Dianne Dorsett, Board Liaison, has been selected to join an elite network of more than 5,000 women as a member of the Leadership Texas Class of 2013.

“Mrs. Dorsett is one of 92 outstanding women leaders competitively selected from across the state to participate in the longest-running women’s leadership development program in the US. Throughout the year-long program, she will have the opportunity to broaden her perspective on our state by exploring four Texas cities and receiving cutting-edge information from renowned experts, government officials and other leaders to positively inform her work and community for years to come,” said Candace O’Keefe-Mathis, CEO of Women’s Resources. Leadership Texas, now in its 31st consecutive year, is the flagship program of the Texas-based foundation headquartered in Dallas.

Launched in 1983 as the first statewide program for women’s leadership development, Leadership Texas is patterned after, though not affiliated with, the co-educational civic programs that have found success in a number of cities throughout the state and nation. “Our founders decided to create Leadership Texas to help women become better, more informed leaders in our state’s communities, organizations and corporations,” O’Keefe-Mathis added.

The theme for the 2013 program year is ‘The Future of Texas is Now: From Local to Global’ “Participants will visit Dallas, Bryan/College Station, Galveston and Austin where each city’s opportunities and challenges will help to illuminate the participants’ knowledge of our rapidly evolving state across three common themes– the economy, education and the environment,” O’Keefe-Mathis said.

“We consider it a privilege to offer these influential women leaders from a broad diversity of professional and personal backgrounds some new perspectives, opinions and validation on some of the issues, people and places they might not otherwise encounter outside of the program. We recognize that it is necessary for today’s successful leaders to understand the cultural, social and economic shift before us and the programming of Leadership Texas provides opportunities and access to help the women impact the future of our evolving state.”

Dianne has offered her leadership, guidance and vigor to MHM for over 17 years. It is this passion that has helped to drive and mold MHM’s path to success.

We are all so proud of Dianne’s accomplishment, and contribution to the community!

MHM has had a longstanding relationship with the Dental School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). In 2003, a partnership with the UTHSCSA Dental School and MHM provided school-based prevention programs to provide dental screenings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants for second-graders in the Edgewood Independent School District. In 2003, this partnership brought about a comprehensive dental care plan to children at the Ricardo Salinas Clinic.
 
More recently, MHM’s School Based Health Centers and the UTHSCSA Dental School collectively worked together to bring about dental hygiene education to elementary students in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District.
 
This initiative, which started ten years ago through a grant provided by MHM to the UTHSC Division of Dental Hygiene, was created to establish a Pediatric Clinical Educational Training Rotation program for dental hygiene students. Through this initiative, dental hygiene students obtain training and instruction while providing direct care and education to school-aged children.
 
Working in close collaboration with MHM’s School Based Health Centers (SBHC) serving the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, and as part of their program curriculum, UTHSCSA dental hygiene students provide Dental Hygiene presentations to prekindergarten and 1st grade students in the district. At the conclusion of the semester, approximately 800 elementary students will have participated in these dental education offerings.
 
To facilitate, the SBHC and dental hygiene students from the UTHSCSA created “Tooth Fairy Island” as a means to capture the attention of students in this critical area. Included in the Tooth Fairy Island curriculum are lessons on Preventing Germ Transmission, Tooth-friendly Snacks, and Tooth brushing Demonstration. Using a magnetic tooth board, large toothbrush, worksheets, and a little music, elementary students are educated on the importance of proper dental care. Dental hygiene student, Leslie Griffith sings to the tune of, “row, row, row your boat…brush, brush, brush your teeth, morning and at night, everywhere and all around so they’ll be clean and white!”
 
Another student reflects, “I love that the children get excited with visitors and are excited to see me teach them how to brush on my dinosaur with large teeth.”
 
To learn more about MHM’s SBHC, visit: www.mhm.org/sbhc.

Guest Blogger: Rev. Dr. Kristina Carter
Pastor, Parker Lane United Methodist Church

We are so thankful to MHM for helping us acquire the Children of Children multimedia exhibit. With help from Selene Garza, Parenting Programs Coordinator – Parents Helping Parents, we were able to display the exhibition at Parker Lane UMC for our congregation and Austin community members from the end of November through mid December.
 
We were so grateful to have it here. During the time Children of Children was at Parker Lane, 67 people signed in as they viewed the exhibit and we heard comments like:

• Amazing — the photos match the stories and the stories are so powerful.
• These are life changing stories.
• Loved the presentation — when we learn to value and life then maybe we will learn to value the creation of life more.
• It was enlightening.
• Thank you for very human stories of people who care, and photos that reveal so much of them.
• Outstanding.
• This was an awesome experience.
• Stories are incredible.
• Rico is a real man.

While ‘Children of Children’ was here one congregation of about 20 teenagers and young adults went through the exhibit and then did the traveling Las Posadas that I developed to go along with the exhibit. Our church had 12 individuals go through the exhibit and participate in the traveling Las Posadas tour.

Additionally, our youth group viewed the multimedia exhibit along with a Young Life Bible study group from Travis High School (known for their high teen pregnancy rate).
 
This was a powerful way of hearing the stories of those impacted by teen pregnancy. It was a fabulous mechanism to get teens talking about this important topic. We have so many people in our church who are being raised by people other than their biological parents, and so the stories were especially resonated with its viewers.
 
We are a multi-cultural congregation, and we are also multi-economical (many from generational poverty). For us, this exhibit was such a blessing for our church and for our community. We are very grateful that you entrusted us with this very valuable art!
 
About Children of Children

Children of Children, Portraits and Stories of Teenage Parents, is a multimedia traveling exhibition by photographer Michael Nye. The exhibit is a collection of stories of men and women ranging in age from 12 to 100 whose lives have been crucially affected by teenage pregnancy. This powerful exhibition features 50 black and white photographs, each accompanied by audio stories told by the individuals in the portraits. Each narrative offers clarifying insights. This multimedia exhibit is a catalyst for family, student and community discussions as it explores teen pregnancy and parenting in its full context – without criticism or approval – in a non-threatening setting. These voices will enlarge awareness and understanding.

In July MHM joined forces with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as an official Team Red Sponsor for the 2012 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. In addition to our corporate sponsorship MHM created the MHM Challengers – a team of MHM team members, clients and community members dedicated to raising funds and walking in support of the ADA.

There are nearly 26 million people who have diabetes. In San Antonio, our rate of incident is double the national average! This annual walk was the MHM Challengers’ opportunity to raise funds for diabetes research and education as well as to heighten awareness about diabetes right here in San Antonio.

As an expert in the field, Juan Martinez, Health Education Manager, joined the effort as Team Captain of the MHM Challengers. “I know all too well the impact diabetes has on the individual, their loved ones and the community at large. That is why when MHM agreed to become a Team Red Sponsor for Step Out I was ecstatic!” confides Juan.

With his guidance, multiple information and registration sessions were held throughout the San Antonio area to recruit team members to the MHM Challengers. A couple of added incentives and promotions helped to boost the team’s fundraising total. As the event approached, an official pre-event celebration was held at our Wesley Health & Center for recruits to pick up team t-shirts, meet with follow walkers, and speak directly with representatives from the ADA.

On Saturday, November 3^rd, the MHM Challengers joined the movement by stepping out at the AT&T Center.

Monday, December 3^rd marked the final call for donations. With 117 team members – one of the largest corporate teams – the MHM Challengers raised a total of $3,285. Factoring in MHM’s promise to match all team contributions, the final total contributed to the ADA on behalf of MHM and the MHM Challengers came out to $6,570!

Congratulations to the Challengers, and all those who supported the cause! It is because of your support and dedication that we are that much closer to stopping diabetes.

By Michele Bishop, DDS

T’was the day before Christmas and all through the clinic
The headpieces were whirling and the suctions were gurgling.

The patients in the waiting room were seated 4 rows deep
In hopes that someone would say it was time for their appointment to keep.

The assistants were huddled with Tina and Jess
As they were given dental awards like who was best dressed.

And Kathi in her office (HAHA) and I in my hat
And Dr. Brown who had just settled in for his lunch time nap.

When out on the old court there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my nicely heated office to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore down the “Por favor no abri” sign
And threw up the sash.

The glare on the beams of the half erected structure
Made me wince and curse this construction were under.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old dentist so lively and quick
I knew in a moment it must be Dr. Nick.

More rapid than Lemke pulling 3^rd molars they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

Now Rembrandt and Pepsident, Now Biotene and Aquafresh,
On Arm and Hammer, On Colgate and Crest.

To the top of the stairs to the top of the wall
Now floss those teeth, floss those teeth,
Floss those teeth all!

And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I lowered the blind and was turning around
Up the long dental stairs Dr. Nick came with a bound.

He was dressed in a lab coat, gloves and a mask.
His loupes light was shining through the entry way glass.

A bundle of dentures and crowns he had flung on his back
And he looked like Dr. Brown but nobody asked.

He spoke not a word but went straight to work
And filled all the teeth and then turned with a jerk.

And tossing his gloves and isolite aside
He tore off his mask and strode outside.

He sprang to his sled, to his team gave a whistle
And away they flew like the down of a thistle

But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight
Merry Christmas Wesley Dental – May you all have Pearly Whites!!

submitted by: Roxanne Avendano, Executive Assistant

Recently I received an invite to the Annual Wesley Auxiliary Luncheon and it reminded me of last year’s luncheon. I had never heard of the Wesley Auxiliary in my time at MHM and I definitely didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. Upon entrance into the gymnasium I was handed a candy cane with a card attached to it. I briefly glanced at the title of the card before sticking it in my purse. When I returned to the MHM Corporate Office after the luncheon I pulled the card out and was touched by its contents:  

“The Meaning of the Candy Cane”

Many years ago a candy maker wanted to make a candy that would symbolize the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus.
The hard candy was shaped like a “J” to represent that Jesus is our rock of all ages.
The candy was made of white to stand for the pureness of Jesus.
The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins.
So the next time you see a candy cane take a minute to remember the real meaning of Christmas.

I wanted to share this with as many people as I could for two reasons. First, I will never be able to buy another flavored candy cane since the red and white ones hold so much meaning to me now. Second, for all that visit the 3rd floor Christmas tree at the MHM Corporate Office during December and see our Christmas Tree adorn with candy canes hanging like J's you will understand why.

Congratulations to our 4rd Quarter Champions for Excellence

These individuals were nominated by their peers, and selected by the MHM Board of Directors for their demonstration of the MHM core values, and for being pillars of excellence in all they do on behalf of MHM.

Please join us in celebrating their achievement!

These winners will receive a desktop award and a certificate signed by MHM’s President & CEO and the Board’s Personnel Committee Chair; winners will also be featured on the organization’s website and social media networks.

All winners will also receive a certificate for leave of one-half day (4 hours) to be used at the choosing of the award winner, approved by the supervisor or manager. Finally, all Excellence Achiever of the Quarter winners will be eligible to win the annual MHM ‘Spirit of Excellence’ award to be presented at the December team member Christmas party.

It came as a complete surprise when the Rotary Club of D’Hanis/Hondo presented Theresa Standage, RN, Wesley Nurse at Hondo United Methodist Church, with the ‘You Make a Difference’ Award at their October 11th meeting. “The recognition itself was greatly appreciated, however when I discovered the Rotarian motto is ‘commitment to service above self’ this recognition captured a special place in my heart,” explains Theresa.  
 
Community members are nominated for their practice of ethical standards in their profession, and for conducting meaningful community service projects. Additionally, to receive this recognition you must pass the Rotary’s Four-Way Test established as a moral code for personal and business relationships:

• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Theresa continues, “It was a huge honor to receive the award, especially since it was given to me by the community I serve. I tell everyone that this is not just my award. I share it with MHM for creating this position, I share it with all Wesley Nurses because their service to their respective communities continues to inspire me, and with my congregation and community who support me as a Wesley Nurse. I will always thank God for putting me where I can best serve.”

submitted by: Kathy Frels, RN
Wesley Nurse, First United Methodist Church, Victoria, Texas

Recently, I had a first time client come to me as a referral from the new Victoria Community Clinic for prescription assistance. While I was performing intake for the Prescription Assistance Program I asked where she resided in order to complete the physical address requirement of the paperwork. It was then I discovered she and her daughter had been living in the parking lot of a local Wal-Mart store for over 16 months. I was shaken to discover this could be happening in our small, seemly quiet community.
 
She was very kind and considerate as she shared with me all that she had been through. She had been laid off in 2011 due to diabetes complications with neuropathy. In fact, her health had deteriorated to the point of being unable to wear shoes as they caused severe swelling. She also described the difficulty she encountered when applying for public assistance. Due to the overly complicated system she was forced to navigate, and lacking a basic understanding of assistance programs, she and her daughter found themselves homeless and often going days without food.

Having provided similar assistance to a number of clients through my service as a Wesley Nurse with the Wesley Nurse Health Ministries program, I quickly jumped at the chance of connecting this individual with the appropriate support services.
 
The first order of business was to use the partnerships and resources within our community I have used in the past to help clients in similar situations to advocate for mother and daughter.
 
The message that greeted me the next morning was the reward we as Wesley Nurses are so blessed to witness through our ministries: “Mrs. Frels, I love you! I want to thank you for your support and compassion yesterday. I received Food Stamps to help my daughter and me…” she exclaimed. I immediately returned her phone call to share in her joy of finally having a door open for her and her daughter.
 
As I was speaking with her, I couldn’t help to think of the word she repeated throughout the course of our conversation: – compassion. I began to reflect on ‘compassion’ more deeply. As a Wesley Nurse, and employee at Methodist Healthcare Ministries compassion is among the core values I and my colleagues strive to demonstrate, but how it this illustrated? How do you describe compassion in action?
 
Just as this client felt she was guided to First United Methodist Church in Victoria for a reason that stretched further than prescription assistance, I believe I was placed as a Wesley Nurse in Victoria for a purpose larger than myself. This experience reminded me of my oath to act compassionately in service to MHM’s mission.
 
I remember the words I shared with this particular client when first learning of her despair, “the Lord will intervene and provide.”
 
Today she is filled with comfort knowing the Lord provides. Likewise, I am overfilled with joy knowing I am a witness to this. Though the Wesley Nurse Health Ministries program I am able to play a part in administering to the health of those in need. Let us not forget why we are called to this job as Wesley Nurses, and as agents of our mission of, “Serving Humanity to Honor God.” We can rejoice knowing we are working for the Lord through all that we do each day.

 
“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17