High School Graduates Move Into Independent Living
Members of the MCH Class of 2025 moved into their own independent living spaces on the Waco campus at the beginning of the summer. Transition Services and Independent Living Program (ILP) staff welcomed the young adults with a luau party. ILP veteran residents and staff also led the group on home tours. Later, the young adults were helped with unpacking and moving into their new living areas in the Tom Mitchell and Harry Meredith Homes. Then, each resident was guided through an orientation process. Staff offered fresh bedding, towels and other essential supplies in welcome baskets.
Youth Experience Faith Formation Retreat & Mission Trips
The MCH Spiritual Life Department provides unique opportunities for youth to experience Jesus and further Kingdom work. Spiritual Life ministers and several residents participated in mission trips over the summer with UM Army in Marlin, Texas. Students were grouped with other teams from across the state to complete various home improvement and local revitalization efforts.
“I have enjoyed working with the group of guys I have been with all week,” said Damien, a senior living at MCH. “It may be hot and long hours, but I know this work means a lot to those we are helping. The older gentleman living in the house we are fixing up had a hard time walking out of his front door because of the steps down. Now he has wooden rails he can hang on to and I’m painting them. Helping others means a lot to me.”
Middle and high school students also experienced the Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose, Texas. Spiritual Life Minister Jillian Hurt noted the growth she witnessed among the girls she supervised at the camp.
“All of them really took the lead in their small groups and were very active in their conversations around faith,” Hurt said. “We are proud of our youth in how they continue to flourish in this setting — making friends, participating in fun summer games and activities, worshiping and learning about the Lord. This camp always provides a safe space for our residents to experience all of that.”
Foster Angels Of Central Texas Donates To Charter School
Throughout the summer months, ministries like MCH are reminded of the power of community and partnership. Foster Angels of Central Texas delivered loads of school supplies to the UT Charter School on the Waco Campus ahead of the new school year.
“We are grateful for the generous school supply donation from our friends at Foster Angels,” said Amy Grisham, director of school support. “This kind of generosity brings hope, encouragement and excitement to our students and faculty — and ensures every child starts the year with what they need to succeed.”
Principal Raul Kastner added, “Thanks to this donation, our students have the tools they need to learn with confidence and purpose. Every pencil, binder and notebook plays a meaningful role in shaping not just academic success, but will help our students thrive in every way.”
Freshman Students Experience Fish Camp
The MCH Class of 2029 experienced fish camp a few days ahead of the new school year at the UT Charter School on the Waco campus. Freshmen got to know each other more through a fun icebreaker activity and learned about high school expectations, curriculum, transcripts and dress code.
“High school is a critical time period for everyone and we reassure every student that we are here to support them every day of the school year,” said Principal Raul Kastner. “We want our students to succeed in the classroom, but we also want to nurture the whole person — socially and mentally — so they can flourish after they graduate from our charter school.”
MCH Family Outreach Staff Attend Foundational Training
MCH Family Outreach and Transition Services staff attended a two-day Foundational Training in San Antonio. The training blended professional development and meaningful connections for teams across Texas and New Mexico.
More than 55 staff members attended the training that was built around feedback from staff, ensuring sessions were relevant and practical. Topics included professionalism, case management tiers, writing effective case notes and plans of service, in-home visits with clients, independent living, aftercare and more. Trey Oakley, president and CEO, Traci Wagner, vice president for programs, and the entire MCH Family Outreach leadership team also attended to support staff members.
“Investing time together as teams, both virtually and in person, isn’t just about training,” Wagner said. “It is about building trust, deepening connection and aligning around our shared mission. Our time in San Antonio was a powerful reminder that when we gather with intention, we grow stronger together.”
Back-To-School Market For Families
The MCH Family Outreach San Antonio office hosted a back-to-school market for families in service preparing for the new school year. Staff set up the office conference room as a marketplace where children picked out their own school supplies. Families were able to make their picks at each table, going down the supply lists MCH staff members provided each student. Doughnuts and refreshments were also provided for families.
“The highlight of the event was our pencil pouch decorating table, where children decorated their pencil pouch or box with stickers,” said Lisette Rodriguez Rivera, case manager. “Preschool-aged children also enjoyed a coloring book table. This market provided a convenient and enjoyable way for families to prepare for the upcoming school year.”
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