July 2021 Issue:
A Note from our CEO
Mid-Year Update
Tours Resume in Casa Neighborhood
Hands of Hope Highlight
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Save the Date - Upcoming Events
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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As the weather warms up and we move through the summer months, it is difficult to believe that we are now solidly into the second half of 2021. What a difference 12 months makes. This time last year, we were all learning to adjust to and make the best of a very challenging time for so many. When I look back to the strong leadership of Shelley Starr and our Governing Board, the guidance from our physicians, the courage and dedication of our staff, and the strong support from our donors and community, I am truly grateful.
When I first learned about Casa de Esperanza more than 20 years ago, I knew it was a special place, but as a staff member for the past three years I've come to truly understand how the many sacrifices and contributions made over the past 39 years have shaped the legacy of this amazing place. Now as CEO, the enormity of following in the footsteps of co-founders Kathy Foster and Bill Jones is not lost on me. During this time of change, the Casa staff is doing what it does best: pulling together and adapting, with some taking on new or revised roles and all working hard to carry forth the vision and mission started nearly 40 years ago.
Below you will find some mid-year updates. We are delighted to once again provide services in-person, and to open up our neighborhood to fully vaccinated visitors. There is no better way to see the impact of your support than through a visit to the Casa de Esperanza neighborhood. Please contact our Director of Development, Leanne Baumel, to schedule yours. And, there is much to look forward to, including a Casa de Esperanza Young Professionals Group tradition - our Chili Cook-Off.
It is a privilege and an honor to work alongside many dedicated people to carry on this vital work. And, it is vital. Every day, families in turmoil turn to us for help. We have never been able to do this work alone. You help make change happen for our families through your many contributions. It is because of your support we are able to provide safety for their children and hope to parents facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Thank you!
With sincere gratitude,
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Melissa L. Simon, MSW, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
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Looking back on the challenges that defined the past 18 months, 2021 is a year of resilience and transition for Casa de Esperanza. We are grateful to our team of medical experts who continue to guide our decisions and ensure the continued safety of our children, families and staff. As we wrap up the first half of 2021, we are excited to share some updates with you:
- Fully vaccinated volunteers have been welcomed back to the Casa de Esperanza neighborhood, providing extra care to our children and staff.
- This summer we have welcomed 13 new Hands of Hope House Parents, with more on the way! Training moved back to an in-person format, and the House Parents are now able to explore Houston and take advantage of what their new city has to offer.
- Quarantine periods in the neighborhood have shortened, making it easier to bring children into a safe home.
- In-person parent visits have resumed, helping to nurture parent/child attachments.
- Developmental assessments, our school-readiness consultant, and in-person casework visits have all resumed, providing the highest level of support for the children in our care.
YOUR support of Casa de Esperanza has allowed us to continue modifying our programs to meet increased needs in the most effective and safest ways possible. We understand that COVID-19 is still impacting our daily lives, but thanks to friends like YOU, we continue to support children who need safety and families who need a lifeline. Our deepest gratitude!
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Tours Resume in the Casa de Esperanza Neighborhood! |
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The Casa de Esperanza Residential Neighborhood is a magical place where lives are changed every day. After nearly 18 months, tours have resumed in the Casa de Esperanza Residential Neighborhood! Interested in learning more about Casa de Esperanza and seeing the impact of our programs firsthand? Email Leanne to arrange a tour. Spaces are limited. All neighborhood visitors provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and wear a mask.
If you are unable to visit, join us for a virtual coffee break to learn more about the mission of Casa de Esperanza and the programs we offer! Sessions are held over Zoom the 1st Thursday of every month from 12:00-12:30 PM. Register here.
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Meet Carolyn, an Indiana Wesleyan University graduate from Riga, Michigan!
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
I did not know what I wanted to do after I graduated college, but I heard about this opportunity for a service year at Casa de Esperanza. It sounded like a great opportunity to give myself more space to think about my career while still doing something that matters. I knew it would be a place where I would gain some experience and grow as a person.
Share a favorite memory.
There is one child who loves reading books and he would ask for them to be read over and over again. Sometimes I would stop before the last word of the phrase and let him fill it in. He always did a good job saying the right word, but one day we sat down to read and I realized that he was quoting the entire phrase with me. I started saying just the first word and he could finish quoting every page of the book. It made me realize how much reading to him matters because now he has multiple books that he loves and can think about any time he wants because he knows them all. Even though he cannot read yet, he is finding other ways to engage with and enjoy his books.
What is one thing you learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
Since arriving at Casa de Esperanza, I have learned a lot about the resiliency of kids. They have been through a lot, but they are so strong through it all. They are all growing and developing their own personality in the midst of all these changes in their lives.
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
If you want to do something that matters, this is a good place to be. You have to be willing to surrender yourself to the job and learn to grow with the kids and your fellow house parents, but this is an experience worth having.
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Thank You to Our June 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 June! |
Generation SERVE
Individual Donors
National Charity League - Memorial
Palazzo's
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 Mikaela.
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REGISTRATION OPEN
Join us for m Strategic Partners'
annual sporting clay event
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
at Westside Sporting Grounds
benefiting Casa de Esperanza de los Niños
Sign up as an Underwriter, Sponsor or Team at
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Join Casa de Esperanza's Young Professionals 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. |
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If you would like to get involved with the host committee, please contact Erika DuBose at edubose@casahope.org.
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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
- Baby Care Play Mats
- Grocery store and Wal-Mart gift cards
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