September 2021 Issue:
A Note from our CEO
Mission Moment
Casa Question Corner
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 officially feels like Fall, and what a difference a year makes. Fall this year brings not only pumpkins and cooler weather, but the sounds of the volunteers and guests who are slowly returning to the Casa neighborhood. There is simply something magical about Casa's mission and the way the community rallies around the children to ensure they have a safe and loving environment in times of crisis.
The true magicians are the Hands of Hope House Parents who transform the children in our care from hurt and scared to safe and loved. House Parents come from across the country, and as the world starts to reopen we would love to show them all that Houston has to offer. Like all parents, our House Parents love the occasional night off. If you have extra tickets to concerts, sporting events or other activities, please consider donating them to these special young adults! We hope you enjoy reading more about their experiences at Casa de Esperanza later in this newsletter.
It takes an entire community to bring the magic of Casa de Esperanza's mission to life. We remain humbled by the outpouring of support for our families. You can find information on ways to get involved throughout this newsletter and on our website.
With sincere gratitude,
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Melissa L. Simon, MSW, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
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Mission Moment: Around the Clock Care in Times of Crisis |
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Ally came to Casa de Esperanza straight from the hospital at just a few days old. While many infants struggle to feed, it quickly became clear that she had more difficulty than usual. The Hands of Hope House Parents stayed up with her all night, holding her and encouraging her to eat without success. When she also started to have a hard time breathing, Casa de Esperanza’s pediatrician was quickly called. Despite long emergency room wait times, the pediatrician was able to ensure Ally was seen immediately. House Parents stayed with Ally in the hospital around the clock until she was released several days later. Back in the Casa de Esperanza neighborhood, Ally is now eating and gaining weight and is a healthy and happy infant. |
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Casa Question Corner: New State Laws |
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The Texas Legislature has recently enacted new laws that affect children in foster care. One new law in particular, HB567, which changes the definition of “neglect” and narrows the definition to “immediate danger,” replacing previous language of “substantial risk of harm” will likely have at least a short-term impact on the placement of children at Casa de Esperanza.
The majority of referrals for children who need placement with us come through the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). In the past, families who came to the attention of DFPS were frequently offered the option of placing voluntarily with Casa rather than having DFPS take custody. If the family chose not to work voluntarily with Casa, the state might then step in and take custody of the child(ren) through either an emergency hearing or a “show cause” hearing if they believed the child(ren) to be at “substantial risk of harm.” The new law now narrows the circumstances under which the state can take custody of a child, so the “either or option” is not available to DFPS investigative workers in the same way it was in the past. They can still offer the option of working voluntarily with Casa, but if the family declines, in many circumstances, the state will no longer be able to take custody of the child(ren) unless the circumstances meet the narrower definition of "immediate danger."
Casa de Esperanza is committed to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect. We know that there are still many families in crisis in need of our services. Therefore, we are focused more than ever on reaching out to our community partners, such as drug treatment programs, homeless shelters, battered women’s programs, hospital social workers, and even the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) entities that serve pregnant mothers, to notify them when we have open placements and reminding them of the services we have available for children and their families. We will continue to reach out to other social service agencies in order to reach those families who both need and want our assistance in helping to stabilize their family situation.
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
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Meet Hannah, a Eastern Kentucky University graduate from Richmond, Kentucky!
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
I came because the mission of Casa de Esperanza spoke directly to my heart. No other program I read about compared to the experience that Casa provides for Hands of Hope house parents.
Share a favorite memory.
Oftentimes during my overnight shifts, I'd hear my 2-year-old wake up through the baby monitor saying, “Hannah, hug... Hannah, hug?” He knew I’d come upstairs, lay him back down, and sit by his bed, holding his hand till he fell asleep again. As simple as that sounds, those moments represent to me the profound honor and privilege it is to love and bear witness to a child. Realizing the mutual impact of directly comforting and loving the most deserving and vulnerable of children, fuels a constant sense of awe and wonder within me.
What is one thing you have learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
I have learned that acknowledging beauty in the mundane and grounding myself in gratitude is probably the most fulfilling/sustainable way I can live and love. Gratitude and optimism are definitely what get me through the hardest parts of this work.
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
An open mind and an open heart will take you a long way and allow you to grow from each change and challenge you face.
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Thank You to Our August 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 August! |
Burns and McDonnell
Charlie Christ
Chevron
Individuals
NCL - Memorial
Office of City Council Member Mike Knox
Patrice's Kids
Prelude
Palazzo's
Skadden, Arps and Slate
WIC
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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
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Join Casa de Esperanza's Young Professionals on Sunday, November 7th from 12 PM - 5 PM 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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Save the date for our annual gala! More info is coming soon. For questions, 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
- Pull-Ups & Size 5-7 Diapers
- Thermometers & Children's Tylenol
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