wfn.org | Presbyterian Children's Homes Forge Partnership

[PCUSA NEWS <pcusa.news@ecunet.org>]

2-December-1999 
99397 
 
    Presbyterian Children's Homes Forge Partnership 
 
    New organization to serve as a national resource on children's issues 
 
    by Eva Stimson 
 
ANCHORAGE, Ky.-Representatives of five of the 28 Presbyterian children's 
homes across the country met at Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children 
here Nov.11 to launch a new partnership.  The National Association of 
Presbyterian Children's Homes and Family Services is intended to serve as a 
national resource on children's issues for the Presbyterian Church 
(U.S.A.). 
 
    "The Year of the Child gives us an opportunity to focus on our joint 
mission, which is children in need and their place in the family of God," 
said Chuck Mendenhall, president of Presbyterian Children's Homes in 
Austin, Texas, and one of the conveners of the November meeting.  "We will 
be talking and working with General Assembly personnel as we seek ways to 
be more visible and active as a mission arm of the Presbyterian Church 
(U.S.A.)." 
 
    Initiators of the new partnership say they hope all the child- and 
family-service agencies operating under covenant agreements with synods or 
presbyteries will want to be involved. 
 
    The official chartering of the group and election of officers will take 
place at the next scheduled meeting, March 9-10, 2000, at the Presbyterian 
Center in Louisville. 
 
    At the November meeting participants set several goals for the 
Association: 
 
    * to provide a focus for children's issues within the PCUSA; 
 
    * to serve as a faith-based resource for churches, families and 
children; 
 
    * to provide opportunities for collaboration between Presbyterian 
agencies that care for children and families; 
 
    * to serve as a national resource to the PCUSA on children's issues. 
 
    Plans for the new organization include sponsoring a luncheon and a 
booth in the exhibit area at the 2000 General Assembly and the presentation 
of  a "Children's Champion Award" each year to someone who has been an 
effective advocate for children. 
 
    For more information about the National Association of Presbyterian 
Children's Homes and Family Services, call Joe Webb of Bellewood 
Presbyterian Home for Children at (502) 245-4171. 

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