August 2022 Issue
A Note from our CEO
Honor a Loved One
Become a Foster Parent
HOPE Leaders
40 Stories over 40 Years
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Events
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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We are reaching the end of summer, and fall is upon us. This fall promises to be an exciting time at Casa de Esperanza as we celebrate our 40th Birthday and hold the 12th Annual Chili Cook-Off. We hope you join us the weekend of October 28-30 for some, or all, of the festivities!
Like so many of you, Casa de Esperanza has been busy helping our families ready their children for the classroom. This past weekend, we held the inaugural Back to School Fair for our Aftercare families, an event we hope to make an annual tradition. Children and families in attendance received backpacks filled with school supplies, gift cards for school uniforms, books, snacks and so much more. Many corporations and community groups came together to collect supplies, stuff backpacks, and help with the event. We are grateful to everyone who ensured that our children have everything they need to start the school year with everything they need!
It is also back to school time for many of our post-adopt families. This year, 11 adoptees are attending college with financial help from Casa's Post-Adopt Scholarship Program, an increase from 5 adoptees in the spring! Thanks to the A.R. "Tony" and Maria J. Sanchez Family Foundation generously sponsoring this important program, our young adults are able to study for a range of degrees from business to engineering to art. We know they will go on to do great things!
It takes a village to raise a child, and your partnership ensures that our children and families have the resources they need, not just at back to school time, but year round. Your support means the world to our families. Thank you!
We look forward to celebrating with you in October. Please feel free to email me with any questions you have or to schedule a visit before then.
Sincerely,
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Melissa L. Simon, MSW, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
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Honor a Loved One with a Boardwalk Plank
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For 40 years, Casa de Esperanza has had a tradition of hosting birthday parties to celebrate major milestone anniversary years! This kid-focused, family-friendly party is attended by current & former Casa de Esperanza children, post-adopt families, current & former House Parents, and special guests.
There is no fee to attend the Birthday Party and it is completely funded by wonderful people like you. All proceeds above and beyond event costs will benefit Casa de Esperanza’s efforts to properly maintain and improve our houses and neighborhood amenities to ensure maximum health and safety for the children living in them.
The Casa neighborhood's iconic boardwalk is getting an upgrade! Honor a loved one or share a special dedication from your family with a message on our dedication sign or a boardwalk plank with a gift to Casa's 40th Birthday Celebration of $2,500 or more. Learn more here.
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Foster a Bright Beginning
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Foster parenting is a deeply rewarding, albeit challenging, experience that protects children and preserves families. Our Foster Parents provide temporary care for children ages newborn to six years old while we simultaneously partner with birth parents to refocus their future and secure a safe and healthy environment where their children can thrive. Casa's experienced and compassionate staff provide on-going training and unique 24/7 support to all of our Foster Families. Our team is ready to talk to you about the variety of ways you can begin your foster parent journey with Casa de Esperanza. Whether living in Casa de Esperanza's neighborhood or with your family in your own home, we can help you navigate what may be the best fit for your situation.
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HOPE Leaders is a group of emerging leaders and professionals dedicated to embracing and sharing the mission of Casa de Esperanza to end the cycle of childhood abuse and neglect. Through HOPE Leaders, Casa de Esperanza connects with emerging leaders from various professions to strengthen the heart of philanthropy and community action throughout the Greater Houston area.
This Thursday we'll be hosting a Hope Leaders happy hour, a great opportunity to meet with new and current HOPE Leaders. Join us and have a chance to win in our drawing for tickets to our upcoming Chili Cook-Off on October 30.
Thursday, August 25th
Roots Wine Bar
5 PM - 7 PM
Save the Date for upcoming 2022 events with our Hope Leaders:
SEPTEMBER 17 - Round Table Discussion: Casa Leadership
NOVEMBER 19 - Christmas Lights Set Up + Playdate
DECEMBER 7 - 2023 Planning Meeting
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40 Stories over 40 Years: Sister Pat
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At 66 years young, Sister Patricia (Pat) Aseltyne left her work in Michigan to begin a new career at Casa de Esperanza. Sister Pat belongs to the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, an order recognized for emphasizing social action for justice.
When Sister Pat first came to Casa de Esperanza, she was one of the direct caregivers to the children in need. In that role, she cared for Rosa, a child dying of AIDS. Rosa’s brief life had a profound influence on Sister Pat. A sign on the door to her office read: Precious Rosa, Path to Peace, Enter with Joy.
Sister Pat later became the Coordinator of Aftercare and Outreach for Casa de Esperanza, where she had a direct effect on a vast number of people. She followed the children when they went home to their biological parents or other relative placements. Sister Pat would travel to the poorest parts of Houston to make sure the family was stable, helping them cope with problems, large and small. Sister Pat frequently acted as an advocate for the family in situations, sometimes legal and usually bureaucratic, where the family itself had little or no power.
The families looked to Sister Pat as a friend for the 20 years she served Casa de Esperanza. While she officially retired and returned to Michigan in 2014, she is still a beloved member of our Casa de Esperanza family.
Follow along on our social media pages - Facebook and Instagram - each Saturday as we share memorable stories throughout Casa’s history.
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Thank You to Our Group Volunteers!
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A big THANKS to all of our groups who purchased items from our Amazon Wish List, helped stock the pantry, donated a meal, or provided other support in July!
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Fruit of the Vine Church
Houston Area Pediatric Nurses Association
Houston Rockets
National Charity League Memorial
Prelude Music Classes
Palazzo's
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Group volunteer opportunities have resumed! For more information on group volunteer opportunities, email Chrissy.
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Don't miss the HOTTEST event of the year! Join Casa de Esperanza as we bring the Houston community together for tasty chili, friendly competition, and red-hot fun all in support of providing hope and a home for children in crisis. Sponsorship opportunities start at $500, enter your best chili dish for $350 team entry which includes up to 6 team members, or purchase a ticket to attend, eat and have fun.
Sunday, October 30th, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hosted at Powder Keg | 1300 Brittmore Road, Houston, TX 77043
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- 2T Boy Shorts and Shirts
- Size 5 & 6 diapers; Size 4T-5T pull-ups; Unscented baby wipes
- Cleaning supplies and hygiene items
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