Before Labor Day 2016, a large group of women took a tour through the Methodist Children's Home in Detroit.(MCHS) What we saw was no sign of any activity. The girls buildings were empty and"used for donations". The largest building was locked and used for staff offices,an empty gym, and a kitchen that was not being used even though it was near lunch time. The " school" building had no black board,pencils,paper,or books,and two out dated computers in one corner. The guide unlocked one boys building where we glanced at an empty kitchen and living room. When asked where the boys were she said "they were in their rooms playing games on their computers." It was a beautiful day, but never did we see a child playing games, basketball,riding a bike,and enjoying outdoor activities. Viewing no children at that moment was quite shocking. Our large group of women observed zero kids activities during the whole tour. REALLY??? Most of us became alarmed at this time because before the tour began, the CEO informed us proudly," that 42 boys were living there."
After reviewing the MCHS 2015 Annual Report, we almost became physically sick with deep concern. With a revenue of almost 8 million dollars and expenditures of that exact amount, we believe there is an immense problem with the entire operation. It's just so sad and unacceptable.
Review from Guidestar
Conditions of cottage 703 on November 25, 2015. Too many pictures to post. When demanded answers from executive staff, no response. Staff admits " you are right it shouldn't be this way!!!" but State of Michigan cps/dhhs keeps placing children here? Known health department violations since 2014. Board members, volunteers, donors should be concerned as to where the money is going. Obliviously not into maintenance. Direct staff has excuses for all questions. "Your right it shouldn't be this way!" "I'm looking for a new job!" "I just started" Poor vulnerable children live in these horrific unsafe conditions. Three weeks later its still the same, biological matter in floors, drapes, carpet, mattresses, walls, mold in bathroom, debris in return registers, heat registers with sharp sheet metal exposed. It smells. Food prep kitchen has food all over walls and ceiling. Profanity on doors and walls. Each room was destroyed and littered with children's clothing& debris if a fire was to happen at night the children may not get out safely ...but they clean daily? What i do know is Animals shelters, prisons, college dorms are better kept. I am so sad our government and this Christian org thinks this is acceptable! The 72 acres is the best thing about this nonprofit. Suggestion shut this place down, demand policies, visit cottages of your choice, question random children. Seems kids run wild and have no structure.
Review from Guidestar
We adopted two children last year and they have been such a blessing to us. They are such an important part of our lives. We did a shared bed with Vista Maria and Methodist Children's Home outdid them selves.
We adopted our son from MCHS 30 years ago and I am forever greatful to them for that blessing.Now 30 years later I have come full circle with becoming involved with Volunteer opportunities.Helping out in the classroom on campus and mentoring after school with some of the residential boys has been another blessing to me.The staff working there is more like a huge extended family. They are caring and provide the love,guidance and stability these deserving children need.There are also activities including art projects and off campus fun outings for the boys planned by their activities director and funded thru donations.
I was adopted through here 46 years ago. I could not of asked for better parents and am forever thankful.
I happened to call about 16 years ago looking for information on my birth parents. I was so shocked and happy to speak with a women named Isla. This was the same women who helped my parents through the adoption and remembered them very well. I have pictures of her holding me before leaving with my parents.
Thank you Methodist Childrens Home for all that you have done and continue to do.
I recently volunteered for the Methodist Children's Home Society at the Annual Dinner in Plymouth, MI. I really didn't know what to expect when I showed up to volunteer, but was very impressed and touched by the people involved with this organization. The passion exhibited by the staff and other volunteers exceeded expectations by many I encountered at the event. Hannah did a spectacular job coordinating all the volunteers and was very, very helpful! I will definitely be volunteering for them again.
-Brenden
I'm currently a volunteer/life coach at MCHS for several adolescents (15-18 yrs old) in the Independent Living Program. It's such a wonderful and rewarding opportunity for me to help influence the developmental characteristics of these delightful teenagers, who have had more than their fare share of challenges in life. Utimately, to help them in a variety of ways as they prepare to transition into college/workforce (e.g. educational tutoring, career planning/development, building on confidence/self esteem, etc.). It's a rewarding and pleasurable experience for me personally, not to mention the faculty/staff are truly exceptional people to work with !
MrMark
I volunteered my time this winter to help paint one of the cottages. The employees of Methodist Children's Home Society were so welcoming. I loved hearing about how they were founded as I didn't know much before this event. I felt very honored to be apart of a great team of people (other Populus Group Climbers) to be able to help these cottages feel like home for the older kids. I will definitely volunteer my time to Methodist Children's Home Society again!!
I love this place. I was adopted from there almost fifty years ago. It's so wonderful to see them still going strong and helping so many children. I remember the yearly picnic well, we always went back for that every year. Helped me feel special wanted and part of one big family. I contacted them 2 years ago to help me file papers to see if my birth mother had been looking for me and I found my birth family. I will be spending my first Christmas with them this year! What a blessing for so many children. Wonderful place with outstanding caring people.
I recently volunteered to be a part of the Methodist Children's Home Society's "Trunk or Treat" Halloween event, and wanted to comment on how friendly and generous the entire staff & crew were... you couldn't meet a nicer group of people! Everyone made the volunteers and guests feel more than welcome, and thanks to all their great planning, the event was a lot of fun & everyone seemed to leave with a big smile. I look forward to participating again in the opportunities the MCHS has to offer!
-Keith M
hheeb 10/22/2014
Thank you, Keith! We appreciated your help so much.