March 2021 Issue:
A Note from our CEO
Hearts of Hope Monthly Giving Society
Gala Update
Hands of Hope Highlight
Gearing up for Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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It is difficult to believe that it has now been an entire year since "COVID-19" and "pandemic" became a part of our every day vocabularies. We have all had to make adjustments to the way we go about our daily lives, and it is not lost on us that so many of our loved ones and neighbors have faced unimaginable pain, suffering and uncertainty.
Yet, thanks to the generosity of so many in our community, Casa de Esperanza was able to adjust its services and continue to provide safety for children at risk of neglect and abuse, case management for their parents, and Aftercare and Outreach services to families facing hunger, unemployment and homelessness. Thank you for giving HOPE to those who need it most.
Now, we all look with anticipation to a brighter future that includes a return to a more "normal" daily life. For Casa de Esperanza, that means a gradual return to welcoming volunteers and visitors to our neighborhood and a return to the office for staff who have worked remotely since last March. Stay tuned for more information on these as they occur. In the meantime, I hope you'll consider supporting the 2021 Building Hope for Children Gala, which honors 3 of Casa's very own healthcare heroes and Volunteer of the Year. You can find out more about how to participate in this exciting virtual event below.
We also extend a sincere "thank you" to our outgoing Governing Board President, Tom McGee, and Casa de Esperanza Foundation Chair Mike Espinosa. Each has shown many years of dedication to their roles and to the work of Casa de Esperanza, and have laid the groundwork for continued, successful leadership. We welcome our new Governing Board President Ben Brown and Foundation Chair Dan Molinaro, and look forward to working with them to fulfill the Casa de Esperanza mission.
Finally, I want to share that, effective June 30, I will retire from Casa de Esperanza. This is my 27th year of service at Casa de Esperanza and I am humbled by the generosity I have seen in our community and the dedication of committed volunteers over these years. To all in our Casa de Esperanza community, you continue to be our greatest resource. I will always value the relationships and support of our volunteers and donors. To our community foster families and adoptive families, thank you for providing our children love, safety and permanence. And, finally, to the heart of Casa de Esperanza, our staff and Hands of Hope house parents, it was an honor to serve with you over these years. Continue to thrive and meet the challenges!
With sincere love and gratitude,
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Shelley M. Starr
Chief Executive Officer
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Hearts of Hope: A Letter from A Donor
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"Dear Friends of Casa de Esperanza,
My involvement with Casa de Esperanza began sixteen years ago when a close friend encouraged me to help decorate the Casa de Esperanza neighborhood homes at Christmas. It was during that project that I was introduced to the children of Casa de Esperanza, and I was able to see, firsthand, the invaluable love and commitment the Hands of Hope House Parents provide for the children they serve. After being exposed to the love, safety, community and hope that Casa de Esperanza provides children in crisis, I could not help but continue to support the organization.
It is easy to give my time and money to support Casa de Esperanza in its effort to provide a safe place for children in crisis. I have observed how diligently the staff work to assure that funds are directed toward the mission of caring for children and their families, and over the past year I have watched Casa de Esperanza continually adjust in order to meet the increased needs of the families due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simply put, I am a monthly donor because it is a small way I can continuously support the children and families Casa de Esperanza serves. The needs are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the monthly giving program is a way to meet the ever-present needs of the children at Casa de Esperanza. I hope that you’ll join me as a member of the Hearts of Hope monthly donor program and help Casa de Esperanza plan and prepare for the year ahead. A monthly gift helps provide safety, diapers, food and housing for the children in our care while instilling HOPE every day. To become a Hearts of Hope donor, please visit our website.
Thank you so much for sharing your HEART with our children!"
Sincerely,
Bart Barrett
Governing Board Member and Hearts of Hope Monthly Donor
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JOIN US FOR A FABULOUS DINNER & VIRTUAL WINE TASTING
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On Sunday, April 18th, allow us to bring the annual Building Hope for Children Gala to you with a three-course dinner and wine delivered to your door. Cozy up and watch in your pajamas, go glam and make it a date night, or gather your table guests together on your patio: you decide what you are comfortable with and how you want to celebrate!
At 7 PM, tune in for a toast to our 2021 Honorees and video sharing how your support profoundly impacts the lives of at-risk infants, children and their families in our Houston community. Following a brief program, explore your palate and enjoy a fun wine tasting led by expert sommeliers.
Don’t miss your gala favorites including the Casa Market, online silent auction, and a new twist on our wine raffle!
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It's the perfect time to add a new fur baby to the family! Bid on a Mini Goldendoodle Puppy in our virtual silent auction. Look out for more info on auction packages coming soon.
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For a $25 raffle ticket, you could win a bottle of this rare 1982 Chateau Haut Brion Appelation Graves! Coveted by many wine enthusiasts, this vintage is valued at more than $900 and rated 95 points!
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Meet Elise, a William and Mary graduate from Newark, Delaware!
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
I decided to come to Casa de Esperanza after receiving an email from my pre-health advisor at William and Mary. I was excited for the opportunity to be part of a safe space for kids during a stressful and transitional time in their lives.
Share a favorite memory.
I remember watching one of my early babies roll over for the first time! When he came to Casa de Esperanza, he had been struggling a lot with his health and had been developmentally delayed. When he rolled over, it was a big moment for the whole house to see how much of a difference everything we had done with him over the past months had truly made.
What is one thing you learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
Since arriving at Casa de Esperanza, I have learned a lot about myself and what I want to continue to do with my career. Working with these infants and children and the community they are a part of has given me drive to pursue a career where I can continue to advocate for and work with the vulnerable communities in Houston.
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
This experience is truly one of a kind. Going through this crazy experience together will bring you some of the best people you will ever meet. The friends I have made here are some of the most inspiring people I have ever met, and I know we will always be able to share something so special because we did this together.
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What will YOU do to prevent Child Abuse?
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We ALL have a role to play to keep children safe. This month, we encourage you to prevent child abuse and provide hope by supporting Casa de Esperanza through making a donation and/or holding a Facebook fundraiser. Casa de Esperanza has an incredible network, and with YOUR help, we can build awareness about the dangers of child abuse and how Casa de Esperanza is an avenue in our community through which you can provide HOPE and a HOME for newborns and children at-risk.
We want to make a Facebook Fundraiser as easy as possible for you. Our fundraiser tool kit includes a sample email, cover images, and pictures that you can use to raise money. We sincerely appreciate your help in making a life-changing difference for children in our community who rely on Casa de Esperanza to be SAFE.
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Thank You to Our February 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 February!
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Bauer Women Society
Generation SERVE
Individual Donors
National Charity League - Memorial
Prelude Music Foundation
Saint Catherine's Montessori
The Regis School
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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 Mikaela.
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- Hygiene Items & Laundry Detergent
- Paper Products
- Diapers & Pull-Ups: Size 4 - 7, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T
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