April 2021 Issue:
A Note from our CEO
Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month
Gala Update
Hands of Hope Highlight
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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April is always special at Casa de Esperanza, as it marks Volunteer Appreciation month and gives us the opportunity to highlight the many ways volunteers contribute to our mission.
Volunteer Appreciation Month looked different last year, as we all focused on pivoting our programs and communications in response to the pandemic. Through it all, volunteers continued to "show up." Our boards provided leadership and support, groups held donation drives, and volunteers read books to our children via Zoom. The many notes, calls and other communications we received truly helped us as we worked our way through the many challenges of the year.
And, while we aren't yet back to "normal," we are beginning our transition plans to once again welcome visitors and volunteers to our neighborhood. In fact, our annual Building Hope for Children Gala, which was held virtually on April 18, could not have happened without the creativity of our volunteer co-chairs, planning committee, dinner packers, and delivery drivers. It was great to see so many old friends, and we look forward to many more opportunities to see you all in the coming months.
April also marks Child Abuse Prevention Month. Casa de Esperanza's mission to end the cycle of child abuse and neglect is a year-round one, but we take this opportunity to focus on the importance of a community-wide effort to identify, intervene and put a stop to child abuse and neglect. Our gratitude goes out to everyone who has donated or hosted a fundraiser during this important awareness month. Your care and your support allows us to provide safety and hope for children at-risk of abuse.
With sincere love and gratitude,
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Shelley M. Starr
Chief Executive Officer
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What will YOU do to prevent Child Abuse?
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We ALL have a role to play in keeping 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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Meet Megha, a University of Chicago graduate from Denver, Colorado!
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
I had always hoped to become a foster parent one day. When I stumbled upon the Hands of Hope internship I was thrilled at the opportunity of being able to have that experience long before I was settled in my career and had the resources to have my own home. I also wanted to come to Casa de Esperanza because I believed it fits perfectly into my career path. I plan on being a pediatrician and felt like it was important to understand the perspective of parents and what it was like to navigate the medical system as a parent.
Share a favorite memory.
My favorite memory at Casa de Esperanza wasn’t watching a child’s first step or hearing first words (although I have rather fond memories of those events as well). My absolute favorite memory was sitting and playing with one of my babies on a pretty normal afternoon. A co-parent walked by and saw us interacting and remarked “you’ve really bonded with him, haven’t you?” In that moment I realized that the amount of love I felt for this baby far surpassed any amount of love I had ever felt. The words “I love you” could not do justice to the depth and intensity of emotion I felt towards the tiny life in front of me. The realization that I could love that deeply- I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What is one thing you learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
I’ve learned a lot since arriving at Casa de Esperanza. Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned is how unique every child is. Even children of the same age can be vastly different developmentally. There is no one thing that works for every single child, and I have very much enjoyed learning how to adapt to each child to provide the best care possible.
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
This job is extremely rewarding, but it’s not always easy. Be ready to learn, grow, and persevere. And through it all, hold on to those small moments- the sound of your children’s laughter, the cuteness of your baby’s smile, the pride you feel seeing your child grow.
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The 2021 Building Hope for Children Gala, co-chaired by Collier and Richard Blades and Jacquelyn and Collin Cox, was held Sunday, April 18, 2021.
While we weren't yet able to gather physically, over 350 people came together virtually to honor three very special healthcare heroes with the Spirit of Hope Award: Dr. Shannon Hayes, Dr. Kay Motil, and Dr. Marilyn Wilking as well as our Volunteer of the Year, Catherine Weldon.
Dedicated Casa de Esperanza volunteers delivered a delicious dinner from The Union Kitchen, charcuterie boxes from Silverstone Events, and wine for the wine tasting to gala guests, who enjoyed a short program followed by a fun and informative wine tasting presented by Sommeliers from The Texas Wine School. The online auction was enjoyed by event guests and Casa friends.
In all, the event raised over $600,000 for the children of Casa de Esperanza!
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Thank You to Our March 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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Chevron
Councilman Knox
Cutloose Hair
Generation SERVE
Herbalife
Individual Donors
National Charity League - Memorial
Palazzo's
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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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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- Crib and twin size mattress protectors
- Paper products (toilet paper & paper towels)
- Boy & girl 12-18 month clothing
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