Summer 2012 ReachGenerationsing Arms of Hope Official Press Release - Leadership Change MEDINA, TEXAS- With gratitude and appreciation, Arms of Hope’s Board of Directors announces a change in sta- Table of Contents tus for our President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin 2 AOH Mission and Programs McDonald. Effective June 1, 2012, McDonald resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer, a position he began 3 Hope Haven Dedication in December of 2008. McDonald, with the board’s support 5 AOH Graduates 2012 and encouragement, returned to his role as a member of 7 Chapel of Hope Dedication Arms of Hope’s Board of Directors, a seat he held for six years prior to being named President and CEO. 9 Passing the Torch 11 Child’s Play is Serious Business! Under McDonald’s leadership, Arms of Hope was formed through the consolidation of Medina Children’s Home (est. 13 A True Second Chance 1958) and Boles Children’s Home (est. 1924). Since the consolidation, Arms of 14 Family’s Personal Testimony Hope has added an urban application of its Together Program by opening a Dun- canville Campus and has developed Outreach Ministry efforts in the inner cities of 15 Family Ties That Bind Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The organization has experienced record growth 20 Bandera Livestock Show through the addition of new programs to help socially disadvantaged children in 21 Darryl Strawberry Visit some of the most economically distressed areas across Texas. In addition to the expansion of the services provided by Arms of Hope, McDonald led the organiza- 22 College Groups Visit AOH tion as it overcame many obstacles and challenges associated with a leadership 23 Arms of Hope Happenings transition and various organizational transformations. 25 Campus Visitors As many are aware, the McDonalds have moved to Houston to find the best care for 26 Arms of Hope Events their baby girl, who is undergoing treatment for brain cancer. After much prayer 27 Memorials & Honors and counsel, McDonald reported to the board his belief that it was in the best in- terest of Arms of Hope and his family that he pass the torch to a new leader. Mc- 34 Leaving a Lasting Legacy Donald returned to the Houston office of the international law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. as a partner, the firm where he was employed for almost ten years at the beginning of his legal career. Upcoming Events: Dallas Benefit Gala “This has been a very difficult decision because I dearly love serving socially dis- October 20, 2012 advantaged children through Arms of Hope,” states McDonald. “Our family’s sig- Dallas Hilton Anatole nificant change in personal circumstances and the fact that the initial goals we set Dallas, Texas for the organization upon my arrival have been accomplished has required me to take a careful look at the needs of my beautiful family and make an honest assess- San Antonio Golf Tournament ment of what is best for us.” October 29, 2012 Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club “It is remarkable to see the transformation Arms of Hope has experienced under San Antonio, Texas Kevin’s leadership and his talent as CEO will be difficult to replace,” explains Jana Woelfel, Chairperson of the Arms of Hope Board of Directors. “Because of Houston Benefit Gala the positive improvement we have seen in the quality of our programs, ministry November 3, 2012 Hilton Americas efforts, personnel and board membership during Kevin’s tenure, we are confident a Houston, Texas smooth and seamless transition will occur. The board is thankful for the contribu- tions Kevin has made and we are pleased that he intends to continue to be involved Austin Golf Tournament as a board member.” November 12, 2012 Avery Ranch Golf Club Arms of Hope’s Board has begun a search to find a replacement for McDonald and Austin, Texas is confident this position will attract highly qualified candidates with a passion for its mission of providing much-needed assistance to socially disadvantaged children Kerrville Golf Tournament and families. During this transition, Arms of Hope is blessed with a very capable March 25, 2013 management team and has asked Troy Robertson, Chief Operations Officer, and Comanche Trace Golf Club Scott Stumbo, Chief Financial Officer, to team together to lead the organization Kerrville, Texas until a new Chief Executive Officer is selected. San Antonio Benefit Gala May 4, 2013 Hyatt Hill Country San Antonio, Texas Registration available online: Join us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. ArmsofHope.org 1 Reaching Generations Arms of Hope Mission To transform the lives of disadvantaged children, youth and families by providing hope and support in a nurturing, Christian environment. Solutions Arms of Hope Provides RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE TOGETHER PROGRAM OUTREACH MINISTRY Meets disadvantaged children’s Helps motivated single mothers and Provides assistance to underprivi- physical, emotional, educational and their children transition into success- leged youth in their own neighbor- spiritual needs in a family-like atmo- ful, independent futures by providing hoods. Programs for at-risk children sphere where houseparents function parenting skills, career training and a include youth events featuring inspi- as mother and father figures. home in a peaceful and safe environ- rational speakers and the sponsorship ment. of Christian based youth sports teams. RIGHT START EMERGENCY SHELTER & COLLEGE & CAREER Makes life a real choice by helping ASSESSMENT CENTER PROGRAM expectant single mothers prepare for Provides emergency shelter and as- Provides assistance for AOH high school motherhood while providing shelter, sessment services for any child who graduates with support through college, necessities and skills needed to care has been removed from an abusive trade school or into their first job and of- for their newborns. environment or is in crisis. ten includes housing for graduates who have not yet found a place to call home. ArmsofHope.org 2 Hope Haven Family Living Homes Dedication Ceremony Preparing for the ribbon cutting during the dedication ceremony. (From left: Candace Cain, Joe Brazell, Randy Nicholson, J.C. “Corky” Hall, Danny Looney, Jerry Browder, Garry Hawes, Amy Harbison, Don Crisp, Dale Harbison, Scot Foith and Kevin McDonald) On Saturday, January 21, 2012, around residents began populating these resi- ing skills, career training and a home one hundred people gathered on the dences in February. The Hope Haven in a peaceful and safe environment. Arms of Hope - Boles Campus to cel- Family Living Homes consists of four Families in this program are fleeing ebrate the ribbon cutting & dedication apartments that are occupied by single- homelessness, poverty and abuse. In ceremony for the Hope Haven Fam- mother families who are active par- addition to the honorees, several board ily Living Homes. The structure was ticipants in the Arms of Hope Together members were in attendance. Arms of primarily funded by special friends of Program. The Together Program helps Hope was blessed to obtain a discount- Arms of Hope, Dale & Amy Harbison, motivated single mothers and their ed rate from Traylor Furniture in Terrell J.C. Hall, Garry & Debbie Hawes and children transition into successful, in- to help generous supporters furnish all Danny & Vicki Looney. Arms of Hope dependent futures by providing parent- four of the three-bedroom apartments. 3 Reaching Generations Kevin McDonald presenting etched crystal plaques to the major supporters responsible for providing the Hope Haven Family Living Homes. (From left with McDonald: Dale and Amy Harbison, J.C. “Corky” Hall, Danny Looney and Garry Hawes) Living area of one of the four newly constructed Hope Haven Beautiful kitchen in one of the four new three bedroom, one bath Family Living Homes. units in the Hope Haven Family Living Home facility. Kevin McDonald, along with Barbara and Randy Nicholson, visits Arms of Hope board member, Scot Foith and his wife with Dale Harbison during the reception following the ribbon cutting. Paula with Richard Brown (center) during the reception. ArmsofHope.org 4 Arms of Hope Graduates 2012 “Zach is a top-notch young man. He loves his familyZach (especially Hawkinshis little brother) and has done well in his given role as the “man of the house.” He’s admired by his friends for his loyalty and gentle spirit. The difference between the Zach that arrived here seven years ago and now is nothing short of a miracle. I look forward to watching him excel in the next season of his life.” - Troy Robertson, Arms of Hope Chief Operations Officer Zach has been a resident of Arms of Hope- Medina Campus for the past seven years. Zach’s family is in our Together Program, where they have thrived under our care. They came after fleeing a life of homelessness and abuse. Zach will be attending Schreiner University in the fall, majoring in History. “Arms of Hope saved me and my family from homelessness. I am following in my mother’s footsteps and attending college majoring in History. While at Arms of Hope I have become a follower of Christ and will continue to walk the path that God lays in front of me.” - Zach Hawkins “September 26, 2003, is the day God graced our AOH staff with the blessing of Andrew Landry. I have watchedAndrew this boy mature Landry into a young man, driven to find success in all aspects of his life. No matter what curve ball life has thrown Andrew’s way, he has always reached down deep within himself and found the ambition and determination to make the best of the situation, teaching others, especially me, that life really is what you make of it. As Andrew prepares to start a new chapter in his life, I reflect back to the an- gry child who entered my life so many years ago and I beam with pride that he is a true survivor, a man of compassion, determination, ambition and leadership.