ABHCM Members’ Forum

Daily it seems that page after page of bad news faces us, whether about our local communities, the nation, or the world at large. Over time such news can wear down our spirits. 

Lost among this, though, are small stories drowned out by the noise of crime, politics and conflict – stories of quiet triumph and joy involving children placed with loving families after having been removed from situations we could hardly imagine; families once shattered but reunited again after a parent has returned to a productive and meaningful path; and children restored to a safe environment.

It is these stories that we at One Hope United help create each day, and they are the living, breathing examples of our success in what we do. There is the outgoing 11-year-old special needs child who found a special place in the home of his new parent. There are the volunteers who share their lifetimes of experience to help special needs children through the One Hope United Foster Grandparent Program.

The stories go on and on. But all of them share a common thread – the fulfillment of our goal as an organization to live the mission statement that guides us: Protecting children. Strengthening families.

We are just a small piece of the overall mission of American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries, doing what we can to make the world a better place for people who often have no other advocate. In this way, we strive to improve individual lives, creating a ripple effect that, along with other ABHCM members, can give rise to a tidal wave of blessings throughout the regions we serve.

Peace and blessings,

Denise Carpenter

Senior Vice President, Human Resources

One Hope United, Chicago, Ill.

ABHCM Board Member

With the arrival of spring and the passage of Easter, our reflections turn to renewal — the renewal that’s displayed in nature and in the human spirit.

How pleasant it is to witness renewal in the natural world — the blossoms, the colors, the brightness and warmth of the morning sun — yet how difficult it can be to witness the beauty of renewal in those around us, even those we serve through our faith-based missions.

Each year at Baptist Children’s Services, we provide shelter to at-risk youth, serving up to 500 young people between the ages of 13 and 18. Our youth are thrust into the hands of society by family circumstances beyond their control. They arrive at one of our group homes or emergency shelters angry and withdrawn. “Renewal” is not a term that normally comes to mind during the intake process. But maybe it should.

As a human services and faith-based agency, we exist to treat the needs of homeless teens. Our mission goes beyond meeting basic human needs to transforming human lives. And isn’t transformation the basis of renewal?

Our mission statement uses words such as “dedicated” and “committed.” It tells the world we “create opportunities to improve young lives,” and we do so through “guidance, love, education and positive role modeling.”

One could easily argue that by meeting human needs and transforming human lives, Baptist Children’s Services, along with fellow members of American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries, is in the business of renewal! Our work carries with it the power of renewal regardless of the populations we have the privilege of serving.

As we reflect on Easter, the power of the Resurrection, and the budding of spring, let us be particularly mindful that our ministries are instruments of renewal for God’s children at every stage and season of life. Start fresh this spring. Bring a double portion of renewal to all you say and do for others.

Happy Renewal,

Cheryl H. Barber

Development Director - Baptist Children’s Services

Valley Forge, PA

ABHCM Board Member

The images from the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti have left an indelible imprint on all of us. But in that nation’s pain there were glimmers of hope – a child saved after days under the rubble, a relative in America learning that a family member she thought had perished had, in fact, survived.

There was also the reminder that humans have a remarkable capacity for compassion. Witness the flood of provisions and the army of volunteers that seemed to appear almost overnight on Haiti’s shores and at its airport, not to mention the outpouring of financial support to aid agencies.

In seeing this, I was reminded of the words of Buddha, who said, “In separateness lies the world’s great misery; in compassion lies its true strength.”

That compassion can in itself be a gateway to grace. In their book Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life, authors Henri Nouwen, Donald McNeill, and Douglas Morrison suggest that by our very lives together we become participants in what they call “divine compassion.”

The outpouring of support in Haiti is a perfect example. It’s a powerful symbol of the world’s strength and how in sharing a little of what we have we are participants in that divine compassion.

But it doesn’t take a disaster to provide this opportunity. The members of ABHCM see needs large and small every single day. The tragedy in Haiti reminds us that we are called to be compassionate at all times, not just when disaster strikes.

So as we reach out to a suffering nation, let us also honor the work of our member agencies, because they, too, are part of the divine compassion.

Peace and blessings,

Bill Painter
President of the Board
ABHCM

Recently, I was rereading the work of Henri Nouwen, a Catholic priest who, toward the end of his ministry, shifted from an academic career and began working with and writing about differently-abled adults.

One of the anecdotes from his book In the Name of Jesus that has always stood out for me is that of Bill, a cognitively challenged man whom Nouwen worked with in his role as a caregiver for L’Arche, a community in Toronto, Canada, for adults with developmental disabilities.

In the story, Bill accompanies Nouwen on a trip to make a presentation in Washington, D.C. At the end of the speech, Bill asks, “Is it my turn?” Of course, Bill was not on the program, and Nouwen had no plans for him to speak, but he allowed him to step up to the microphone, not knowing what he might say. There, Bill simply said, “I’m very glad to be here with you. Thank you very much.”

This moment was more than touching. It was really about how we share in this life together through a variety of gifts and different abilities.

Indeed, what made Nouwen’s presentation rich was that much of the power of everything he said would have been lost had Bill not made his brief contribution at the end.

This story reminds me that while we need a wide spectrum of people providing leadership in ABHCM, our diversity includes the many people we serve and that they, too, bring gifts and leadership to everything we do.

In our ministries it’s important to see those we serve as our partners. Our work is about “being with them” as opposed to “doing for them”; and when we choose to be with them, what we do for them has lasting power and truly creates a community that we all need.

Peace and blessings,

Bill Painter
President of the Board
ABHCM

During our meeting, what came to mind for many on the board were the transitions a number of us are going through and the fact that even more changes are yet to come— not just for the board but also for our members throughout the United States.

The economy continues to weigh heavily on everyone who depends on the generosity of others, and this is certainly the case with ABHCM. Many members face serious cutbacks in state and federal funding, while others search for a way to deal with a reduction in charitable contributions.

As board members, we realized that in the face of diminished resources we should look to a future marked by greater efficiency and effectiveness. To that end, we recommitted to the things we do best — highlighting your accomplishments while supporting your work with valuable information, programs, and products.

Know that this association continues to honor the call to use our gifts to serve others. Through our acts of stewardship and by God’s grace, we will help solidify our base and support one another as we all look toward an even brighter future.

Peace and blessings,
Bill Painter
President of the Board
ABHCM

The American Baptist Biennial, held in June in Pasadena, Calif., offered me a welcome opportunity to reflect on ABHCM’s mission and what we hope to accomplish for you, our members.

As I manned the ABHCM exhibit, many of those who approached me were leaders of American Baptist ministries asking if we could help them with specific needs. Others were unaware that ABHCM existed but happy to find us. A representative from an affordable housing group put it succinctly: “Tell me about yourself,” she said. “I’m feeling all alone.”

The experience reinforced for me that our role at ABHCM is to make sure you never feel alone. That means networking and communication are paramount tasks for the association. We want to be more visible and connect more closely with you. In addition, we want to help you interact with fellow members — whether through problem solving or supporting each other’s ministries — to help you better accomplish your mission.

Jesus said we should let our light shine before all. And that’s exactly what we’re trying to do in this association — to let our collective light shine, so that you know you are not alone.

Just as you provide light in a dark and desperate world, ABHCM strives to become a powerful beacon that helps lead our members into a bright future together.

Peace and blessings,

Bill Painter
President of the Board
ABHCM

As American Baptists look forward to celebrating our Biennial this month, this is a perfect time at ABHCM to reflect upon those people who make it possible for us to continue our good work day in and day out.

Among the many who contribute to our ministry, the following four leaders will be honored with Special Merit Citation Awards at the ABHCM Breakfast June 26 as part of the American Baptist Churches’ Biennial Celebration in Pasadena, Calif.:

• William Mills Jr., board chair of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, Castle Rock, Colo. – Bill, as he is known to his friends, displays boundless energy and devotion to ABHM’s work, including his participation in drafting its bylaws, streamlining board meetings and improving participation in the ABHM Foundation.
• Raymond Whitbeck, board member of Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Delanson, N.Y. – Ray’s influence spans generations and continues today as the 90-year-old still serves on the board. His unwavering faith and consistent innovation still contribute to the lives of residents and employees at BHNRC.
• Bill Gillis, chief operating officer of Kids Hope United, Chicago, Ill. – Having spent his entire working life in the service of children and their families, it was only natural that Bill would find himself leading an organization like Kids Hope United. There, his passion benefits countless vulnerable children and families each day.
• Jack Pitkin, board member of Springbrook, Endwell, N.Y. – In addition to active participation with his home church and a variety of charitable boards, Jack continues to devote considerable time, tenacity and sharp thinking to various Springbrook projects, serving as a constant inspiration to those around him.

Along with these formal honorees, we also recognize our members’ staff and volunteers who care for people every day. In many ways, volunteers are the backbone of our organizations’ efforts, giving selflessly of their time and talents to enrich the lives of others. Employees combine their need to earn a living with a belief in service and caring.

If we define ministry as serving others, then our volunteers and staff truly embody that ministry.

Peace and blessings,

Bill Painter
President of the Board
ABHCM

On a recent vacation, I read in a number of newspapers about more and more churches taking an active role in assisting those made homeless by the current economic downturn by helping them find apartments and new jobs.

These efforts are stark reminders that in good times and bad, we as God’s people are called to assist those in need. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us that when we help others, it is as if we are helping him, saying “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

This call from Christ applies not just to aid for the young and the old, the poor and the marginalized, but people from all segments of society. Even for those more economically well off, there is still a need for social, emotional and spiritual support.

Again in Matthew, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus assures us that God will provide for our needs. But while many ascribe God’s provision to magic or mystery, we must remember that God most frequently provides through other people. As members of ABHCM, we are the caring hands, feet, arms and heart that fulfill the gospel.

Peace and blessings,

Bill Painter
President of the Board

ABHCM

It is my pleasure to introduce ABHCM’s new blog spot and invite you to visit here often! We’ll be posting news, resources, notices, invitations, notes of appreciation and more in this space, for the enhancement of your work and relationships in the ABHCM community.

Please help us enhance our communication and partnerships by responding to posts (click on “comments”). We’ll reply back individually where appropriate, and via this forum when a concern is of common interest to the membership.

We open this new virtual bulletin board with a wonderful word from our Board President, Bill Painter (read here).May God continue to bless our ministry.

Thank you for your part in this!

Aundreia Alexander
Director
American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries

As I begin to write, the sun is just peeking over the horizon of Seattle and light glistens on Puget Sound. It’s going to be a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest, one that inspires anticipation for what the day will bring.

It’s the dawn of an exciting new day at American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries as well. In recent years the board and the executive director have been defining a new path for the association that I believe will increase value to our members. Because of this diligent effort much is happening at ABHCM.

First, and most notably, is our new name. We are a diverse organization of Caring Ministries. Our name now reflects more accurately who we are. In addition to homes for elders, we are children and family services, homes and services for individuals with disabilities, adoption services, child care, foster care, family education and more.

I’m sure you have noticed our new logo. It is more contemporary, but more importantly, it portrays the coming together of individuals to provide a caring shelter for many in need. We are “Creating Communities, Transforming Lives.”

In 2006 the board completed the necessary steps for incorporation as a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit under the umbrella of National Ministries. This status will enhance the association’s ability to create and offer programs that provide support and education for our members.  Programs ABHCM sponsors and supports, such as the Vocation of the Trustee, Faith-Based Leadership Institute, and Spirituality in Life and Work, will continue to be valuable resources for our members.

In 2008 we will partner with Mennonite Health Services in a national gathering of our associations in St. Louis, Mo. This will be the first time in many years that our members have an opportunity to gather on a national level for education, support and networking with other professionals in the American Baptist family.

I wish to extend my appreciation to current and former board members and volunteers who have given graciously of their time and talent to ABHCM. In addition to these faithful volunteers, our staff is a valuable asset: Aundreia Alexander, executive director, and Marge Jones, secretary. Thanks to these caring folks, our association is stronger. It is my privilege to work with these leaders and to serve our members as president of the board.

There are many changes taking place in ABHCM, but one thing remains the same - our commitment to the diverse ministries of American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries. The board and staff are dedicated to making the association a valued asset and resource to our members.

The sun is up now. It’s time to get busy. A new day is dawning.

Bill Painter
President of the Board
American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries