our

churches for being an

instrument of God’s

grace through prayers

and financial support.

Management & General

19.9%

36Blue Skies SUMMER 2011

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Your giving spirit enables Methodist Mission Home to offer

hope and abundant life to people we serve. Lives are transformed

for people in our Home facing spiritually, emotionally and physically

challenging circumstances.

For 116 years, we have prepared the way for people to lead

enriched, rewarding and satisfying lives. Vulnerable and confused

pregnant teens and young women seeking a loving home for their

child. Couples anxious to adopt a child. Young adults with disabilities eager to gain

confidence and competence to be independent in their own home.

Our ministry has opened doors of promise for more than 5,760 children placed

into loving homes and more than 1,360 young adults with disabilities who reached

their personal level of independence.

Thank you for being a doer of the Word. Helping someone who can’t repay you.

Leaving others a little better than you found them. Evaluating your actions not by

the harvest produced, but by the seeds you’re sowing. Together we are transforming

lives and reshaping futures.

With Faith, Hope and Love,

Jennifer Sample

Executive Director

Blue Skies is the official newsletter of MethodistMission Home. We welcome your comments,suggestions and ideas.

Contact usKiko Martinez, Methodist Mission Home,

6487 Whitby Road, San Antonio, TX 78240(210) 696-2410 x177 • kiko@mmhome.org

Visit us on the Web at: www.mmhome.org

If you would like to join or leave our mailing listor change your address, please fill out the returnenvelope enclosed in this newsletter. Be sureto check the “change of address” box.

Please note: Our mailing list is for internal useonly. We do not sell or release names to otherorganizations or businesses.

Visit MMH on Facebook and Twitter

“We chose adoption as our way to grow our family. Everyone at Methodist Mission Home

(MMH) worked tirelessly to find the perfect match between our family and the birth family.

We are now blessed with a beautiful little girl named Savannah Grace.” ~ Frank T.

“The staff at Methodist Mission Home guided my husband and I through the adoption

process from start to finish. All team members we encountered were professional, helpful,

caring and more than exceeded our expectations in what we wanted to achieve in our adoption

experience.” ~ Crystal C.

“We adopted our son through Methodist Mission Home (MMH) 18 months ago. MMH

guided us through the paperwork and supported us through the waiting process. They also

helped us at the hospital and with all of the legal issues surrounding adoption. They are

professional and, more importantly, kind.” ~ Amanda B.

“I am an adoptee from this wonderful Home. Many years ago I was placed with the

most incredible parents that the world has ever known. My life has been exceptional

and very happy. I owe so much to MMH for the fabulous life I have been fortunate

enough to live.” ~ Sharon D.

“I was adopted from the Methodist Mission Home in 1969. I am very appreciative for what

MMH did for my birth mother during her challenging times as a mother who was too young

to properly care for me at the time.” ~ Kenner C.

We are grateful for your ongoing support of MMH.Please consider leaving a legacy of love for thisministry with a gift in your will or estate plan.

METHODIST MISSION HOME

Honorary Board

Pat CampSharon Lord Daggett

Jenks GarrettRev. Dr. Joan Labarr

Advisory Board

Rev. Charles AndersonDr. Mario BarreraRev. Ann BartonDr. Raymond BrighamDr. Harold BurkhardtRev. Dale ChanceNanci GibbonsRev. Chris HayesDr. Ronald HendersonNancy Hunt

John MackenzieTim MerriweatherDr. Tammy MurdockDr. Thomas PaceJudge Henry SantanaA. Ray StephensAbel Vega, Jr.Karen WellsRev. Mark Woodward

Board of Trustees

Jay AldisDr. William BryanRev. Steve ChappellKenner CoonBishop Jim DorffRev. Greg EdwardsRev. Richard EdwardsTom GiltnerJacquelyn GuzleyDan Hanke

Rev. Dr. Tom HudspethRev. Katherine LyleRaquel MariscalRichard PlantoEula PurnellRev. Tom RobbinsKen SchwenkeRev. Nick SholarsDr. Ron Swain

Louise Taylor, ChairKent Leighton, Chair-ElectDavid Kinder, Past Chair

Bill Avera, SecretaryHeb Cutrer, Treasurer

Walk with Jesus (Continued from Page 1)

“One of the students came

up and said, ‘Carol, I go to

church but I really don’t know

how to pray,’” Williams said.

“I thought if she feels that way

then others probably do, too.”

During Walk with Jesus,

Williams taught her students

about prayer and what it means

to pray to God. She continued

the lessons after Walk with Jesus

by offering Prayer 101 classes to students

interested in more of these spiritual

conversations.

“Our students are young adults, but

sometimes they might not understand

some of the concepts about prayer,”

Williams said. “As they experienced

Walk with Jesus, they realized Christ is

there for them, and wants to see them

succeed. I think that is a message many

of them hadn’t heard before.”

Students and volunteers at the 2011 WalkWith Jesus retreat.

Meagan Smith was one of the 25

SCHI students who participated in Walk

with Jesus this year. She urged more

students to take advantage of the

fellowship.

“Walk with Jesus taught us to know

Jesus and how to accept him,” said Smith.

“It was a really amazing weekend.”

People speak their mind about adoptionand Methodist Mission Home

In Honor ofIn Memory ofEileen Lehmbergfrom Aldersgate-Highland TerraceUnited Methodist WomenKaralyn Marie Hollisfrom Mrs. Helen HollisSean and Kevin Hellmonfrom Mr.and Mrs. George CrooksSuzanne Elliottfrom Mrs. Phyrne O'DayOur Four Grandchildrenfrom Jerry and Laverne JohnsonTom Butlerfrom Robert and Jane ButlerRev. and Tina Forehandfrom Ms. Marian ForehandBishop Jim Dorff and Barbara Dorfffrom Dalia Treviño

Mrs. Lena Crosby ...................................................Dr. and Mrs. Anton OstroffArt O'Connell ..........................................................Louise A. TaylorDoris Bennight Schmidt .........................................Charles and Dorothy TiptonJoseph Jamieson ...................................................The Acklie and Ostergard FamiliesTalmadge H. Bredemeyer on his 80th Birthday ......Martha BredemeyerHazel Leissner ........................................................Martin and Pat FiedlerRobert Kirksey........................................................Esther DixonVerla Lewis .............................................................Sonya WillisCraig Muenzler .......................................................Mr. and Mrs. Marvin MuenzleEdna Colmenares ...................................................Felix ColmenaresJohn Doggett..........................................................Mr. James Davis and Dr. Julianne DavisRuth Howard ..........................................................Connie and David BrakebillWillie Mae Beckendorf ...........................................Rev. Harvey BeckendorfLinda Lay Shulen....................................................Blanche Turner HextMaxine Kissman .....................................................Mr. and Mrs. Billy ReagorDavid Howell...........................................................Jean and Leon ReevesAngela Blachard .....................................................Mrs. Helen LeiningerGeorge Linnstaedt..................................................Rev. Robert LinnstaedtJanet Lynn Perry ....................................................Mr. J. W. PerryBetty B. Jackson ....................................................Mr. James A. JacksonRita Polen, Beloved Wife and Mother ......................Mr. Jerry W. Polen and Jeremy B. PoleJana Blaire Nunnally ..............................................Mr. and Mrs. James NunnallyJames H. Addison ..................................................Louise Addison Taylor

Bob and Linda EiddBarbara, Nancy and Louise Hagoo

Angela Barnett........................................................Neil and Kathleen BlanchardJames H. Stewart, Jr. ............................................Mr. and Mrs. Hubert F. Williams

Mrs. James Stewart, Jr.My Husband, J.R. Bates ........................................Mrs. Shirley Bates

Some of the best results from the Great

Nonprofits survey were the heartwarming

reviews people shared about their

experience with us. Testimonials included

everything from the joy of raising an

adopted child to someone revisiting their

own happy childhood as an adoptee.

Jennifer Sample, Executive DirectorCarol Williams, Chaplain

Helen Huff, Adoption Services DirectorDennis Tucker, SCHI Director

Catherine Walker, Development DirectorKiko Martinez, Marketing Director

Saren Spicer, Development &Planned Giving Officer

Philip Garza, Development &Community Relations Officer

Elizabeth Sullivan,Development Coordinator

Administration

2Blue Skies SUMMER 2011 7

From My Heart

Gifts

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Southwest Center for Higher Independence students CinthiaAmaro and Christopher Ramirez attend the 15th Annual Walkwith Jesus retreat at MMH in April.

SUMMER 2011

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSAN ANTONIO, TX

PERMIT #244

Return Service Requested

Walk with Jesus celebrates 15 yearsSCHI students learn about faith, create meaningful relationshipswith Christ

Blue Skies

To help SCHI students find a church they would like to call their own,

Chaplain Williams spends time with them visiting area churches so they

may become familiar with their choices.

“Each student can decide where they want to go,” said Williams. “God

works on us in different ways. What’s right for one person is not for the

other. Some people like a more traditional service, while others like

something more modern.”

Currently, SCHI students attend service at a number of churches

across the city, including Bandera Road City Church, Grace

Point Baptist and Western Hills Christian Church, where

volunteers pick up students on Sundays. Many deaf and hard-

of-hearing students attend New Life Deaf Fellowship at

the Northern Hills United Methodist Church campus.

“I really like my church,” said Oiram Alanis, who goes

to Bandera Road City Church. “There is live music and

lots of praise and worship.”

Students find church that suits them best

Since joining Methodist Mission Home (MMH) two years ago, Chaplain Carol Williams

has seen a spiritual growth within the students at the Southwest Center for Higher Independence

(SCHI), a transitional education center for young adults with disabilities.

Walk with Jesus is a three-day retreat designed to provide students with the opportunity to

talk about Jesus and learn how to have a relationship with Him. Walk with Jesus is the beginning

of their transformational experience. This year marked the 15th year of the event.

“You could really feel the presence of the Holy Spirit working with the students,” said Williams.

“Walk with Jesus showed them ways to overcome barriers in their lives and adjust their priorities.”

Williams herself was moved by a student’s heartfelt confession during the event, which

includes discussions, art projects, theatrical skits and other activities, all conducted by committed

volunteers. (Story continues on page 2)

From My Heart(Page 2)

2010 Annual Report(Page 3)

Matching Gifts(Page 4)

Adoption Services:Ian and Denetrice

(Page 5)

Top Giving Churches(Page 6)

Honors & Memorials(Page 7)

Around Campus(Page 8)

IN THIS ISSUE

SCHI student Kristian Thomas hangs outwith the Easter Bunny during the Easteregg hunt at MMH.

SCHI students Tyler Kowald and Kathy Biggspresent MMH board member Heb Cutrer with aphoto of students saying thank you for thedonation of a big-screen TV for the SCHI dormitory.

SCHI student Meagan Lemon accepts God

into her life during her baptism at the MMH

chapel alongside family and friends.

SCHI Assistant Residential Services SupervisorWanda Poppell visits with former SCHI studentMichael Maxey, who graduated from theprogram in the early 80s.