December 2020 Issue:
A Note from our Executive Director
Reuniting Families
Triple the Hope
Hands of Hope Highlight
Thank You to Our Group Volunteers
Upcoming Events
Top Needs & Ways to Help
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The holidays at Casa de Esperanza are a joyous and busy one. It looks different this year, and while we are unable to all be together as in years past, the holiday bustle is evident as gifts and needed items are delivered for our children and families.
Children come to Casa de Esperanza in great need and, for many, this will be the first time they will experience the joy of Christmas morning. The families participating in our Aftercare and Outreach program have been hit hard this year due to the pandemic, with many losing employment, facing eviction, and struggling to put food on the table. Most of us can hardly imagine facing those obstacles but, thanks to your generosity, our children and families will have love, enough to eat, and holiday joy this year.
As 2020 draws to a close, we reflect on the many, many people who have made an impact on children and families and partnered with Casa de Esperanza to stop the cycle of child abuse and neglect. The need has not gone away, and you have answered the call. Thank you for helping us make 2020 a better year for children and families in need of our help despite the many challenges. Your investment in the mission of Casa de Esperanza means that children are safe, families receive the help they need to flourish, and the cycle of child abuse and neglect is broken.
All at Casa de Esperanza wish you a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Sincerely,
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Shelley M. Starr
Executive Director
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Your Donations Reunite Families |
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When you partner with Casa de Esperanza with your time, talent and treasure, you are providing hope to a family in great need.
Phillip was an adorable and smiley baby placed in Casa de Esperanza’s Residential program due to parental substance abuse, a history of domestic violence, and his mother’s incarceration. His father, Joshua, wanted to be a part of Phillip’s life, but wasn’t sure if he could take care of Phillip alone. Through the support of Casa de Esperanza’s caseworkers, Joshua enrolled in parenting classes and other services he needed to become a better parent to Phillip. Casa de Esperanza also helped Joshua to reestablish his relationship with his parents, involving them in their grandson’s life and providing Joshua with extra support. After a short time at Casa de Esperanza, Phillip returned home to his father. Phillip and Joshua continue to receive support through Casa de Esperanza’s Aftercare Program. Joshua frequently calls his Aftercare caseworker with parenting questions and knows that Casa de Esperanza will always provide support and resources as he builds his confidence as a parent.
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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.
There is still time to Triple the Hope for Casa de Esperanza. And, it is not too late to maximize an end-of-year gift (including IRA distribution or gifts of appreciated stock) through our Triple the Hope campaign. Thanks to a generous, anonymous donor, gifts given to this campaign will be matched 2:1! Be sure to post-mark your envelope by December 31 or, even easier, you can give online. Can we count on you to TRIPLE THE HOPE for families such as Sarah and Jonathon?
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Meet Miriam, a University of Nevada - Reno graduate from Sparks, Nevada!
Why did you decide to come to Casa de Esperanza?
I have always had a strong interest in service-related work but I was not confident in my ability to manage the responsibilities that come with the job. When my professor sent this email, I thought it would be a great opportunity to prove to myself that I should continue to pursue a career in service-related work and that I am capable of handling the realities that it entails. Also, I hope to be able to adopt one day and I knew that working at Casa de Esperanza would provide me with valuable insight into caregiving.
Share a favorite memory.
My favorite memory was with a toddler who did not particularly like me. I knew she did not like me because she did not hesitate to tell me or demonstrate to me that she was not fond of me. It is a little embarrassing to admit but this hurt my feelings. I decided that I would be patient and continued to demonstrate my love for her. As time went on, she slowly began to reciprocate my love and we grew close. This experience taught me never to take her constant affection for granted.
What is one thing you learned since arriving at Casa de Esperanza?
During my time at Casa de Esperanza, I learned to have the courage to change things that ought to be changed, accept the things which cannot be changed, and know the difference between the two.
What is one piece of advice, guidance, or recommendation for someone who is considering the Hands of Hope Service Year?
The best piece of advice I can give to someone considering the Hands of Hope Service Year is to view it as an educational experience. While many of us so desperately seek to make a positive impact on the world we often fail to consider the positive things already occurring all around us. Yes, we are here to guide our children; but in reality, they are teaching us more than we could ever teach them. I am constantly inspired by their tenacious spirits that teach me so much every day.
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Thank You to Our November & December Group Volunteers! |
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NOVEMBER
BASF
Casa de Esperanza's Young Professionals
Generation SERVE
Hyatt
Individual Volunteers & Donors
Junior League of Houston
National Charity League - Memorial Chapter
Prelude Music
Reliant
Sacred Heart Houston
Seven Lakes High School
Spindletop Charities
The Dinerstein Companies
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DECEMBER
ALA
Baylor College of Medicine
BBVA
Burns & McDonnell
Calpine
Cars with Jonny Martinez
City of Spring Valley
Costello
David Weekley Homes CARE Team
The Dinerstein Companies
EOG
Family Life
Generation Serve
Helping Friends Along the Way
Hyatt
HYLA
Individual Christmas Donors
ITT
Junior League of Houston
Kemco Systems
m Strategic Partners
NexusTek
Patrice’s Kids
Phillips66 Hispanic Network
Principle Energy
Primrose
Rosen
Scattered Pieces Quilters
Shell
Spindletop Charities
St. Catherine Montessori
St. Laurence
St. Theresa Catholic School
SHB
Weaver Tidwell
Yorkshire Academy
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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 Fox.
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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.
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- All Sizes of Pull-ups
- Baby Wipes & Diaper Pails
- Car Seats - Infant, Convertible, and 5-Point Harness Boosters
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