August 2021 Issue:
A Note from our CEO
Introducing Casa Question Corner
Mary Nicholas Legacy Society
Hands of Hope Highlight
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Save the Date - Upcoming Events
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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It is hard to believe that summer is ending and it is officially Back to School time! Like many of you, Casa de Esperanza is gearing up for a busy fall ahead. After over a year with no in-person events or visits, our Residential Neighborhood is once again open to visitors and volunteers who are vaccinated (masks are required). And, we are looking forward to the return of m Strategic Partner's Cars and Clays in September and our 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off in November. Information on both (outdoor) events can be found below. We hope to see you there!
Fall is also the time that we start planning for our annual Building Hope for Children Gala. Next year's event will be extra special because 2022 marks Casa de Esperanza's 40th year of providing hope and a home for children in crisis. We are so grateful to Mary Ellen & Scott Prochazka for their leadership as our 2022 Building Hope for Children Gala Chairs. A monumental anniversary celebration calls for an epic honoree, and we couldn't be more excited to honor a group of individuals we know you all love and appreciate – our Hands of Hope House Parents. These selfless and dedicated individuals are the frontline support and lifeblood of Casa de Esperanza. We hope you’ll join us in helping to make this 40th birthday celebration bigger and better than ever in their honor! Save the Date for May 1, 2022, and stay tuned for more information about next year's birthday celebrations.
It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. While the return to school is typically an exciting time for children, our Aftercare families often struggle to provide the needed school supplies and uniforms for their children. Thanks to some generous organizations and donors who have donated backpacks, supplies, and funds for school uniforms, these children will start school ready to go!
Thank you all for being part of the village that helps to ensure that the children who need us have been cared for and safe for nearly 40 years.
With sincere gratitude,
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Melissa L. Simon, MSW, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
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Introducing the Casa Question Corner
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One of Casa de Esperanza's Core Values is Education - We are committed to inspire and teach our community and future generations the value of protecting the most vulnerable. We are excited to introduce the Casa Question Corner to our E-News! Each month we will answer questions we receive from the community and share how Casa de Esperanza is working to break the cycle of child abuse, neglect, poverty and more. If you have a question you would like answered, please email Leanne Baumel.
Plan of Service
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We are often asked how needed services are determined for our children and families. When a child is brought in to care, a large part of the intake process involves gathering information on the child, birth parent(s), and what brought them to Casa de Esperanza. From there a "Plan of Service" is developed for both the child and birth parent(s). A Plan of Service meeting is held for every child within 45 days of entering foster care and every 6 months thereafter.
The Plan of Service meeting team typically consists of the foster parent(s), caseworker, birth parent(s), and Casa de Esperanza child-placement management staff. If the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is involved, additional invited parties can include the Children's Protective Services (CPS) caseworker, child advocates and any attorney(s) involved in the case. During the Plan of Service meetings, family history, reason for foster care placement, how the child is adjusting within their foster home, and the birth parent(s)’ progress on their case plan are all discussed with the intention of establishing next steps towards reaching the permanency plan of reunifying the family.
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Mary Nicholas Legacy Society
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Mary Nicholas had a love for children and a dream that she could one day help children in need. In 1990, “Miss Mary” generously donated land to Casa de Esperanza. With the opening of the Casa de Esperanza Residential Neighborhood in 2008, her dream became a reality. Miss Mary’s love for children will continue as future generations of children heal, flourish and grow on this beautiful land.
The Mary Nicholas Legacy Society honors visionary individuals who choose to invest in the future of Houston’s children with a planned gift benefiting Casa de Esperanza. Learn more about this Legacy Giving society here.
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Meet Ian, a Trinity University graduate from Buda, Texas!
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
I came to Casa de Esperanza because I wanted to make a difference in the world while improving my ability to work with children and prepare for my medical school endeavors, as I aspire to one day be a pediatrician.
Share a favorite memory.
My favorite memory so far at Casa was witnessing one of our children's first social smile!
What is one thing you have learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
I've learned a tremendous amount about working with younger children, everything from bottle feeding to changing diapers since coming to Casa!
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
If I could offer one piece of advice to someone considering the program, it would be to follow your heart, and know that each and every day is its own reward working with these kids!
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Thank You to Our July 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 July!
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Individual Donors
Palazzo's
Prelude Music Foundation
St. James Episcopal Church
St. Theresa Catholic Church
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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 Chrissy.
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ONLINE AUCTION IS OPEN TO EVERYONE - Bid today and bid often!
Join us for m Strategic Partners'
annual sporting clay event
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
at Westside Sporting Grounds
benefiting Casa de Esperanza
Bid on auction items or sign up as an Underwriter, Sponsor or Team at
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Join Casa de Esperanza's Young Professionals on Sunday, November 7th at The West End 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. This family-friendly event will feature unlimited chili tastings, free beer, live music, yard games, kids activities, amazing raffle items, a dog costume contest, and more!
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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
- Diaper changing pads
- 2T girls' clothing
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