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Methodist Children’s Home worker honored
The Methodist Children’s Home sent out this release today:
METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME EMPLOYEE RECOGNIZED FOR 35 YEARS
March 26, 2008 (Waco, Texas) - After 35 years of working with at-risk youth at Methodist Children’s Home, Mary Bilheimer has been recognized with a national award from CORE, the Coalition for Residential Education.
Bilheimer began her service at MCH as a secretary in 1972, but during her first year she decided she wanted to work more closely with the children. She accepted a social work position in 1973, beginning a lifelong journey of service to youth. Bilheimer served as a social worker for 34 years, during which she served as “the consummate caseworker” for more than 500 youth. In May 2007, Bilheimer became a unit manager, where she now supervises a team of 10 staff members who care for 10 youth and their families.
Charlsie Whitney, campus administrator and Bilheimer’s supervisor, says that when staff members need to know what to do in a situation, they ask Bilheimer. “She has a wealth of knowledge and she willingly shares it with others,” Whitney said.
Whitney said that Bilheimer frequently goes the extra mile in caring for her youth. One of her favorite activities is hosting birthday celebrations for residents, which include full decorations and their favorite cake. In addition, Bilheimer volunteers to assist with driver’s education for MCH youth, and she sponsors a student-led Christmas card company and Student Council.
Bilheimer has earned widespread respect from staff members and youth. She is described as dedicated, caring, compassionate and a “living legend.” A fellow staff member says, “Mary epitomizes all that is good at Methodist Children’s Home.”
Bilheimer admits she has dealt with a variety of challenges during her career, but she remains committed to helping youth develop hope for their lives. “Seeing the results in the lives of some of the kids that go through the program keeps me going,” she says. “To see a child’s life changed or saved makes the hard work worth it.”
Bilheimer will be recognized for receiving the Residential Supervisor of the Year award on April 6 in Round Rock, Texas.
About Methodist Children’s Home:
Methodist Children’s Home provides services to more than 800 children and youth daily through residential care in Waco, the Boys Ranch in Axtell, and foster care and other services through outreach offices in San Antonio, Houston, Tyler, Dallas, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, El Paso and Albuquerque, N.M. For more information, visit www.methodistchildrenshome.org.
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