Birmingham, AL--The United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH), a 120-year-old child care agency based in Montgomery, Alabama, announces the addition of Rebecca Morris and Lara Wheeler to its newly organized Birmingham Office of Marketing and Development located in the UMC North Alabama Conference Center on the campus of Birmingham-Southern College.
Dr. Blake Horne, CEO of the United Methodist Children’s Home is pleased to announce the new staff and office, “We are thrilled to have Rebecca and Lara join our team here at UMCH. They bring a wealth of experience, creativity, and resources to the table as we seek to advance our most important mission, caring for all God’s children in Alabama and Northwest Florida.”
Rebecca Morris joins as Director of Marketing and External affairs. Most recently she worked in a trade association as the Community Liaison for the membership where she focused on community and federal relations. Rebecca says “The United Methodist Children’s Home does so much good for the children it serves, and I am thrilled to help bring awareness to the organization. The Children’s Home has a long, storied history. I want my children, along with the next generation to understand and know how the organization has served those in need.” Rebecca Morris has called Birmingham home for the last twelve years. She is married to Ben Morris, and they have three elementary school age boys. They attend Canterbury regularly and look forward to joining the membership in the fall.
Lara Wheeler joins the Birmingham office as Director of Development. Lara, who most recently served in nonprofit as the Development Director of Pathways in Birmingham, has a true passion for serving those in the community whose needs are often overlooked. “I feel blessed to have this opportunity to combine my heart for serving those in need with my skills in fundraising and development,” says Lara. She is looking forward to connecting with and serving church members and Children’s Home supporters across the North Alabama Conference and the Alabama West-Florida Conference. Lara lives in Columbiana with her husband, Taylor Steele where they are members of Columbiana United Methodist Church.
Rebecca and Lara join staff members Cherry Johnson and Robert Powell who have both served the United Methodist Children’s Home for several years. Cherry has been named Communications Manager and will continue to provide public relations and outreach services for the Children’s Home from the Birmingham office. Robert Powell, lifelong advocate for the United Methodist Church and the Children’s Home, will continue serving as Development Associate in the Alabama/West Florida Conference.
About the United Methodist Children’s Home
The United Methodist Children’s Home of Alabama and Northwest Florida has been assisting children and families in crisis since its founding in 1890. Based in Montgomery, UMCH’s ministries include residential group homes for children and Babies First, which provides young mothers and their babies with a safe place to live and grow. Additionally, UMCH administers foster care and adoption home services, as well as family preservation and support services designed to keep families united whenever possible. These ministries are available to all in need regardless of religious affiliation. Each year UMCH transforms the lives of hundreds of children and families through its faith-based programming. For more information visit the UMCH website at www.umch.net or call 800-239-3575.
{Pictured left to right: Rebecca Morris and Lara Wheeler}