Casa Cuentos MORE THAN JUST SERVICES
How Casa de los Niños Changed Our Lives
When their twins were born prematurely, Lizzeth Alvarez and Diana Senday found themselves navigating the unfamiliar territory of a local hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit for a month and a half. It was during this challenging time that they were introduced to Casa de los Niños’ services supporting parents and families in the community.
Through Casa de los Niños' Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) and Parents as Teachers (PAT) programs, Lizzeth and Diana found invaluable support and guidance. For five years, they received education that provided them with the tools they needed to navigate the complexities of parenting twins and to overcome the challenges they faced.
The family has expressed immense gratitude for the life-changing impact Casa de los Niños had on their lives.
“We felt that our workers loved what they did, and that it wasn’t just their ‘job.’ They were always patient and kind and helped us feel at ease after a difficult pregnancy,” said Lizzeth.
As their children prepare to start kindergarten, Lizzeth and Diana feel confident and empowered. Casa de los Niños’ services helped them build a strong foundation as first-time parents and break generational patterns of trauma.
“Our experience was life-changing for us. It has shaped our family,” Lizzeth reiterated.
RAY AND JENNIFER’S LEGACY: A PROMISE TO THE FUTURE
Raymond “Ray” Magnuson is a name synonymous with dedication and compassion in the Tucson community. As a longtime supporter and member of the board of Casa de los Niños, Ray has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission and impact.
Ray’s journey with Casa de los Niños began with an invitation to join a monthly poker group that included Dick Coulter, a longtime trustee. Coulter’s persistence convinced Ray to join the board, where he served in various leadership roles, including President. As a board member, he gained a deep understanding of Casa de los Niños’ day-to-day operations.
Ray’s commitment to Casa de los Niños is rooted in his personal experiences and values. His first child was born with severe limb deficiencies, and he and his family sought support from the Crippled Children’s Center. This experience instilled in him a profound understanding of the challenges faced by families in need.
“The one thing I learned and always follow is that no matter how bleak or bad something may seem, there is always
someone else experiencing worse and needing help and/or support,” Ray says.
“At Casa de los Niños, I saw society’s most vulnerable children and families in need of support and care and was drawn to be a part of it.”
Over the years, Ray has witnessed Casa de los Niños evolve from a children’s shelter into an organization that comprehensively addresses various community needs through the lenses of prevention, intervention and treatment. His dedication to the organization is unwavering, even as it faces new challenges and opportunities.
Ray’s legacy extends beyond his time on the board. He has inspired others to give back to the community and has made a lasting impact. Ray and his wife Jennifer have included a gift for Casa de los Niños in their estate plans. This future commitment to Casa de los Niños is a testament to their generosity, compassion and unwavering belief in the power of community.
Learn more about leaving a legacy gift in your will or estate plan. Contact give@casadelosninos.org or use the reply form to request follow-up.
JIMMY’S STORY: A LIFETIME OF GIVING
Jimmy Chavez first read about Casa de los Niños in the news during the late 1980s and was immediately drawn to the organization’s holistic approach to family care. Having been adopted himself at a very young age, he could empathize with the challenges faced by children and families in need.
Inspired by the organization’s mission and hoping to leave a legacy of volunteerism and philanthropy for his family to carry on, Jimmy became a donor. Over the years, he has witnessed firsthand the profound impact Casa de los Niños has had on the lives of countless families.
“Charity is more than just sending a check,” Jimmy said. “It’s about being caring and committed to helping your fellowmen.”
To Jimmy, one of Casa de los Niños’ most crucial roles in the community is its approach to prevention and intervention, treating the family as a whole. He believes that education is paramount in supporting parents during crises and is proud to support our efforts to provide essential resources to children and families in Southern Arizona.
By supporting Casa de los Niños, Jimmy is not only making a difference in his community, he is also inspiring others to join him in his mission of compassion and service.
BECOME A DONOR TODAY OR RENEW YOUR SUPPORT
www.casadelosninos.org/support (520) 810-2760
THROUGH DANACIA’S CARING EYES:
HOW HEALING BEGINS AT CASA DE LOS NIÑOS
As an intake specialist, Danacia Wiechers is the first point of contact for countless families seeking behavioral health services at Casa de los Niños. Greeting clients with a warm smile and compassion, she is our trusted ally in guiding them to the care they need.
Danacia ensures that every client feels heard and understood, even when listening might be difficult. Her role extends beyond administrative tasks; she gives families a safe space to ask for help and seeks out resources to meet each family’s unique needs.
Danacia’s work, like others’ at Casa de los Niños, has a profound impact on the community. She witnesses firsthand the transformative power of mental health support, as clients overcome challenges and regain hope. The behavioral health team’s dedication to breaking down stigmas and fostering a culture of understanding is invaluable to the Southern Arizona community.
“I’ll come across a family months later as they’re waiting for a therapy appointment and ask them how they’re doing. When they can tell me things are better — that’s where I get to see the impact of what we do,” Danacia said.
Donations to Casa de los Niños are a direct investment in the lives of individuals and families in our community. We provide essential resources and empower staff like Danacia to support their clients to the best of their abilities. By supporting Casa de los Niños, you are joining Danacia and countless others in making a tangible difference.
