TMM Family Service celebrates 30th Anniversary

Founding TMM Family Services Director, Rev. Roland Brammeier (1974-1985), summarized it well when he said “WOW” at the end of his opening comments at TMM’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on March 13th in Tucson. Brammeier was speaking to a maximum capacity crowd of 400 guests who came to recognize and celebrate the important human and social services outreach ministry that TMM has provided to thousands upon thousands of Southern Arizona’s poor and disenfranchised children and families since 1974. Rev. Jerry Elrod (1985-1988), TMM’s second Director and now retired and living in Texas, introduced his long time friend and colleague, Dr. Tex Sample, as the Keynote Speaker. Anyone who has ever heard Tex preach understands (from the comments heard afterwards) that his story-telling skills left the audience wanting to hear more — more of the Gospel that God’s Grace is fully intended for all and that as the Church we are challenged to communicate this intention and this grace in our individual and corporate living, including through the work of urban and rural outreach ministries such as practiced by TMM and others. Rev. Don Strauch (1988-present), TMM’s third Director, shared his sense of where TMM has been and where it is most likely headed in the coming years. But before making these comments he reminded the guests that organized efforts like TMM, even after it has become institutionalized as a recognizable and effective human service agency, is entirely dependent upon the Grace of God and the ongoing support of individuals and congregations, even though it may also contract with governmental agencies for some of its support. Strauch stated that TMM may someday cease to be but that, nevertheless, something new and yet similar would rise in its place in response to God’s call to care for children and families at risk in our various communities. Rev. Sharon Ragland, Central East Superintendent, and former TMM Executive Committee member, and Mr. Steve Leal, City of Tucson Councilman, served as the event’s
Emcees. Ragland commented that even while serving a church in Wisconsin years ago she had heard of the good work and ministry of TMM. Leal complimented TMM for honoring and maintaining its founding (faith) principles while operating day to day in a complex system of give and take. He added that public systems too often lead to compromising these essential principles and values. Other highlights of the event included an awe inspiring vocal solo by the seventeen-year-old daughter of one of TMM’s Family Journey single moms. TMM’s twenty member Children’s Choir (blend of group home and transitional housing children) performed with great pride and joy while earlier the TMM Boy Scouts opened the entire evening event by presenting the flags and leading all in the Pledge of  Allegiance. Two adult choirs, one from Desert Skies UMC and the other from the community called, On Broadway, also performed. Dr. Sharon Elrod, Jerry’s
wife, briefly shared a very personal story about adoption and family re-unification - a topic also critical to TMM’s current children’s ministry via its group homes.
The annual Eugene Mackaben Community Service Award was presented this year to two outstanding groups. Humane Borders, Inc. has as its primary mission the establishing of Water Stations along several key border locations where migrant children, families and adults attempt to cross the Mexican-American border illegally. Kairos Prison Ministry, Int. Arizona Chapter, was recognized for its evangelical outreach to male and female prisoners in various Arizona prison facilities. This entirely volunteer and ecumenical effort has made a life, attitude and heart changing impact for many prisoners who otherwise would not receive much attention from the faith community. TMM thanks the DSW Conference and the local UM churches and individuals who continue to support its outreach ministries to the at risk children and families of Southern Arizona while praising God for the privilege of serving our Risen and Living Christ day in and day out.
by Rev. Don Strauch, Executive Director