Connecting babies and children needing homes with loving families through adoption and helping young people with disabilities learn life and vocational skills to reach independence.

When her mother passed away in June, Meghan went to live with an aunt and uncle who were concerned with her well-being and future. Meghan had suffered brain damage at birth. The family decided Meghan needed a fresh start in life. They discovered the Southwest Center for Higher Independence (SCHI) at Methodist Mission Home and thought it might be the place where Meghan could receive the skills she needed to live an independent life. At SCHI, young adults with disabilities learn life and vocational skills to reach their personal level of independence. In the past I hadn't had very much luck with other students, Meghan said. But SCHI is different; they don't make fun of you here. They just accept the fact that you're different and that you're doing something about it. Meghan describes SCHI as a great big giant family. She says everyone from the students to the staff is there for each other. In the past eight months, she says she has learned to do things she had never done before like cooking and laundry. With classes on personal finance and time management, Meghan is learning the basic life skills she needs to live on her own when she completes the program. I'm hoping by the time I get through everything I am able to be my own person and not have my family have to worry about me, Meghan said. "There is always hope for someone struggling to make it in the world.>/q>