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