January 2021 Issue:
A Note from our CEO
New Year, New Beginnings
Triple the Hope
Hands of Hope Highlight
Dear Santa Casa de Esperanza
Upcoming Events
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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On behalf of the children and families we serve, please allow us to wish you all a happy and healthy 2021 and extend our sincere appreciation for the many ways you generously partnered with Casa de Esperanza in 2020. In a year with challenges that none of us could have anticipated, your steadfast support truly meant the difference between our families facing hunger and food insecurity and having enough to eat. You helped keep families together and in their homes and you ensured that Casa de Esperanza was able to continue our mission to end the cycle of child abuse and neglect. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you.
As we reflect on 2020, the word resilience comes the forefront of my mind. The resilience of our children and families as they were faced with obstacles most of us cannot even imagine; the resilience of our staff as they navigated new, safe ways of caring for children; and the resilience of the community as, together, we found new ways to support one another during an immensely difficult year.
Now, moving into a new year, I am filled with hope for recovery, health, and the continued sense of community that carried us through 2020. Our work continues beyond COVID-19 and there are many things to look forward to. We are preparing to welcome new volunteer community foster families, currently in training, and we're also excited for our 2021 Hands of Hope House Parents, who will care for children who come to us in crisis.
While there is still much unknown about the coming months, we move forward in hope for continued healing and a time soon when we can once again come together in the Casa de Esperanza neighborhood. We are grateful for your partnership and continue to keep you in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
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Shelley M. Starr
Chief Executive Officer
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Kelly came to Casa de Esperanza as an infant and was placed with a loving adoptive family when she was 9 months old. Due to pre-birth brain injuries, Kelly has experienced learning differences, anger management issues, depression, and low self-esteem. Despite these challenges, Kelly has grown into a healthy, beautiful, strong young woman. Raised with daily affirmations of love, she is a funny, caring and loving adult. This month she began college after finding the perfect fit for her needs- a college with a fantastic special education department to help her with any issues on campus or with classes. Congratulations, Kelly! We can't wait to hear what you accomplish next.
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We’re in awe of your generosity, despite a challenging year for all of us. Because of you, we surpassed our Triple the Hope goal! Your gifts of time, talent and treasure directly support Casa de Esperanza’s efforts to end the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Because of you, children who have been abused, neglected, traumatized, homeless and hungry will have HOPE and a HOME.
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Meet Yadira, a Northeastern Illinois University graduate from Chicago!
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
As soon as I saw the email, I knew I wanted to apply to be a House Parent. It sounded like an amazing opportunity for hands-on experience with children with different needs. I knew I wanted to take a break from school to focus on what I really wanted to do with my professional life. When I did my research, I knew Casa De Esperanza was the right fit for me. Having a little brother who grew up with so much love made me realize these kids needed me.
Share a favorite memory.
All the 21 children I've cared for are very smart and energetic. I remember a 3-year old little girl who was always full of energy. Every morning she would wake up, and run up to me for a morning hug. This is when I realized the importance of a "daily routine." These children come from poor living conditions, having someone there for them every morning it's very essential for their development.
What is one thing you learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
Since coming to Casa de Esperanza, I've learned to go with the flow. I have learned to understand that everything happens for a reason. Whenever I am feeling pessimistic, I always remind myself why I came to Casa and the huge impact I am making on these kids' lives. Often times, things do not go our way; therefore, I turn to other house parents and kids for emotional support and encouragement.
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
My piece of advise for someone is to really think if this is what you see yourself doing for a whole year. I am a firm believer in commitment; whenever I commit myself to something I always do my best to complete that one commitment. I would say to also ask questions because moving to a whole new state was a big change for me.
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A Special Thank You to Our Christmas Donors!
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"Dear Santa Casa de Esperanza,
Thank you SO much for ALL of the gifts for C & R! Thank you for including them on the Holiday Wish List! C LOVED the soccer ball and the Pokémon Cards. R loves her tea set! She fits in her cute, larger outfits and shoes.
We appreciate ALL that you do for the Casa children and their families. Thank you to ALL the Sponsors, Donors and all of Santa’s Helpers!!
We celebrate Christmas EVERY DAY because of Casa de Esperanza! Thank you for the greatest gifts of all…our children!
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy 2021!
With Grateful Hearts,
A Casa de Esperanza Family”
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Stay tuned for an exciting announcement to come!
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Plans are in the works for our 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off event! For the first time in 11 years, we have moved the event to FALL 2021 to align with "Chili" season.
If you are interest in getting involved on the planning and host committee, please contact Erika DuBose at edubose@casahope.org.
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