November 2020 Issue:

 A Note from our Executive Director
Triple the Hope - Sarah & Jonathon's Story
Holidays at Casa de Esperanza
Hands of Hope Highlight
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Upcoming Events
Top Needs & Ways to Help
Greetings!
The much-needed holiday season is upon us. This year has been marked by challenges for many of us, but through it all, we remain grateful for each of you for your faithful generosity. Your prayers have been heartfelt, your encouragement has boosted our resolve, and your selfless giving of your time and resources has meant that children and families in need have been able to turn to Casa de Esperanza for help. Your partnership with us has helped change the lives of children at risk of abuse and neglect and parents who need guidance and help to build stronger families. Thank you!

In a year where nothing has felt “normal,” we were overjoyed that our Young Professionals were able to decorate our Residential Neighborhood for the holidays. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Reliant, our decorations got a much-needed refresh, and our families in need will enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner. This is especially meaningful since we are unable to provide our birth parents with our annual holiday luncheon or host visitors in our Neighborhood. And, it is likely the first time that many of the children in our care will spend the holidays in a safe home with all of their needs met.
 
If you have not been following the story of Sarah and Jonathon and their three children on social media, you can do so on our website. Because of generous donors like you, this family found hope and help through some of their most challenging days. When you give to our annual Triple the Hope campaign, you help families like theirs find their own success stories. Thanks to a generous, anonymous donor, every gift given to this campaign will be matched 2:1! We appreciate your support.

Thank you for partnering with us to serve Casa de Esperanza's children and their families. We look forward to a day soon when we can invite you for a visit, but in the meantime, we wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

Sincerely,




Shelley M. Starr 
Executive Director
Sarah & Jonathon's Story
Sarah and Jonathon struggled to care for their children, Jennifer age 4, Ally age 2, and 1-year-old Jessica. Jonathon was out of work, and what little savings they had was gone.  Sarah felt overwhelmed by the demands of parenting three young children and struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. During a visit with extended family, tempers escalated to the point that neighbors called the police.  Ally injured her arm when she tripped and fell while everyone was arguing. They realized they needed help, and a family friend recommended that they place their children with Casa de Esperanza. 

Click here to continue reading their story.
HOPE. That is what your partnership with Casa de Esperanza provides for families who need help turning their lives around and breaking the often-generational cycle of child abuse and neglect. This year, their challenges have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. They need our help now, more than ever, as they navigate unemployment, food insecurity, childcare and education hurdles, and the despair that can set in when one feels alone and helpless. 

You can make a difference and help ensure that Casa de Esperanza is there for the families who need our help. Through December 31st, your dedication to breaking the cycle of abuse will be multiplied through a generous gift to Casa de Esperanza that will match $2 for every $1 donated to the Annual Appeal. Can we count on you to TRIPLE THE HOPE for families such as Sarah and Jonathon?
Holidays at Casa de Esperanza
Holiday Decorating

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The Casa de Esperanza Residential Neighborhood was decorated with lights and holiday décor earlier this month by our Young Professionals Group. We're grateful to Reliant Energy for "lighting up our holidays" with a generous sponsorship of the annual volunteer event.
Cards for a Cause

Orders for our Holiday Greeting Cards are pouring in. For a minimum $20 donation, you will receive a pack of 10 blank cards and envelopes to self-mail. OR Casa de Esperanza will personalize and send them for you for a minimum donation of $10 per card! Order today before your favorite design runs out! All designs are created in collaboration with children living at Casa de Esperanza.
Meet Veronica, an Old Dominion University graduate from North Chesterfield, Virginia!

Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
I wasn’t exactly sure of my next move following graduation and when I received the email from Casa it struck my interest. The more I researched the more I knew it was something I would love to do and I haven’t regretted my decision yet.

Share a favorite memory.
There was really cute 3 year old little boy who loved to try new things, however if he didn’t succeed on the first try he would give up and get really frustrated. We had a tricycle that he loved but he didn’t know how to ride a bike yet, so he would just use his feet to “ride” the bike as opposed to using the pedals. One day we were outside and another intern and I tried again to show him how to ride the bike. This particular day he listened really well to all instructions and was so patient with himself. Low and behold he learned how to ride a bike that day and I was so proud! That moment meant more than him learning how to ride a bike, it meant that his patience was growing, not just with himself but others. I honestly believe that I was more excited then he was. 

What is one thing you learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
I’ve learned that each child has a different set of needs. No matter how many infants or toddlers come across my path, each one requires their own personalized care. Each child has a love language that will vastly differ from the last. Learning how to cater to each individual love language has been one of the most rewarding experiences thus far. 

What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
Be prepared to give more of yourself than you thought possible. You’ll have days when you think you have nothing left to give but those are the days when you find out you’re more resilient than you knew yourself to be. The best advice I could give is let go of any expectations and learn to go with the flow. Take each day as its own and remember that every day is different from the day before.  
Thank You to Our October Group Volunteers!
Cizik School of Nursing
Individual Food Drive Donors
Karen Dixon & Amy Reeves
Koats4Kids
National Charity League - Memorial
Prelude Music
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
St. Catherine's Montessori
Texas Mutual
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 Fox. 
Save the Date
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. You have an entire year to perfect your recipe!

If you are interest in getting involved on the planning and host committee, please contact Erika DuBose at edubose@casahope.org.
  • Diapers 2T/3T and Size 4T/5T Pull-ups
  • Baby Wipes & Diaper Pails
  • Car Seats - Infant, Convertible, and 5-Point Harness Boosters
Other Ways to Help