Mountain States Children’s Home Celebrates 50 Years
Willie Franklin addressed an audience of over 300 guests at the 50 year anniversary celebration at Mountain States Children’s Home on July 17th. The audience included area church members, local residents, board members, volunteers, alumni, staff, families of children and even future families of potential residence of Mountain States Children’s Home. Members of the Elmer Richards and John Lewis families were present to revisit the legacy that their fathers began with 50 years of service to children and families.
Willie’s message was about children and the foundation that should be built on a loving God. He reflected on memories that he had of spending time at Yellowstone Bible Camp with some of the MSCH children that were in attendance.
The celebration included history of “the home” with a story board of articles and pictures representing the years of sacrifice, pain, and progress.
Skip Barber, executive director of the Colorado Association of Family and Children’s Agencies, an advocacy, training and education group spoke. He stated the “need for organizations like Mountain States Children’s Home” because of children that require a home. Children are becoming an increasingly growing group within our homeless population.
The Recreational Center that was built through donors of the Soaring to New Heights campaign was named “The Winger Recreational Center” in honor of Don and Judy Winger. Over the years Don has been the Interim Superintendent twice (1985 and 1987-88). He and Judy have been generous in their support, service and volunteering of time for the past 25 years.
Several alumni were represented including Willie Ratliff, James Wilson, Aubrey Bichler, and Ricky Greene with words describing the impact that Mountain States Children’s Home has had on their lives. Willie Ratliff, who is a director on the board, shared, “I am forever indebted to men that had the love, dedication, and foresight to start such an incredible place called Mountain States Children’s Home.”
In the words of Ricky Greene, “I’ll be 22 in August and thinking back, if it wasn’t for the home, I would be dead, in jail or on drugs. When I refer to my family, I speak of you guys (the MSCH family).”
Aubrey delivered a moving testimony that emitted tears from the audience adding, “I have yet to understand why my mom didn’t want me.” In her resolve she stated, “We were very lucky to have a Christian example.”
Ratliff, looking to the future expressed, “MSCH has helped so many young people over the past 50 years. The next 50 will be even more exciting? We will be given more responsibilities, challenges and opportunities to help young people in the next 50 years!”
Tags: Celebration, Mountain States Children's Home, Willie Franklin