Randy Rose will be our May speaker bringing our message about the Medina Children's Home in Medina, Texas and the impact it had on his life. The Home was founded in 1958 on 314 acres of land in Bandera County, Texas, when a group of citizens held a brainstorming session in an attempt to salvage their school from an unfavorable consolidation. The idea of a local children's home was considered as a means to keep the public school in Medina. The community raised approximately 90% of the cash required to purchase the Castle Rock Ranch. The Sidney Baker Street Church of Christ joined in this unique community effort. Medina Children's Home opened with the first residents, triplet brothers Eddie, Freddie and Teddie. The vision blossomed into one of the largest programs of its kind in the state of Texas.

Mr. George W. Rose accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer in 1985. Under the authority of the Board of Directors, Mr. Rose demonstrates very positive, yet pragmatic, leadership. His experience as the Managing Partner of his own Certified Public Accounting Firm and businessman keeps the focus of the operation on the "bottom line." Through his guidance, MCH continues to stride toward greater service to American families.

The Home is operated by the Chief Executive Officer George W. Rose, CPA. Mr. Rose is responsible for the entire campus population of 190 adults and children. MCH is the fourth largest Children's Home in the state of Texas. The Professional Services Staff at MCH includes five counselors and six licensed child care administrators. There is an average of 60 children in the Group Care Facility and 28 families in the Mother-Child Care Program. The Group Care Program is for dependent, neglected, and abused children ages 5-17. The Mother-Child Care Program is for mothers with dependent children who have no other means of support. Mothers work on campus and take GED and vocational training to develop skills that will allow them to enter competitive employment in the marketplace. 90% of the children are from single-parent homes. Less than 10% of these children have had contact with the juvenile justice system. Over 95% of these children are placed by custodial parents. The median school grade is 9th grade. The average cost of group care at MCH is $1,650 per month. The average contribution from the family is $100 per month. During a normal grading period, over 25 out of 100 children will be on the A & B Honor Roll. An average of 35 out of 100 children will participate in athletics at Medina High School, and 15 children play in the band. The average length of stay is 12-18 Months. Usually children spend two weeks at Christmas and two weeks at summer vacation with their parents or sponsors. Medical and dental services are provided as needed through the offices of local professionals. Mothers and children in the Mother-Child-Care Program participate in all social and recreational activities provided at the Home. Child-Care Staff at MCH receive approximately 35 hours of professional in-service training per year (the state requires only 15 hours). All residents at MCH have undergone a comprehensive psychological evaluation (approximately 10-12 different tests).