October 2021 Issue:
A Note from our CEO
Mission Moment
Casa Question Corner
Hands of Hope Highlight
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Save the Date - Upcoming Events
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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October is Casa de Esperanza's Birthday Month, and it's always been a special time of reflection and celebration. This year, celebrating 39 years has extra special meaning. While the challenges of a pandemic and its great impact on our community remain with us, we are reminded daily of the privilege and responsibility we have to provide safety and hope to at-risk children and families in crisis. And, we know we are equipped to meet that challenge because of the continued outpouring of support from friends like you.
From the beginning, Casa de Esperanza committed to never allow money to exchange hands over a child. Thus, no government funding is accepted and all of Casa de Esperanza's services are provided without charge. It is truly the generosity of the Houston community and beyond that ensures that children and families in crisis have a safe place to turn. As we celebrate our 39th Birthday, an especially fun way to support and share the mission of Casa de Esperanza is celebrating YOUR birthday through a Facebook Fundraiser. You can learn more about this easy way to contribute by visiting our Facebook Fundraiser Toolkit.
Since its founding in 1982 by Kathy Foster and Bill Jones, more than 6,000 children and families have found safety, love, help and hope through Casa de Esperanza. You'll find a special reflection from Mary later in this newsletter.
I hope you'll take the opportunity soon to visit the Casa de Esperanza neighborhood to see the impact of your support or find out how you can become involved with our community. Please email Leanne for more information.
Sincerely,
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Melissa L. Simon, MSW, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
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Mission Moment: Staff Reflection |
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Looking back on the past 39 years, we know we wouldn't be where we are today without the incredible staff who work tirelessly to support the children and families that come through our doors. Most of our staff have been with Casa de Esperanza for many years, with 7 staff members being here for 20 years or more! Our staff were recently asked to reflect on their time at Casa de Esperanza. Here is Mary's story.
"My Casa de Esperanza story all started with a smile. I began as a weekly volunteer in a house on Rosedale. When I walked in there was a baby on the floor on a quilt. He started to cry and I picked him up. He smiled at me and my whole life changed with that smile. I knew that he needed holding, hugging, and loving. I became a Volunteer Community Foster Parent and took him home a week before he turned one – he is now 24! Through the years I cared for fifty more foster children and adopted another three.
I started to work for Casa de Esperanza and along the way I held a position in almost every department. I spent the longest amount of time with Casa as a caseworker. One of my favorite memories from my time as a caseworker is when I brought a child as a new intake to a community family’s home on Halloween. By chance, the little boy was wearing a football jersey of the foster dad’s favorite team. The dad happened to be wearing the same jersey for Halloween! The family took it as a sign of that they were meant to be together. The family went through a years-long struggle to adopt him and I have always been inspired by their commitment. I also have many good memories of working with the birth parents of children in our care - especially when we were able to throw a graduation party for those completing their GED. I feel like things have come full circle because now I am working with Aftercare families - many of whom I knew as a caseworker.
When I think back of the children I cared for and the families I worked with I can remember that there were lots of good times, but also challenges. The staff always found a way to support each other and get through the toughest situations. I also credit the kids: because even the ones who have gone through the most, still have so much to give. The love of the children is what changed my life, and it all started with one smile!"
-Mary, 24 years at Casa de Esperanza
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Casa Question Corner:
Casa de Esperanza's Beginning
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Meet Jackson, a Montana State University graduate from Helena, Montana!
What is one thing we can’t tell just by looking at you?
Growing up with both parents working as educators I have always had a strong interest in working with children which has led me here to Casa de Esperanza and has helped shape my future goals of becoming a pediatrician.
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
After graduation I had a lot of built up energy and desire to explore a different part of the country and dedicate my time to service. Already interested in working with children, I read more into the mission of Casa and what the organization does for the community of Houston and knew it would be a great fit.
Share a favorite memory.
I will always remember a very early morning spent reading the same book countless times with two of the toddlers before the rest of the house was awake. Watching the older toddler begin to repeat words and sentences of the book while the younger of the two stared and giggled at him brought feelings of both pride in his development and also joy and humor in the interaction between the two.
What is one thing you have learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
The most important thing I have learned since arriving at Casa is the incredible impact that a group of similarly passionate individuals can have when working together. The dedication and love for these children from the House Parents and other staff is truly infectious and has already helped shape how I wish to approach my future career and other endeavors.
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
I have always heard people (including myself) talking about and dreaming about changing lives and making a difference in the world. Coming to Casa I can promise that you will find reassurance and self-fulfillment each day with the positive impact you have on the lives of these children.
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Thank You to Our September 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 September! |
National Charity League - Memorial
Kokonut Kids
Herbalife
Palazzo's
Birthday Bundles for Kids
The Houston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators
Generation Serve
Wildfish Theater
Houston Astros
Prelude Music Foundation
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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 Casa de Esperanza's Young Professionals next Sunday, November 7th starting at 12 PM at The West End - A Public House 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. This family-friendly event will feature unlimited chili tastings, free drinks, live music, yard games, kids activities, amazing raffle items, a dog costume contest, and more!
Visit our website to learn more about the event and to purchase tickets.
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ONLINE AUCTION IS OPEN TO EVERYONE! Bidding ends at 1 PM on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021.
m Strategic Partners'
annual sporting clay event was reschedule to Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021
at Westside Sporting Grounds
benefiting Casa de Esperanza.
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Save the date for our annual gala! Click here for more information on underwriting opportunities.
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Non-perishable items to stock the pantry: snacks for kids, Hamburger Helper, Ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, beans, rice, and heavy soups
- Pull-Ups & Size 5-7 Diapers
- Thermometers & Children's Tylenol
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