Life Notes: Have An Open Heart
by Casey Morace

Having grown up in California and been involved with “high risk” youth I have had the opportunity to see first hand the types of juvenile facilities available in other places. I moved to Ruston six years ago. Shortly after moving here I learned of the Methodist Children’s Home.

I was not very aware of allof the services provided by this facility, I only knew it to be a place that housed Department of Corrections children, Office of Community Services children, and some privately placed children in need of special services. I heard rumors of terrible children that no one would ever want to be around and complete chaos. Wow, was I ever misled.

In September of 2005 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime. I became employed by the Life Skills Training Center of the Methodist Children’s Home. I say I was given the opportunity of a lifetime because being there has truly changed my life. Being there has given me the chance to work with these children daily as well as children from several other facilities.

The children that are in these residential facilities are just like any other children. Sure some come with more emotional trauma than others, but all and all they are the same. Our youth at MCH have the desire to feel loved, to have their needs met, and feel like they are a part of a family, just like any other child.Being a part of this organization they get that!

I have never seen a facility so dedicated to family and providing opportunity for their youth. MCH not only caters to the family environment of the youth, but the staff is all part of an extended family as well. I cannot say enough positive things about the Methodist Children’s Home. The children there have touched my life forever.

Sometimes we take for granted the things we have, for instance FAMILY. If you ever feel the need to be truly humbled and to have a life changing experience get involved with an organization that works with kids. Volunteer in the community or just spend a couple of hours with a child that needs a friend. Just think about what a little bit of your time can do for someone. Open your heart to someone in need and you will never be the same.
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The Life Notes articles are written by staff of Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home and are published in The Ruston Daily Leader.