Message from the Executive Director
In September 2013, Mr. Kevin Champagne became the new executive director of MacDonell United Methodist Children's Services.
As we enter the fall season we would like to again thank all who have contributed so selflessly to enrich the lives of the youth entrusted to our care. The summer and back to school periods have been exciting times filled with even more changes. As some of you may recall, the state is changing dramatically the system of care and services for at risk children and teens such as those we serve. Gone are the days when many large facilities cared for those in need of special settings to meet their needs for out of home care. As a result of these changes programs such as MacDonell have been left with no practical alternative but to become what is known as a Non-Medical Group Home. We can care for no more than 16 residents. In consultation with our board of directors it was decided several months ago that we would make the change to a 12-bed resident facility for boys only. Consequently, since July of this year we have been limited to accepting boys aged 11-17 years in Laskey Cottage which is designed for that number of clients to live comfortably and meet state guidelines of quality care. Unfortunately, the payment per child has also been reduced by $10.00 per day which, coupled with the large reduction in numbers of youth that can be admitted, has created a very challenging financial predicament. You do the numbers and it’s clear that our future survival in taking care of children now depends more than ever on non governmental support.
Any type of support, including your prayers and thoughts is deeply appreciated, but financial contributions are key at this time. Sponsoring a child is a wonderful way of giving, be it $25, $50 or more and this allows your donation to be used in the most effective way to meet the boys’ needs. A gift of $700 would help us supplement the needs of one child’s cost of care for an entire month thereby making up for the state cutbacks in daily reimbursement. [Program costs are $148.87 a day, we receive $125.63 from the state, $23.24 is the daily shortfall; leaving MacDonell to make up an estimated $697 a month for one child.]
Please know that whatever contribution you may be able to provide will be utilized in a thoughtful and well planned manner to enable us to continue the mission of caring for children needing special placements.
MacDonell has been providing services to children in need since 1919 and with your assistance we will reach the 100th year mark!
Sincerely,
Mr. Kevin Champagne
