February 2022 Issue
A Note from our CEO
Casa Question Corner
Mission Moment
Casa's 40th Birthday Brigade
Hearts of Hope
Hands of Hope Highlight
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Events
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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February, often called "the month of love," is nearly over, but we did not want to miss the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for all of you who, in your own unique and significant ways, show so much love for Casa de Esperanza and the children and families who turn to us for safety and hope.
2021 held many challenges for all of us. The COVID crisis continued to disproportionately impact the families we serve, challenging their resolve, threatening their livelihoods, and burdening their health and safety. Thanks to your support, Casa de Esperanza continued to be a resource for them by providing food, Back to School supplies and Christmas presents, referrals and assistance to accessing community resources, and for some, even just a listening ear. While we look forward to sharing our full Annual Report with you next month, here is a preview of the impact that YOU helped us to achieve in 2021.
- 47 children received 5,682 days of care.
- 46 Hands of Hope House Parents provided care for the children.
- 124 families received Aftercare services.
- 48 birth parents enrolled in counseling, classes, or treatment programs.
- Volunteers donated 99,404 hours!
As we reflect on 2021, we look forward to 2022. Help us celebrate Casa de Esperanza's 40th Birthday all year! Two great ways to get involved include joining our Birthday Brigade and becoming a Hearts of Hope monthly donor. You can find more information on both programs below.
After 40 years, our dedication to the mission to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect has never been stronger, thanks to the commitment and generosity of YOU - our donors, volunteers, and community, and to the foundation laid throughout the past four decades. We can't wait to see what the next 40 years will bring.
Sincerely,
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Melissa L. Simon, MSW, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
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Casa Question Corner:
What is Casa de Esperanza's Food Pantry?
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Casa de Esperanza's in-house food pantry not only supports the children and caregivers in the Residential Neighborhood; it also serves as a resource for Aftercare families who need additional food, hygiene products, and household supplies. In 2021, the pantry served 124 Aftercare families, and largely provided supplies that other assistance programs don't cover, including cleaning supplies, paper goods, and diapers. With the end of the child tax credit and rising food costs we are starting to see a sharp increase in need for the food pantry, demonstrating that our families only request assistance when they truly need it.
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Casa de Esperanza's pantry is filled primarily though donations. Hosting a basic needs + food drive is a great way to contribute to our mission and nourish the children and families who depend on us. Our families need your help! View a list of items we need the most here https://www.casahope.org/stock-the-pantry-food-drive or purchase items directly off our Amazon Wish List.
Facebook also has a new platform to make it easy for you to host a drive with your network.
Please contact Chrissy to arrange a deliver time. On behalf of our families, thank you!
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40 Stories over 40 Years -
Caring for Children with HIV/AIDS
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The focus of Casa de Esperanza throughout the years has always been to help children living in poverty and vulnerable situations. However, in the 1980s there was another adversity increasingly impacting children and that was AIDS. In 1986, our first child with AIDS was admitted. Subsequently, one of our homes was dedicated exclusively to serve children suffering from this disease. Casa was the second agency in the nation to respond to the need for specialized residential care of children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. At that time, there was not much information or awareness about HIV/AIDS, and on a nationwide scale there were virtually no other programs or agencies to ask for guidance. From 1991 to 2000, we established the AIDS Family Center to expand our help to families until other agencies developed to meet their needs and families could transition over. We initially only aimed to house a hospice program for these children but many of them flourished at Casa de Esperanza and were later placed in adoptive homes. The work we do today is still motivated by their success.
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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Casa de Esperanza's 40th Birthday Brigade
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Share OUR birthday with a challenge during your own! We're looking for 40 of our Casa friends to pledge to host a Facebook Fundraiser in 2022 to benefit Casa de Esperanza. Our team will provide you with the tools to make your celebratory campaign a success! Fundraisers who raise more than $1,000 will receive an exclusive invitation to our 40th Birthday Fall Celebration in the neighborhood.
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Hearts of Hope Monthly Donors
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As a monthly donor, you join a special group of people who, through a monthly commitment, help us plan and prepare for the year ahead.
It's easy to do, and a monthly gift as small as $10 provides wipes for one child for a month! Set up your monthly gift today and become one of our amazing monthly donors who help provide safety, diapers, food, housing, and HOPE for the children in our care!
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Meet Hazkhett, a Wartburg College graduate from Storm Lake, Iowa!
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
At the time that this opportunity was presented to me, I was struggling to decide what I wanted to do post-graduation. I never knew that a place like this existed and as I did more research on Casa de Esperanza, I realized that it connected with a lot of my passions and interests. For example, learning about social work and the foster care system. I knew that this would be the right space for me to continue thinking about my future and do meaningful work.
Share a favorite memory.
A couple months into joining Casa, I had a one month old come into my care and at first, she was like any other baby -- eating, pooping and sleeping. Around three months old we began seeing her reach more developmental milestones and there was one milestone that sticks out the most. She began doing this screeching scream or a yell. In the beginning, we were all very confused but quickly realized that this was her attempt at talking. She was beginning to make different noises along with this baby yell. Now at 5 months old not a day goes by that she’s not filling the house with her playful baby screaming and making us laugh. She brings so much character to our house and I can’t imagine it without her in it.
What is one thing you have learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
Since arriving at Casa, not a day goes by that I haven’t learned something new about the work that I am doing, the kids that I am caring for and myself. There are constant changes happening at Casa de Esperanza and I’ve learned to embrace it with optimism and an open mind. The changes are challenging but ultimately, it’s creating space for growth.
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation you can give to someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
A piece of advice that I would share with future House Parents is to trust the process. Come in with an open mind because so many changes will occur while you are here and each of these changes will alter you in ways you can’t expect.
What is one thing we can’t tell just by looking at you?
I am obsessed with podcasts. I listen to at least one a day if not more.
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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 January!
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Fruit of the Vine Christian Center
Generation SERVE
Herbalife
City Council Member Mike Knox
LKJ Financial
McGovern School of Medicine
Menninger Clinic
National Charity League Memorial
Palazzo's
Prelude Music Foundation
Principle Energy
The SAI Group
St. Catherine's Montessori School
St. Theresa's Catholic Church
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Until we are able to resume normal group volunteer opportunities, if you or someone you know would like to schedule a restaurant meal delivery with their corporate or community group, email Chrissy.
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Join us for our annual gala! Click here for more information on underwriting opportunities.
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