MacDonell United Methodist Children's Services, Inc. 8326 Main St.  •  Houma, La. 70363  •  (985) 868-8362
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Our Services

NATURE OF SERVICES PROVIDED

1. To provide around-the-clock care, education and Christian nurturing to neglected and dependent children in need of care outside of their own homes.

2. To work in partnership, whenever possible, with parents and children, and to assure the child of his right to his own family. To this end, professional counseling services are arranged for and provided by MacDonell.

3. To insure that all children admitted receive the best care in a Christian environment.

PHILOSOPHY

MacDonell provides an incentive to achieve through self-reliance through its Group Life Program, where emotional, educational, spiritual, social and medical aspects are integrated into our individual plan of care for each child.  Our qualified and dedicated staff unite to achieve the goals for the 36 boys and girls in our care.

While providing the children with these basic needs, the short term goal is to stabilize the child both mentally and physically so that the healing process may begin. MacDonell strives in the long term to mold these children into responsible adults ready to assume their places in today's society.

GROUP LIFE PROGRAM

MacDonell employs the unit plan of group living in three residences called cottages on our campus.  Child care workers are on eight-hour shifts, 24 hours a day.

The children are encouraged to learn self-reliance through the performance of assigned tasks in the cottages.  These include cleaning responsibility for the room the child lives in, and helping to maintain his home, the campus, in an attractive condition.

THERAPEUTIC CARE

MacDonell is a social agency recommended by the Child Welfare League in America.  Our president, G.J. Bridges, holds a master's degree in social work (MSSW) and is board certified (licensed) by the State of Louisiana (BCSW) to practice social work.

Our Vice President of Social Services, Michael S. Guidroz, LCSW, conducts the intake study when a child is referred here to determine the needs of the child and to decide if the agency can meet these needs.  Mr. Guidroz holds a master's degree in social work.  He and two additional licensed social service counselors provide therapeutic counseling to meet the emotional needs of the child.

In addition, MacDonell employs a licensed practical nurse (LPN), Gail Pitre, to oversee the child's medical needs, including the dispensing of medication and doctor's visits.

PLACEMENT PROCEDURES

Even though children are accepted from anywhere within the state of Louisiana, it is preferred that children live within the area so that services may be rendered to the families as well as the children, with a goal of reconciliation.

MacDonell is licensed to accommodate 36 boys and girls between the ages of five and 18 who have sufficient emotional stability and / or potential to achieve in public schools.  At MacDonell, study hall is conducted every day after school with the assistance of local school teachers to help the children with their studies.  Persons considering placing children at MacDonell should contact our office.

FINANCING

MacDonell depends primarily on the State of Louisiana Office of Community Services for fee payments.  We also receive help from the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, and private donations from churches and individuals.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Administrative staff is available for speaking engagements before interested groups and organizations.  Groups and individuals are welcome by appointment to visit us in Houma.

To schedule speaking engagements or visits, please call Danielle Robinson at (985) 868-8362.  We will be happy to make arrangements that will accommodate your group.

MacDonell United Methodist Children's Services
Serving Children Since 1919