September 2019
In This Issue:
A Note from our Executive Director
Mission Moment
Why I Donate
Basic Needs Donations
Volunteer Thank You
Young Professionals Group
Save the Dates
Ways to Help
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Throughout this year, we have focused on the important role relationships play in the work of Casa de Esperanza. Internally, positive relationships among staff, volunteers, children and birth parents improve outcomes for our children and their families. Forming trusting relationships with birth parents increases the probability that they will successfully address the issues that led them to us in the first place. The children in our care thrive as they learn they can depend on and trust the adults caring for them every day, and improved relationships between children and their parents is a primary goal of Casa de Esperanza. Below, you will read about the importance of this child/caregiver relationship as we continue to explore Lanie and Tara's story.
Externally, the partnerships formed between
Casa de Esperanza and
the community are fundamental to fulfilling our mission. Partnerships with community-based programs provide needed services for our families. Volunteers who faithfully spend time in our neighborhood or help in our office every week form relationships with our children, Hands of Hope Interns and staff that improve the work we do. Groups that come out to beautify our grounds or bring lunch and activities for the children and Hands of Hope Interns provide important opportunities for interaction between our children and other dependable adults.
In August, The Rockets and Rooms too Go teamed up to refurnish one of the homes in our neighborhood, providing a beautiful home for our children and interns.
There are also many community partners that help raise the funds necessary to achieve our mission. For example, our friends at Pondicheri donate 50% of the proceeds from breakfast once a quarter. Earlier this summer, long-time friend Kirk Gentle completed a grueling 1,000 mile bike rider from California to Colorado, raising nearly $90,000 for our children! The Society of Marketing Professional Services donates a portion of the proceeds from its annual gala, and many friends raise money and participate in the annual Reason2Race 5K run. We are also fortunate beneficiaries of the Calpine and Halliburton golf tournaments. Just yesterday,
m Strategic Partners held its annual Cars & Clays tournament and raised $100,000, all for the benefit of Casa de Esperanza!
Relationships are the basis for everything we do at Casa de Esperanza, and we are grateful to the many individuals and groups that partner with us to ensure the safety of children and hope for their families. There are many ways to partner:
volunteer
,
hold a drive, provide meals
, or
visit.
Thank you for your continued support for the work of Casa de Esperanza. It is because of you that our families find hope for a better future.
Sincerely,
Shelley M. Starr
Executive Director
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Last month, we introduced you to Lanie and her daughter Tara. If you missed it,
click here
for the first part of the story.
Lanie, who aged out of foster care herself, placed 21-month-old Tara at Casa de Esperanza when she had to leave a residential program for women and their children.
Tara adjusted quickly to her foster home and new daily routine. She enjoyed playing with toys, playing outside and dancing to music. Developmental testing showed that Tara had delays in the areas of speech and fine motor skills. Referrals were made for speech therapy and occupational therapy. Most importantly, Casa de Esperanza helped her to feel safe and loved.
As Tara spent more time at Casa de Esperanza, her weight gain, speech and fine motor skills improved. Although Tara had some challenging behavior, Casa de Esperanza helped her manage her emotions by keeping her day structured and predictable. Her initial quietness had completely changed, and she was now a bold, active two-year-old with a big personality and plenty to say.
Your support of Casa de Esperanza gives HOPE and a HOME to children like Tara. Join us next month as we follow Lanie’s journey while she works to provide a better life for herself and Tara.
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Former Hands of Hope Intern: Why I Donate
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“Casa de Esperanza will always have a special place in my heart. I was a Hands of Hope intern for 2 years and then I went on to work in the office for over 3 years until I moved in November 2015. My husband and I continue to support Casa de Esperanza's mission each year because I saw the real change that they make in children’s lives every day. Casa takes in scared and vulnerable children and gives them a loving, safe, and joy-filled home where they can grow, play, and laugh each day until their parents are ready to provide that for them or they find their forever home.”
– Natalie G.
Casa de Esperanza does not charge any fees for our program services as we believe money should never be exchanged over the safety and care of children. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that does not accept government or public funds, our children and families rely entirely upon the generosity of the community and donors like Natalie. As the end of year approaches, please consider investing in Casa de Esperanza this giving season.
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Thank You to Our August Group Volunteers!
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Thank you to the following groups for coming to Casa de Esperanza and interacting with our children,
bringing meals, or benefiting our organization through other efforts. Your generous gifts of time, treasure and talent ensure that children are safe and their families receive the help and hope they need for a better future!
Cavatore Italian Restaurant
Fruit of the Vine Church
Houston Rockets
m Strategic Partners
McGovern Medical School
National Charity League Memorial Chapter
Palazzo's
Prelude Music Foundation
Rooms to Go
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5 Reasons to Join Casa de Esperanza's Young Professionals
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- Excellent way to give back and make a difference in your community and in the lives of children in crisis
- Network and socialize with other Young Professionals who share your values
- Discounted invitations to events
- Great way to gain leadership experience through various committees
- It's fun! Events include social happy hours, professional development breakfasts, and opportunities to play with our children in the neighborhood!
Casa de Esperanza's Young Professionals was formed more than 10 years ago as a way to support our mission through volunteerism, fundraising and increasing public awareness of the needs of children.
Click here
for more info on membership and to join the Young Professionals.
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At this time, we can no longer accept used household items, clothes or toys due to a lack of storage and with fragile children, we cannot properly clean used toys. Thank you for understanding. For a list of accepted in-kind donations or other recommended organizations, please
click here.
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Know someone who works in the government? Ask them to "Show Some Love" to the CFC Campaign - the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign taking place every autumn.
Combined Federal Campaign #51970
Combined Municipal Campaign #2434
State Employee Charitable Campaign #334002
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