Graduation at Methodist Mission Home
North Texas MMH Board members with 2007 graduates.
BY CATHY WALKER
On June 22, eight young adults proudly made their way to the front of the Perry Chapel at Methodist Mission Home (MMH) in San Antonio to receive their graduation certification for completing MMH's Southwest Center for Higher Independence (SCHI) program.
In its 33rd year, SCHI offers individuals with disabilities a number of different services including life and social skills training and work skills development.Through the transitional living program, students are able to stay on campus and participate in training activities such as cooking and meal preparation, personal hygiene and grooming, and how to use public transportation.
"It is wonderful that SCHI has continued to grow and has spread its wings," said Dr. Harold Burkhardt, who founded the SCHI program over 30 years ago. "Sometimes people who have fallen through the cracks socially and educationally need help to make it on their own and live independently. Fortunately, there is a place like Methodist Mission Home that will teach them some of the things that people normally take for granted."
This year's graduating class members are Ashly Behrens, Dennis Burgoine, Elizabeth Dwyer, Alonzo Espinoza, Scott McClain, Bobby McCoy, Jonathan Rabino, Rudolph Ramirez, Jr., Lawrence Richardson and Luis Salas.
"SCHI has taught me how to reach my goals," said Behrens, who was hired at a local Greek restaurant with the work skills she obtained through the program. "Now, I am saving money to get my own apartment."
Ashly, Bobby McCoy, and Lawrence Richardson, three of ten graduates, came to SCHI looking for ways to prepare for and ensure a bright future.
Bobby says, "People called me slow and said I'd never amount to anything. The SCHI staff gave me a lot of respect and help. Now I have friends, a job, and a girlfriend --- someone who likes me for me. I have something to look forward to." Bobby was living with his mother and struggling with the outside world. When he learned that SCHI was a good place with a real nice atmosphere, Bobby felt he had a chance to change his future.
When Ashly graduated from high school she knew she wasn't ready to be out on her own. In talking with school counselors and friends, she heard that SCHI might be the place for her to learn the skills needed to be independent.
For many new students, SCHI marks their first time away from home. Ashly was no different. "I thought it was nice and I was excited to be away from home but I was scared too."At first Ashly stayed in her room and kept to herself. But then, "I got used to it. I thought this is a good place and it will help me." With her apprehension gone, Ashly eagerly began her training.
Through SCHI, Lawrence's mother has seen a significant difference in the life of her son, who was born with cerebral palsy. Although it was hard for her to see him move out for training, she said she is thrilled to witness his transformation into the independent man that she knew he could become. "Before SCHI, I was always with him and always did everything for him. But now he can catch the bus and go to work or the movies, wash his clothes and clean his room without any help. He has proven to me that he can do it on his own."
Lawrence says he was a 'home person' before SCHI. "I wouldn’t go out on my own and hang out with people." Lawrence uses a wheelchair and he needed a place to learn the life and vocational skills to live on his own. With his charismatic personality, Lawrence got along with staff and students from day one. "I knew I liked SCHI right away. I thought it was heaven on earth!"
For more information, please contact Terri Gutierrez at terri@mmhome.org, call 800-842-5433, ext. 132, or visit www.mmhome.org.
