agape welcomes mark mcferran as new director of …...carol stroud agape’s mission strengthening...
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S t r e n g t h e n i n g c h i l d r e n a n d f a m i l i e s w i t h t h e h e a l i n g l o v e o f C h r i s t t h r o u g h c o u n s e l i n g a n d s o c i a l s e r v i c e s
AGAPE Welcomes Mark McFerran as New Director of Development
We are thrilled to announce that Mark McFerran has joined the AGAPE team as the new Director of Development.
Mark has worked for Christian organizations his entire career, primarily raising financial support. He moved to Nashville in 1995 to work as the Chief Development Officer for Brentwood Academy – a position he held for 17 years. He also spent five years working for Lipscomb University as the Associate Vice President for Community Philanthropy helping launch the College of Entertainment and the Arts.
Most recently, Mark has helped a number of people through his company, Coaching 4 Impact, by raising money for inspirational films, consulting with non-profit organizations and coaching executives and business owners to expand their reach.
Mark is a graduate of the 2000 Leadership Brentwood class and former board member of the Williamson County Chamber. He has also been involved in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Brentwood Noon Rotary Club, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
“I am honored to join such a well-respected, Christ-centered organization with a strong 53-year heritage, committed to serving a wide range of people in the greater Middle Tennessee area,” Mark said. “I look forward to partnering with Chandler and the board to make AGAPE even more known and create an even stronger community of partners.”
“Many prayers from staff, board members and friends of AGAPE have been lifted up for the Lord to provide AGAPE with the right person with the experience, influence and
relationships to lead AGAPE’s development efforts in the coming years,” said Executive Director Chandler Means. “Mark is the answer to those prayers! Not only because of his accomplished career but more importantly because of his deep love for the Lord and his genuine faith in Christ. We are blessed and overjoyed to have someone with Mark’s faith, experience and commitment to AGAPE’s ministry as part of our leadership team.”
Mark has been married for 35 years to his wife, Melody, and they have two adult children, Taylor and Mikayla. Mark and Melody are members of the Stonebridge Bible Church in Brentwood.
From the Desk of Chandler Means ...............................................Recent Happenings at AGAPE ........................................................7 Ways to Support Foster Families ................................................Renovations Now Complete ...........................................................
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Concord Road Hosts PATH ...............................................................Upcoming Counselor/Minister Trainings ...................................Thoughts from a Foster Parent ......................................................Memorial & Living Honor Gifts .......................................................
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In This Issue:
Spring 2019
published quarterly byAGAPE, Inc.
4555 Trousdale DriveNashville, TN 37204
615-781-3000fax 615-781-8262
Chandler MeansExecutive Director
Dr. Jason CooperDirector of Counseling and Related Services
Jeff FoxDirector of Social [email protected]
Traci King Landon, MBADirector of Business Operations
Mark McFerranDirector of Development
Board MembersNancy Cornwell, Chair
John Stallworth, Vice-ChairStephen Bridges, Treasurer
Tara Swafford, SecreteryKen Durham
Cameron Hunt Linda Johnston
Tim PartlowKellye Rice
Ann RobinsonCarol Stroud
www.agapenashville.org
AGAPE’s MissionStrengthening children and
families with the healing love of Christ through counseling
and social services
AGAPE IN ACTION
No person on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, or sex shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination of services, programs, employment provided by AGAPE and its contracted agencies
except as is allowed by federal law.
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For each AGAPE in Action, I try to pull in some common thread about AGAPE as an organization or some facet of the work we do and the people we serve – but not this time. I’m not sure if I have writer’s block because there’s so much on my mind or if it’s
the struggle of knowing how to convey all the good that’s going on at AGAPE, but the deadline looms, so here are a few of the things on my mind this afternoon...
Let’s start with Mark! Thrilled beyond words to have Mark join AGAPE. Everyone I spoke with about Mark as a candidate communicated that he is genuine in his relationships and his faith, and his professional success speaks for itself. We are excited to have Mark on board to lead this critical part of our organization, and I know each of you who meet Mark will know why he was the best candidate among some very strong applicants for this position.
In 2019, AGAPE will touch more than 4,000 lives through our foster/adoption programs, mental health/counseling services and through our Morning Star Sanctuary domestic violence shelter and court advocacy program. On any given day, 100+ children, families and adults will walk through our doors for services, and on any given night, as many as 60 souls, mostly children, will sleep under the safety, love and care of a Christian home or shelter somewhere in Middle Tennessee. The total number we care for will grow throughout the year. I wish and pray it wasn’t so, but the sad reality is we know it will. But, thanks to you, AGAPE will be there to serve them professionally and with the love of Christ.
God is providing unique ministry opportunities for AGAPE. A few months ago, we were asked by the Metro Office of Family Safety to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Family Safety Center for Davidson County as a community partner. Somehow, I ended up on the front row seated by three former mayors, the current mayor and a former governor of Tennessee. I truly believe the Lord is opening doors for AGAPE as a Christian ministry to work alongside and in partnership with Metro and state government at a time when it seems culture is dividing us. We are humbled and honored to be invited.
Thank you for supporting this ministry financially and through prayer. As we near the end of our fiscal year, we continue to need your support to meet our financial obligations before June 30. You can help by considering a meaningful gift before the end of June, putting together a fundraising team for the AGAPE Kids Classic and of course, keeping the work we do and those we serve in your prayers.
From the Desk of Chandler Means
AGAPE in ACTION
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Recent Happenings at AGAPEAGAPE & Morning Star Sanctuary were thrilled to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Office of Family Safety’s new Family Safety Center. This facility will provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking all under one roof. As a community partner in the FSC, AGAPE has the opportunity to extend our mission by serving children and families who are victims of crimes. We ask for your prayers as we begin this partnership!
We are excited to introduce Nancy Cornwell as the new chair of the AGAPE Board of Directors. Nancy first joined the AGAPE board in 2009 and began her current term in 2017. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb and her master’s degree from Vanderbilt. She retired from Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. in 2013. Nancy and her husband, Randy, are members of the Harpeth Hills congregation.
“Randy and I have supported AGAPE’s mission for many years,” Nancy said. “It is a great privilege and honor to serve with the dedicated folks on our board. We are facing many opportunities, many challenges and many blessings as we work to change lives with ‘the healing love of Christ’. I simply ask that, with your support and prayers, you’ll join us on this journey!”
We also want to thank Beverly James, Butch Stinson and Kirk Davidson (pictured below, L-R) for their many years of service on our board. Kirk and Beverly became board members in 2013. Butch has served numerous terms, totaling 19 years. Kirk was the immediate past chairman from 2017-2018, and Butch has served as chairman six times – his most recent being 2015-2016.
Morning Star staff members Roberta Higgins, Kim Wilson, Rachel Herman, Abbi Stockwell
We want to thank the following companies and individuals who helped sponsor our annual Foster Care Christmas Party:
• Amy Cottrell• Athleticourt • Brentwood Hills Wed. AM Bible Study Group• Donelson Church of Christ• Donelson Church of Christ Middle Schoolers• Grace Chapel Church • Judson Baptist Church• Otter Creek Church of Christ Life Groups• Paul and Tiffany Erwin• Paul Hasty and Sons Plumbing• Southern Mechanical • Tusculum Church of Christ Youth Group • World Outreach Church – Murfreesboro
AGAPE in ACTION
Renovations Now Complete
1. Bring a meal. When foster families get a new placement, it’s crucial that the first few days are spent connecting with that child or children—not grocery shopping or cooking dinner.
2. Provide gear. Foster parents can’t have every supply at the ready for every possible type of placement. When you find out they have a new placement, reach out to see what they need.
3. Schedule playdates. Even if the foster placement is older children, they need to build connections with other youth. It also allows the foster parents to maintain some normalcy in a chaotic time.
4. Babysit. Childcare is one of the biggest challenges of foster care. Let the parents have a night out to recharge alone.
5. Provide respite. This requires a background check and home safety visit, but it allows the foster children to develop connections with other caring adults and gives a much-needed break to foster families.
6. End gossip. If you have foster families in your circle of friends, you will hear gossip. When you hear others talking about the individual situations of foster families or children—even well-meaning—put a stop to it.
7. Check in. Foster care can be an emotional roller coaster. Be a listening ear when foster parents need to reflect on the range of feelings that serving in foster care can bring out. To check out our other recent blog posts, visit agapenashville.org/blog.
Not everyone can provide foster care, but there are ways to uplift and support those who do. Check out the list of ideas below, which was written by a foster parent and featured on our blog.
7 Ways to Support Foster Families
In our last AGAPE in Action, we shared photos of our newly renovated kitchen. We are happy to share that the other renovation projects in our front office, lobby and bathrooms are now complete! Big thanks to Ty Osman and Solomon Builders for generously donating much of the labor and supplies to complete these projects, which enable us to better serve our clients and guests.
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AGAPE in ACTION
Concord Road Church of Christ Hosts PATH Series
We want to extend our thanks to the congregation at Concord Road Church of Christ for hosting our recent PATH (Parents as Tender Healers) program to train new foster/adoptive parents. This was our biggest class ever with 14 graduating families!
The next foster parent training series will begin on April 22. If you’re interested in learning about how to become a foster/adoptive parent, visit our website or email [email protected].
AGAPE is proud to offer training sessions for mental health professionals and ministry leaders. Three of our upcoming courses are listed below.
Navigating Challenging Ethical Issues in Counseling Terry Casey, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, HSPTuesday, April 23rd from 9am-12pm (3 CE credits are available)
For Ministry Leaders:PREPARE/ENRICH Certification Workshop Danny Camp, D.Min., LMFT, AGAPE TherapistFriday, April 12th from 9am-3:30pm
Basic Counseling Resources & Knowing When It’s Time to Refer Danny Camp, D.Min., LFMT & Tracy Hall, Ph.D., LMFTTuesday, April 30 from 9am - 11am
For more information and to register, visit our website:agapenashville.org/counseling/training-opportunities.
Upcoming Counselor & Minister Training Sessions
One of our AGAPE foster moms recently shared this story on her Facebook page:
“Our foster son was hospitalized with pneumonia. He had to stay a couple of nights. Both his [birth]mother and I stayed overnight to take care of him. Baby boy had the time of his life with both of his
Thoughts from a Foster Parent...
mommies there at the hospital taking care of him. He has even learned to ask the other mommy for something when he doesn’t get his way with one!
Both mommies’ hearts are breaking just a little as we prepare to go home. My heart hurts because the baby I would move heaven and earth for isn’t mine forever. And oh how he still loves his first Mommy. I take care of him every day, but their bond is something that can’t be broken. And it shouldn’t be.
Her heart hurts because he isn’t hers to take care of after today. She has to leave him with me, a stranger, and go home and just trust that he will be okay. I’ve had nurses come up to me in the hall and ask how to become a foster parent. And y’all, that’s why we do it...To try and shine a little light in a dark world.”
MEMORIAL GIFTS
JACK ADAMSDon and Betsye Ledford
MARGERY ANDERSON Anita Wherry
DEBBIE ANGLIN Owen and Jo Sanders
KEVIN ARTHUR Jackie and Norma Aldridge
BETTY L. (LAKE) BARNES Jackie and Norma Aldridge
CLARENCE BRAXTON (CB) BARNES Jackie and Norma Aldridge
MR. AND MRS. DAVID BENTLEY Kathy Odom
EDITH AND CHARLIE BILBREYCharlene and Gary Groves Jerry and Brenda Stubblefield
PAT BLACKMORE Don and Betsye Ledford
RICHARD “DICKIE” BOLLESRandy and Jane Groce
MACK BONDS Thelma Justiss
JUANITA T. BOYCE William G and Helen G. Totty
INDIA AVALINE BOYE Jerry and Loretta Winters
CHARLIE BRANDONChuck and Wendy Brandon
MRS. MARGIE BRIDGES Randy and Nancy CornwellChandler & Sheri Means
TOM BURTON David Flow
TOM & CHRIS BURTONChandler & Sheri Means
JANE BUSSELL Ken and Paula Neil
BIRDIE MAY HOBBY BUTLER Jackie and Norma Aldridge
ULIVER CLAYTON BUTLER Jackie and Norma Aldridge
MAGGIE LOIS CAMPBELL Jackie and Norma Aldridge
BRUCE CARRDonna K. Carr
MRS. AILEEN CATHEYMr. and Mrs. Fletcher Srygley
C. OAKLEY CHRISTIAN, JR. Janice Christian
SANDRA CLARK Owen and Jo Sanders
BILLY LEE COZART Jackie and Norma Aldridge
AUSTIN CRAIGDonna K. Carr
LYNDA PAULETTE “POLLY” CROSSJackie and Norma Aldridge
ROBERT (BOB) HAROLD DEALLinda D. Love
SARAH GRACE DEFOE Jackie and Norma Aldridge
PEGGY DILLON Michael and Judy Jones
RONNIE DOAK Lisa CooperKeith and Michelle EdwardsErnest HyneBill and Ruth PattonDebbie and Bob Roberts-Bolinger
ALICE DOWNINGJanice May
ROBERT DUBOISLarry Foster and Lili
KIMBERLY H. EZELL Jackie and Norma Aldridge
MILES EZELL Leslie Jones
CONNER ALLEN FINNEYNed and Dorothy Solomon
JoANNE FORKUMFrankie B. Lyons
MARY BETTY FREEMANJohn and Alice Burton Marsha CoxSusan CumminsJ. D. Menser Don and Carolyn Perry
DOYLE GAW Linda GawRobert G. Masterson
MISTY EZELL GEORGE Mark and Beth Jent
JANICE GOODPASTURETip and Joyce Curd
RUTH GRAY Erica Smith
ALLINE GROCE Randy and Jane Groce
DAVID GUNTER AND SUZANNE STANFORD GUNTER Jim and Tammy HausmannNina Hausmann
JEWEL LANIER HAISLIP Jackie and Norma Aldridge
RUTH HARGROVE Don and Betsye Ledford
RONALD DEWAYNE HARWELL Jackie and Norma Aldridge
ROSIE HAYES Jeremy Hayes
SHELVA BROWN HICKERSON Jackie and Norma Aldridge
CAROLYN HULSHOF Jackie and Norma Aldridge
DR. TOM HUTSON Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Srygley
CARL JOHNSON Don and Betsye Ledford
ALLEN JONES Lois Westmoreland
WILLIAM HAROLD JONES Jackie and Norma Aldridge
ELIJAH JORDAN David and Linda Boyd
ANGLO JUSTISS Thelma Justiss
CHRIS KEEN John and Jennifer Shea
JEAN KELLYRick and June Grimes
DONNA KING
Don and Betsye Ledford
ANTHONY LAVOY LEDFORD, SR.Jackie and Norma Aldridge
BILLIE L. LEDFORD Jackie and Norma Aldridge
DELWIN LEDFORD Jackie and Norma Aldridge
EULA MAI COLLINS LEDFORDJackie and Norma Aldridge
SARA LOUISE BUTLER LEDFORD Jackie and Norma Aldridge
JIMMY MAX LOVE Lance A. Love Kyle Love
CAROLINE BICKEL MARKS Jackie and Norma Aldridge
MABLE J. McCAYBetty Groce
JIMMIE AND ALTA McKNIGHTRita Lester
PRENTICE A. MEADOR, JR. Barbara J. Meador
MR. DEWEY MILLER Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Srygley
JAMES JACKSON “JACK” MILLER Jackie and Norma Aldridge
BETTYE MOSSACK Rob Mossack
MRS. LOUISE MUSICKMr. and Mrs. Fletcher Srygley
BETTY NANCE Carolyn T. Wilson
KEN NASH Gregory and Mary Lee Nash
GWEN PARKER Larry Foster
MRS. ONA RODGERS Clyde and Elaine Head
ANTONINO RIZZUTOPaul and Anna Dana
LEWIS MILTON SIMMONS Jackie and Norma Aldridge
MEMORIAL AND LIVING HONOR GIFTS 12/1/2018 – 3/8/2019
MEMORIAL AND LIVING HONOR GIFTS 12/1/2018 – 3/8/2019, continued
WILLIAM M. AND DAISY L. SMILEY Jeffrey Smiley
MR. MIKE SMITH Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Srygley
JIM SULLIVAN Don and Betsye Ledford
MRS. PEGGY THOMPSON Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Srygley
MR. EVERETT H. TOMLINSON Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Srygley
BOB TURNER Willard and Judy Carr
MARGARET TYREE Don and Betsye Ledford
MARK STEVEN VISAGEJackie and Norma Aldridge
ANNA ELIZABETH WALKER Sam and Brenda Ezell
JOSHUA WALLEN David and Linda Boyd
MRS. MADELYNE WATSON Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Srygley
CHARLOTTE WILLIAMSSteve Williams
DR. LARRY K. WILSON Mrs. Carolyn T. Wilson
RALPH WILSONDon and Betsye Ledford
DON BRUCE WINTERS Jerry and Loretta Winters
LYNDA WRIGHT Larry Foster
DR. OLIVER YATESStephen and Kathy Foster
LIVING HONOR GIFTS
NORMA AND JACKIE ALDRIDGE Jana Lisle Parham
TERRY AND BRENDA BOOKER
Linda Johnston
TOM AND CHARLOTTE BRYANT Margie and Mike Miller
TOMEKA CATER Larry Foster and Lili
CORDELL AND MAIE CHOATEMr. and Mrs. J. B. West
RANDY AND NANCY CORNWELL Don and Barbara Thompson
TIPTON AND JOYCE CURDAlice Duncan Green
FLORENCE DAVIS Derrick and Rachel Jones
SPENCER DAYRuth Day
VALERIE DUNCANLinda Johnston
MIKE ELLERSandy Stewart
JOYE CLARE FINNEYNed and Dorothy Solomon
JORDAN AND RACHEL FLOMLinda Johnston
MELNA FULBRIGHT Amy Jordan
BRAD GIBSON Kevin L. Collins
KEN and BOBBIE GRISSIM Linda Johnston
GENA HULL Amy JordanChandler & Sheri Means
LINDA JOHNSTONAmy Jordan
MOLLY AND GARY KEENER Linda Johnston
DON AND BETSYE LEDFORD AND FAMILYJackie and Norma Aldridge
E. M.Heather Hendricks
KEN MALONE Ben Bohannon
ED MATLOCK Stephanie Renner
FRANKLIN AND DEBBIE McCREARYJames McCreary
MELISSA McDONALD Linda Johnston
CHANDLER MEANS Jim AstonKevin L. Collins
CHANDLER AND SHERI MEANS Ned and Kellie O’Brien
NIKO / CHANDLER AND SHERI MEANSGregory Golden
MEN’S BIBLE CLASS BHCC Chandler Means
DON AND KATHLEEN MOOGAGDENLinda Johnston
MTEMC – Franklin Member Services TeamKevin L. Collins
TOM AND KIM NORVELLLinda Johnston
PAT DORRIS AND LARRY OLIVER Linda Johnston
JOHN AND LONNIE O’MARALinda Johnston
JIM AND BRENDA PERSHING Jim Ridings
MARGARET POWELL Linda Johnston
TARI AND JOHN ROKUS Linda Johnston
KEN RUCKER Lewis Thomason
BRETT AND DEANA SMITH Rand J. Springer
JOHN AND VIRGINIA STOKES Linda Johnston
JEFF AND KIM STOMBER Linda Johnston
SUSAN TAYLOR Linda Johnston
MARY LEE THOMPSON Amy Jordan
DAVID TINER Kevin L. Collins
MARK AND BARBARA TUCKER Linda Johnston
LEIGH VAIL Larry Foster and Lili
TOM AND THERESA VANWEELDENLinda Johnston
WOODBINE CHURCH Larry Foster, Whitsitt Elementary
BIRTHDAYS
BEATRICE ALLEN – 100 YEARSJoan and Sid Smith
RICHARD DICKERSON Joan and Sid Smith
MERRY CHRISTMASTOM OGAR Jesse and Andrea Clayton
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
50th – JIM AND CAROLYN BINGHAMJackie and Norma Aldridge
50th – DIANE AND TONY WHITE Don and Betsye Ledford
We were honored and blessed to receive an estate gift from the late Anne Lee. If you’d like to learn more about planned giving, please contact Chandler Means at [email protected] or 615-781-3000.
Leave a Lasting Legacy for AGAPE
4555 Trousdale DriveNashville, TN 37204-4513615-781-3000Fax 615-781-8262www.agapenashville.org
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