Rio Texas Introduces New Project Transformation Associate Director

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Kercida McClain will start her position as Assoc. Director of Project Transformation–Rio Texas on Nov. 15

We are excited to announce that Kercida McClain has accepted the position of Associate Director of Project Transformation–Rio Texas. She is currently the Director of Christian Education at Laurel Heights UMC in San Antonio and has served on the Project Transformation Advisory Board. She is one the lead champions of PT Rio Texas and has been since its inception.

Project Transformation already had two successful summers of connecting churches to communities. Project Transformation focuses on the three c’s: college, churches and children. 97 percent of PT participants at Rio Texas churches maintained or improved their reading levels. Click Here to learn more about Project Transformation.

This transition is exciting because Mrs. McClain’s past experience includes leading the new Rio Texas Children’s Initiative “Open the Umbrella.” The initiative was adopted by the Uniting Table and introduced at the 2016 gathering of the annual conference. It recommends that each congregation focus on how to best meet the needs of children in their church and neighborhood.

Rev. Laura Merrill, Executive Director of the Rio Texas Mission Vitality Center said, “Kercida’s presence on the Project Transformation team begins to align the work of PT with the overall vision of the Children’s Initiative."

Kercida begins her new position on November 15th.

Important Announcement Regarding Project Transformation Rio Texas

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After two successful inaugural summers in the Rio Texas Conference, Executive Director of Project Transformation Rio Texas Nathaniel O’Dell is returning to Dallas as the Director of Development for Wesley-Rankin Community Center, a Methodist mission providing educational programming and resources to the people of West Dallas.

O’Dell led the birth and advancement of the summer literacy program from 2015-16.

“It has been such a privilege to help launch Project Transformation for the Rio Texas Conference.  Through the dedication and support of hundreds of individuals, the ministry is already changing lives,” said O’Dell. “I am excited to say that over my time with the organization, structures have been put in place to ensure that the ministry will continue to thrive and grow. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things it will do in the future."  

Project Transformation Rio Texas has held two summers transforming lives by building relationships in the Rio Texas Conference thanks to the leadership of O’Dell.

Project Transformation Rio Texas accomplished these milestones for Summer 2016:

  • 98 percent of participants entering first grade through sixth grade maintained or improved their reading levels
  • Incorporated leadership development training for college-aged interns, on topics such as servant leadership, conflict resolution, personal life management and justice and advocacy.
  • Wellness Program Coordinator added to track physical activity of children, coordinate with San Antonio Food Bank and Methodist Health Ministries Wesley Nurses to bring nutritional educators to camp.

Kercida McClain, Chair of the Advisory Board for Project Transformation Rio Texas, ensures a smooth transition and the formation of a search committee for the vacancy.

“As with all ministries, a part of our prayer was for the innovative leadership Project Transformation demands. Nathaniel O’Dell has been that kind of leader,” said McClain. “His willingness to pick up his family and move to San Antonio to help begin this ministry has been instrumental in the setting of the firm foundation we now have.”

May God bless Nathaniel and his family during this time of transition and for their fruitful ministries to the United Methodist Church. 

Read more about Project Transformation here

Click Here to watch a video about Project Transformation Rio Texas! 

Watch Project Transformation on Local San Antonio News

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Project Transformation Rio Texas Executive Director Nathaniel O'Dell was on the 6:30 p.m. News 4 San Antonio broadcast on Thursday, June 18. Click the image above to watch the interview! 

Click Here if you want to learn more about Project Transformation Rio Texas. 

Click Here if you would like to volunteer for Project Transformation Rio Texas. 

Click Here if you would like to contact someone about signing up your child for Project Transformation Rio Texas' literacy camp. 

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