News & Events

Save on taxes AND help children at the United Methodist Children’s Home with the 2011 Charitable IRA Rollover Extension!

The 2010 tax act extended a benefit for certain IRA owners who are 70½ and older. Through December 31, 2011, tax-free distributions of up to $100,000 per taxpayer can be made from IRAs (traditional or Roth) to charities by individuals 70½ and older. These distributions can also be used to satisfy annual required minimum distributions (RMDs).

In lay-person’s terms, that means that you can give money from your IRA to the Children’s Home and you won’t have to pay taxes on those funds, even on funds that you were required to take as a distribution. If you’ve already been thinking about making a gift to the Children’s Home, giving through your IRA instead of writing a check can help you save on taxes.

Thank you for your gifts! Contact Richard Puckett (404.327.5838) with any questions.

Certain other requirements may apply.  Check with your attorney, accountant, or other professional consultant for details.

Recently we came together to consecrate the ministry of Jesse’s House. We hope you enjoy the photos of that special afternoon (taken by the talented Amy Roscoe).

Jesse’s House is not a building, though it does take place in one.

It’s not even really a house, despite its name.

And even though it is a ministry, that word still doesn’t get at what Jesse’s House really is.

Jesse’s House is this face.

And these faces.

It’s this family.

And those families, of all shapes and sizes.

It’s children, parents, college students, volunteers of all ages.

It is learning. It is is laughter. It is love.

It is the Church being the Church.

Dear Jesse’s House, welcome to the family that is the United Methodist Children’s Home.

November is National Adoption Month, and the Children’s Home was honored to host an event celebrating adoptive families.*

The children enjoyed jumpy houses and a petting zoo outside:

Toofpik the clown once again wowed children and adults alike with his balloon art:

We heard fun stories:

And had fun visitors:

Children could have their faces painted…

Or get paintings of their faces:

Everyone got a chance to make some music:

And even little ones got in on the action:

And, of course, there was food and time for fellowship with other adoptive families. We had a blast, and we hope all the families did too. Yay for adoption!

*The annual event is put on by GALAA (Georgia Association of Licensed Adoption Agencies), of which UMCH is a member.

Are you an employee with the State of Georgia?

UMCH is now a part of the State Charitable Contributions Program. Use #101300 to donate easily and efficiently through payroll deductions.

Thank you for helping our children and families with your contribution!

Every Sunday evening, we eat dinner as a community while enjoying a worshipful experience. The families in Family Housing and the youth in our Independent Living and Transitional Living programs come together to share a meal and fellowship.

We are blessed to have had countless churches and other groups join us for these special times, called Agape Meals. From serving the meal, to cleaning up, to hosting a table by encouraging conversation and fellowship, our wonderful volunteers make the Agape Meals truly a time for feeding body and soul.

Many thanks to Lawrenceville Road UMC, who debuted their puppet team ministry at an Agape Meal…

… and to this girls’ mission group from Ben Hill UMC, who also brought snacks for Jesse’s House and college care packages. Serving at Agape Meal was their first mission project.

We were delighted to have both churches participate! If you are interested in bringing your group to serve at an Agape Meal, contact Carol Younger or Jane Howland.