WINTER 2015
A BI -ANNUAL PUBLI CAT I ON FR OM CHI LD A DVOCAT ES, I N C.
HOME SWEET HOME: KATHI DAVIS’ JOURNEY TO FIND BABY DAVID THE BEST POSSIBLE HOME
KEEPING A PROMISE: THE 2015 JAMES A. GWINN VOLUNTEER OF YEAR, MARCUS CHERY
ADVOCATE NEWS
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CEO’S letter Hi everyone, It’s hard to believe we are entering in our final weeks of 2015. We have accomplished a great deal this year, but there is still a lot to be done before we ring in 2016. Just a few short weeks ago, we held our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event. It is always an honor to be surrounded by so many dedicated court appointed advocates and to take a few moments to honor you. We were able to recognize Marcus Chery as our Volunteer of the Year and Ana Escalona as our Rookie of the Year. We have more on these two remarkable volunteer advocates in this issue. We are currently in the middle of our annual Santa’s Wish List program. This year, we are bringing holiday cheer to over 1,500 children right here in Houston. This is always such a large project and we couldn’t do it without the help of all who donate and give of their time. Lastly, if you have not heard the wonderful news, our Child Advocates office is moving. While the date is not confirmed yet, we hope to be settled in during the month of January. The new office will be a beautiful new space that will allow for our continued growth so that we may be able to provide life-saving advocacy for more children in Harris County. Please keep a look out for more information on this exciting move in the coming months. Thank you all for your continued support,
Sonya Galvan, CEO
PHOTO CREDITS TOP TO BOTTOM: A group of personal shoppers and volunteers at Target for the annual Cameron Childspree. Sonya Galvan with pen pal and Volunteer of the Year, Marcus Chery at the 2015 Volunteer Appreciation Event. Child Advocates’ staff with Debra Duncan at Great Day Houston.
TABLE of CONTENTS
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CHILD ADVOCATES
Honoring our Volunteers
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Special Thanks
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A Closer Look
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Upcoming Events
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Focus on Friends
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Snapshots
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Young Professionals for Children
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Board Voice
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Thanks Donors
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Spotlight On
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Home Sweet Home
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Goals Update
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Advocate Honor Roll
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Thrive
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HONORING OUR 2015 JAMES A. GWINN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AND ROOKIE OF THE YEAR On Thursday, October 29, Child Advocates’ staff, board members and volunteers gathered together at Bayou City Event Center to celebrate our court appointed advocates. During this special evening we honored two particular individuals, presenting them with the James A. Gwinn Volunteer of the Year award and the Rookie of the Year award. The James A. Gwinn Volunteer of the Year award was created in 1996 as a tribute to James’ strong belief in the mission of Child Advocates. He was a shining example of what an advocate should be and the James A. Gwinn Volunteer is the highest honor one can receive by Child Advocates.
on multiple cases at a time and serving multiple sibling groups. He has given over 1,240 hours of his time, even taking his own vacation time to make sure he can appear in court. Marcus has never missed a visit and has traveled several thousand miles in 2015 to make sure the best interests of his children are served. On one case in particular, Marcus had to work extra hard to build a relationship with two young boys. They came into care for the second time due to their mother’s drug abuse.
The boys were struggling KEEPING A PROMISE… academically and Marcus Chery first heard about had behavioral issues Child Advocates in the ninth grade, in their foster home. long before he was of eligible age to Multiple grandparents volunteer. He was so moved by the came forward to ask work Child Advocates does that he for custody of the wrote a letter to Sonya and included boys. Some parties his allowance as a donation. Sonya on the case wanted replied with a thank you note, thus to immediately place beginning a pen pal relationship with the boys with their Marcus. maternal grandparents. As Marcus kept getting older, his However, Marcus was not allowance kept growing and the convinced this was the donations kept coming in. Marcus right home for them. He made sure promised Sonya that when he was old to do a thorough evaluation of both enough, he would become a volunteer homes and the grandparents. Marcus and begin helping children himself. He was determined to find the best and Sonya continued to write back possible home for them. and forth. Marcus recommended a placement One day, shortly after his 21st birthday, Marcus came to orientation and became a court appointed advocate, just as he had promised. In the last nine years, Marcus has served over 25 children, even taking
with the boys paternal grandparents. He knew the structure that they could provide would ultimately be what is best for the boys. When Child Protective Services (CPS) didn’t initially agree with his assessment, Marcus worked hard to prove to all
parties involved that the paternal grandparents would be the best fit. Due to his persistence and understanding of the boys’ needs, they were placed with the paternal grandparents and their grades and CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE >> PHOTO CREDITS TOP TO BOTTOM: One of the many letters Marcus Chery sent to Child Advocates as a high school student. Quana Smith, advocacy coordinator, and Judge Alicia Franklin York with the 2015 James A. Gwinn Volunteer of the Year, Marcus Chery, and Child Advocates CEO, Sonya Galvan.
ADVOCATE NEWS
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HONORING OUR 2015 JAMES A. GWINN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AND ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (CONTINUED) behavior improved tremendously. While his work as a court appointed advocate is impressive, Marcus has also been an ambassador for Child Advocates for many years. His face has been seen on postcards and billboards representing Child Advocates and he is quick to speak about the amazing work Child Advocates is doing in the community. Marcus is an outstanding volunteer, and was overwhelmed with gratitude as we named him Volunteer of the Year with his family standing close by. Congratulations Marcus!
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE… In her first year as a court appointed advocate Ana Escalona, our 2015 Rookie of the Year recipient, has proven to be a valuable asset to Child Advocates. Her first case involved an
older child with serious medical trauma, a criminal case and an undocumented family, but no challenge was too much for Ana. She has demonstrated incredible compassion and communication skills, fighting persistently to make the child’s needs and voice heard. Though she is new to her work as a child advocate, Ana is eager to learn. She is open to talking to anyone, and is always looking to better herself and her volunteer skills. While some may be timid in the court system, Ana is never afraid to ask questions and works hard to make sure she gets the answers and the clarification she needs when there is an issue. Ana’s professional demeanor and diligent work ethic have helped to streamline the case. She has bridged gaps in communication and helped
Court appointed advocate volunteers are needed. Find out how you can become a champion for one of Houston’s abused or neglected children by visiting www.childadvocates.org.
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CHILD ADVOCATES
provide closure and comfort to a young girl who needed someone by her side. We are proud to call Ana Escalona this year’s Rookie of the Year and we look forward to many years ahead with her as a member of the Child Advocates family. n PHOTO CREDITS Martha Martinez Gomez, advocacy coordinator, with the 2015 Rookie of the Year, Ana Escalona, and Child Advocates CEO, Sonya Galvan.
a closer look: RICK BURNETT and BURNETT SPECIALISTS For more than twenty years, Rick Burnett and Burnett Specialists have been supporters of Child Advocates. Burnett Specialists was founded in 1974 and has grown to become Texas’ largest employeeowned staffing and placement firm. The company is a successful, respected employment agency with clients in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio and The Woodlands. Rick is the Vice President and Regional Manager at Burnett Specialists. He is also very active with Child Advocates. Not only does he serve on our board of directors, he has also served on the advisory board, the Cameron Childspree committee, development committee, human resources committee, marketing committee and nominating committee. For the past three years, he has chaired the Pull for Kids team sales committee. Rick has definitely done it all! Through his leadership and expertise he has helped Child Advocates immensely over the years.
This
Heroes Society annual giving campaign. The Burnett Specialists staff also participates on the Pull for Kids team sales committee. Rick’s continued support and sponsorship of the Pull for Kids ultimately aids in the increase of funds raised for our mission.
In addition to raising money for Child Advocates, ensuring the children we serve have fun, memorable experiences is also important to Rick. He is passionate about our mission and has connected other companies to In addition to his board and committee Child Advocates, ultimately benefiting work, Rick organizes and participates in the children we serve. Because of Rick, events that directly benefit the children Stewart Title hosts an annual bike build where employees build bikes we serve. He and the staff at Burnett Specialists have hosted toy drives and that are then given as Christmas socials to raise money in support of the presents to the children we serve.
This past June, hundreds of children went to an Astros game and Rick involved Alcon, whose employees made goodie bags for all of the children. Most recently, Burnett Specialists sponsored their employees who ran in our Superhero Run on October 17. A big thank you Rick and Burnett Specialists for your commitment to Child Advocates and breaking the cycle of child abuse! n PHOTO CREDITS LEFT TO RIGHT: Rick Burnett and his wife, Kelly, at the Pull for Kids Classic. Rick building bike at the 2008 Santa’s Wish List Warehouse. Burnett Specialists staff members with volunteer, Millie Anhalt, Child Advocates staff, Hayley Jaska and Kelly Goff, at the Stewart Title bike build.
ADVOCATE NEWS
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FOCUS on FRIENDS Fall has been a busy time of year for the Friends of Child Advocates. The Friends kicked off the Angels of Hope Luncheon with a party on September 24 at Nadine Boutros’ home. Seventy-five guests attended the party where Nadine Boutros Design Jewelry and the Barfield Collection trunk shows provided opportunities for guests to shop these lovely collections. Nadine Boutros Design Jewelry donated a pair of jeweled peacock-style earrings and the Barfield Collection contributed a crocodile and calf hair purse to the Angels of Hope raffle. Court appointed advocate Vivian Nguyen shared her advocacy experiences with our guests. Jamie Taft Johnson, another court appointed advocate, also spoke as she and Vivian, an attorney, worked together on a case. We were so grateful to Fendi for
hosting a shopping party at the Galleria store with ten percent of the proceeds benefiting Child Advocates. Angels of Hope Luncheon chair Marlene Casares and honorary chair Linda J. Messner attended the event with friends. An intimate and festive evening, the ladies shopped the 2015 Fall/Winter Fendi Collection. As we approach the end of the year, the Friends of Child Advocates are gearing up for two of their most exciting events. The Friends Ginger’s Spa will pamper our girls with manicures and makeovers at the annual Children’s Holiday Party. Chaired by Liz Chevalier, Pinki Moore and Reena Moore for the second year in a row. Volunteers will spend their day making these girls feel special!
debut volunteer position, but has been aware of our mission since her motherin-law Linda was honored at the 2011 Angels of Hope Luncheon. Guaranteed to be a beautiful and exciting luncheon, tables and seats are still available for purchase. Please contact Marla Endieveri at 713.529.1396 ext. 234. The Friends of Child Advocates do so much for the children we serve. Their commitment to volunteer with the children is essential, as are their fundraising efforts. The 2016 Pull for Kids auction is being chaired by Bernadette Payne and Christine Gabriel for the third year in a row. Both ladies are members of the Friends Governance Council and dedicate countless hours to ensuring the auction is a success each year. Advisory board member and 2016 Pull for Kids honoree, Millie Anhalt, has been an active auction committee member for more than a decade. Millie has contributed significantly and consistently by securing high quality artwork and jewelry for the auction.
The Angels of Hope Luncheon and Fashion Presentation by Neiman Marcus will take place on December 8 at the Hilton Americas Houston. Neiman Marcus will present the 2016 Spring Etro Collection to more than 550 of Houston’s fashionistas. The event will honor longtime court appointed advocate, Sindi Sonnier. Foster mom, Patches DeShanzo, will share how Sindi was instrumental in helping her, We are so fortunate for the leadership, now adopted, son to his forever home with her. Chairing the event commitment, and generosity of these women! n are advisory board member Brandi Maxwell and Marlene PHOTO CREDITS Casares with past luncheon LEFT TOP TO BOTTOM: Guests were able to honoree Linda J. Messner shop from Nadine Boutros Design Jewelry acting as honorary chair. Brandi, and Barfield Collection trunk shows. Marlene Casares, Desiree Lerrutia, Nadine Boutros a lifetime member of the Friends, and Brandi Maxwell at the Friends’ social. TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: Marlene Casares and has been attending the Angels of Hope Luncheon since 2005, Linda J. Messner at the Fendi social. Tammy Dalton, Tracy Eklund and Vicsandra and her dear friend, Marlene, is in her Jones enjoying an evening at Fendi. 6
CHILD ADVOCATES
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS for CHILDREN afternoon. Guests enjoyed unique chili creations of all varieties – Greek pork chili, chili made from buffalo, brisket and short ribs, there was even a chili creation that was topped with a cheddar biscuit. Tasters were allowed to vote for their favorite and Eatsie Boys took home the People’s Choice prize, likely due to a huge, 50-year old block of cheese they grated fresh into each bowl.
The last few months have been full and exciting for Child Advocates’ Young Professionals for Children! YPC hosted their first annual kickball game, filled a local bowling alley with over 100 of the children we serve at their September children’s event, and brewed up a fun fall social at 8th Wonder Brewery.
Our guest judges Mike Meltser from MaD Radio/ Sports Radio 610, Frank Billingsly, KPRC Chief Meteorologist, and Chef Jacques Fox from Artisans Restaurant toiled over their decision, but ultimately named The Creek Group as the Judge’s Choice winner.
By the end of the day, more than 150 guests had braved the weather and YPC raised nearly $10,000 for Child Advocates’ mission of breaking the cycle of child abuse. A huge thank you goes to Little Woodrow’s for hosting, In August, YPC teamed up with St. Arnold’s Brewery and Silver Houston’s Covenant House for a Eagle Distributors for donating to combined kickball social and fundraiser. the charity bar and to all who joined in The teams met at Memorial Park on the fun! to play a friendly round of kickball, The coming year is bound to be full of offering a chance to make some new even more opportunities for Houston’s friends and share Child Advocates young professionals to get involved in with more young professionals in the the fight against child abuse. community. Saint Dane’s Bar & Grille provided snacks for the players To get more information on and hosted the after party to round upcoming events, or to become a out the night. member of Child Advocates’ On Saturday November 7, YPC hosted Young Professionals for Children, visit www.childadvocates.org/ypc their signature fundraiser — the Chili or contact Christine Moody at Cook-off for Kids! Eight local Houston 713-529-1396. n restaurants gathered on the patio at Little Woodrow’s in Midtown to battle it out for bragging rights for the title of People’s Choice or Judge’s PHOTO CREDITS LEFT TOP TO BOTTOM: YPC members gathering Choice. for a social at 8th Wonder Brewery. The rain and chill in the air set the stage for a perfect autumn chili-tasting
RIGHT TOP TO BOTTOM: The team from The Creek Group took home Judge’s Choice. Eight dramatically different chilis at this year’s Chili Cook-off for Kids. YPC manager, Christine Moody, with People’s Choice winner, Eatsie Boys.
ADVOCATE NEWS
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thanks DONORS The donors listed contributed to Child Advocates, Inc. between June 1, 2015 through October 31, 2015. Since we are not a United Way agency, we rely on gifts made by individuals and non-government groups for more than 75% of our budget each year. Thank you for your help, it is truly appreciated. 50+ CHILDREN FOR A YEAR Child Advocates Endowment, Inc. Spectrum Texas CASA, Inc. 29-49 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR The Ellwood Foundation Harris County Community Services Department Victims of Crime Act 14-28 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR Cameron Corporation CBRE Direct Energy The William Stamps Farish Fund John P. McGovern Foundation Texas Children’s Hospital 5-13 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR A Memorable Event Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Audi Central Houston Mr. and Mrs. James R. Bratton Mr. and Mrs. Vince Burkett Mrs. Sherrill Garland Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation The Junior League of Houston Mr. George W. Kaleh and Ms. Lisa Folloder Master Auto Service, Inc. MRE Consulting, Ltd. Vivian L. Smith Foundation Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts 3-4 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR The Stanford & Joan Alexander Foundation Mrs. Chanda Cashen Chacon Harris County Treasurer Mr. and Mrs. Craig Hill In honor of CAI volunteers Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Rappole RMS Auto Care, Inc. Mark W. and Angela Laswell Smith Universal Home Experts 1-2 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR AIG American General Mrs. Hildegarde Ballard Ms. Mary Barone Ms. Judith Blissard Mrs. Lanie M. Brown Harry S. & Isabel C. Cameron Foundation
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CHILD ADVOCATES
The P and C Carroll Foundation CenterPoint Energy Chapelwood United Methodist Church City of Houston Mr. Jeff J. Cotner Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Cullen, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dabney The James R. Dougherty, Jr. Foundation Mrs. Kimberly C. David Mr. and Mrs. Anthony De Luca Mrs. Missy Drinnen Pacha Enterprise Holdings Foundation EP Energy ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Robert Frappier Mr. Pat Galvan Mr. Kelly Gerland Grant Thornton LLP Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gregg GS Marketing Mr. and Mrs. Arden Hetland Mr. and Mrs. Scott Humphries Insperity The Jackson Foundation Jackson Walker, L.L.P. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kerman Ms. Lynda Lighthouse Transier Linn Operating, Inc./ Linn Energy Luchsinger Family Foundation Mr. Carl Masterson Ms. Brandi Maxwell McGuire Woods, LLP Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Mr. and Mrs. Oniel Mendenhall Midway Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Steven Miller Mr. Richard Munguia Mr. and Mrs. David Quackenbush Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Reid Reynolds, Frizzell, Black, Doyle, Allen & Oldham LLP Mr. and Mrs. Wynne Snoots The Abbott and Leslie Sprague Foundation St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Ms. Suzie Thomas Whalley Foundation The Williams Companies, Inc. Dr. Sherman Yu 1 CHILD FOR 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Mr. Santosh K. Athuru
Chevron Ms. Stephanie Coutinho Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Cullen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Andy Diamond Dr. and Mrs. Michael Eklund Mr. and Mrs. Chet Erwin ExxonMobil Felvis Foundation Mr. James E. Fischer Halliburton Mr. Steve Harding Harris County Youth & Family Services Division Mr. Robert Heine Mrs. Kelly Ivie IVIVVA Houston CityCentre Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Johnson Mr. Duane C. King and Mrs. Carmen Delgado Knights of Columbus Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lack Lillian Kaiser Lewis Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Javier Loya Mrs. Misty K. Matin Dr. and Mrs. Patrick J. McClellan Trini and O. C. Mendenhall Foundation Microsoft Ms. Julianna Moorad Network for Good Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Osborne Paul Comstock Partners Phillips 66 Dr. Vanitha R. Pothuri Mr. and Mrs. James S. Prentice Mrs. Merry Kay Romero The Schissler Foundation Shell Oil Company Ms. Lori A. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. John W. Storms Tenaris Mr. and Mrs. Paul B. Terry, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Tutcher Mr. and Mrs. Tony Urrutia USD Group LLC Mr. and Mrs. Rob Walls Ms. Barbara A. Woolhandler 1 CHILD FOR 3-6 MONTHS Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage Dr. and Mrs. Melvyn Anhalt Mr. and Mrs. Howard T. Ayers, Jr. Bank of America Mr. Eric V. Bartz Mr. and Mrs. David Bock The Brodsky Foundation Ms. Becky Chmielewski Ms. Almeria T. Cottingham Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Dabney Ms. Erika de la Garza
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Farrell Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy Finkelstein Ms. Georgina A. Goodnight Mr. David Harkins Harper & Pearson Co. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hemmi Ms. Duong Ho Houston Briar Forest Apartments LP Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Jensen Mr. Eric Johnson and Mrs. Bernadette Payne Kroger Food Stores Landry’s Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lohman Los Amigos Foundation Ms. Alison Lyons Marsh & McLennan Companies Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Passanante Mr. and Mrs. Paul Posoli Marni & Morris Propp II Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Magnus Rayos Ms. Regina J. Rogers Mr. Frank B. Rynd Ms. Priscilla P. Saunders Ms. Angie Sherrell Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sloan Ms. Kristi A. Sorrels TRUiST Ms. Anne S. Twitchell Ms. Amanda Verell Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vickers Mrs. Tonya West Whataburger Mr. Jonathan Worbington Mr. and Mrs. Blake Young 1 CHILD FOR 2 MONTHS Ms. Joann Agee Beckwith’s Automotive BP Ms. Ashley Brockette CASA of Denton County, Inc. Ms. Kathi Davis Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Eschbach Houston Chapter American Payroll Association IBM Employee Services Center Ms. Karen McGowen Mr. and Mrs. Kristin Midgett Ms. Mary E. Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Nevarez Mr. Mark Newell Ms. Janna Segrest Mr. Eric St. Pierre 1 CHILD FOR 1 MONTH Ms. Mary E. Ainslie Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey R. Ansley Ms. Soraya Awan
Mrs. Melissa Baldwin Mr. and Mrs. Ariel H. Bass Ms. Janis Burke Burnett Staffing Specialists Ms. Anne H. Bushman Dr. Carolyn Butler Ms. Catherine E. Coleman CBI Mr. Andrew W. Chu ConocoPhillips Company Mr. and Mrs. Marc Danile Mrs. Emily Davis Mr. and Ms. Peter A. Dayton DCP Midstream Matching Gifts Program Mr. Martin Fein and Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein Ms. Sara J. Fielder FlightSafety International Give with Liberty Mr. and Mrs. Jaren A. Glass Mr. Martin Grady Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Graybeal Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Griffon Dr. Nellie P. Grose Ms. Vickie Guerin Ms. Henrietta Hall Mrs. Tara Hannan Ms. Deborah S. Hartsfield Mr. and Mrs. Alan Hassenflu Mr. Pat Hendricks Mrs. Brandee Houston Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Scott L. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. King Mrs. Taylor Lamb Mr. and Mrs. William S. Lamb Mrs. Andrea Lapsley Dr. Kathryn Laughlin Mrs. Tonya Mack Ms. Anya Marmuscak Martha Turner Properties Ms. Bertha McCue Mrs. Jane Middlebrooks Mr. and Mrs. Scott Miller Mrs. Sherry Miller Mrs. Pinki Moore Ms. Reena Moore Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Moran Mr. and Mrs. Corey Mordacz Ms. Emily A. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Brad P. Nixon Miss Syndi Ong Mr. and Mrs. Jason Peters Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Pullicino Ms. Asha Ramgulam Ms. Stephanie Rau Ms. Jo-Ann B. Reilly Mr. and Mrs. Andres Reiner Mr. and Mrs. Donald Rickertsen Ms. Diane Rifai Mr. and Mrs. Connor Riseden Mr. and Mrs. Laron D. Robinson
thanks DONORS Ms. Jacquelyne M. Rocan Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Romano Mr. and Ms. Scott Ronne Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rostek Mr. Eric Roussel Mr. Peter Ruddy Safeway, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Santiago A. Sanchez Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Scherr Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Scott Mr. and Mrs. Mark B. Sossaman Mr. Michael V. Sosso St. Theresa School Mrs. Keryn A. Sulimma Mrs. Constance Tran-Tsakiris UBS Securities Ms. Maggie Vermillion Mr. Wallace Ward Ms. Carol G. Whilden Ms. Carolyn Wise Mr. Lance Woodward 1 CHILD FOR 1 TO 30 DAYS Ms. Sue H. Adcock Mr. Eric Aguirre Mrs. Susanne Ahrens Mr. Radha Ahya Mr. and Mrs. Guy F. Aldrich Allstate The Giving Campaign Dr. Melanie J. Alo, M.D. Amazonsmile Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John K. Andrews Mrs. Jennifer N. Arizpe Ms. Adele Ayers Ms. Lauren Bair Mr. and Mrs. David L. Baird, Jr. Mr. Brook Ballweg Mr. Jose Barreda Mr. and Mrs. Maurice M. Bass Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Bayens Ms. Wanda Beard Mrs. Sara E. Beckmann Mr. Ken Bendalin Best Grinding and Machining, Inc. Ms. Tiffany Black Mr. and Mrs. Michael Blades Mr. Carlos Blandino Ms. Sonia Botero Mr. Robert Braddock Ms. Kimberly D. Bramlett Mrs. Diane Briones Ms. Nicole Brisker Ms. Brittney Broadnax Mr. Adrian Broadway Mr. James D. Brodnax
Mr. Timothy A. Brown Ms. Elizabeth Bullard Mr. and Mrs. Ben Burleson Bush & Ramirez, PLLC Ms. Suzanne Byerley Mr. Dan Calvert Mrs. Maria T. Cano Mrs. Loyce Cashat Child Advocates of Fort Bend Ms. Claudia Christin Mrs. KeShawna Cole-Clark Mr. Phillip Coleman Mr. and Mrs. David Cooney Ms. Joya Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Cordell Mr. Russell Corgey Ms. Mary Covington Ms. Joanna Cramer Ms. Dee Crowell Ms. Emily Darling Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Deavers Ms. Elizabeth Dewey Mr. and Mrs. Ronny Dickerson Ms. Rebecca Dixon Mr. Aaron Dominy Mr. Brandon Drake Ms. Margaret Drinkwater Ms. Mary R. Dwyer Ms. Kelli Eberhart Mr. and Mrs. Scott Edwards Ms. Miriam Edwards Ms. Marla S. Endieveri Ms. Lenny M. Esquivel Mr. and Mrs. Ned Evans Exelon Corporation Mr. Darren Felfeli Mr. Trey Flores Mr. and Mrs. Woody Fox Mr. and Ms. Anthony Franchina Ms. Jacqueline Furlow Ms. Sonya M. Galvan Ms. Brittany Ganious Ms. Vanessa Gauthier Mrs. Nancy Geigel Ms. Tabinda Ghani Mr. and Mrs. Derek Goff Mr. and Mrs. Israel Gomez Miss Brittany Gonzales Mr. Javier Gonzalez Mr. Jorge Gonzalez Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Good Mrs. Courtney Graham Ms. Sheila R. Graves Miss Kristi Grizzle Mr. Jarrett Gunnels Mrs. Beatrice S. Habib Ms. Sarah Hall
Ms. Erin P. Hamilton Miss Beka Hanawalt Ms. Lisa Harris Mrs. Megan Harrison Mrs. Carrie Hendricks-Helm Mrs. Melissa M. Hernandez Ms. Dorene Herzog Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Heysquierdo Ms. Kimberly Hickson Ms. Susan L. Hill Ms. Elizabeth Hillier Mr. and Mrs. Leo D. Hobbs Ms. Cynthia Hohle Mrs. Grace B. Holmes Houston Auto Auction Mr. Hunter Howard Mr. and Mrs. Jarod Huffmeister Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Hunt Mrs. LeeLee Irwin Ms. Hayley Jaska Ms. Jamie L. Johnson Ms. Shirley P. Johnson Ms. Sarah Jumper Mrs. Kalsey Jurick Rabbi and Mrs. Samuel E. Karff KBR Ms. Tracey A. Kearny Ms. Erin Kevlin Ms. Nichol Kiefer Mr. George J. Klages Ms. Katha G. Knippa Ms. Karen Kocurek Mr. Robert Kossman Mrs. Linda F. Kuhnen Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery J. La Rocca Mr. Albert Labasse Ms. Jeannine Lanoux Ms. Brittney LeBlanc Mr. and Mrs. William R. Livesay, Jr. Mr. J. Long Mr. Carlos Lopez Mr. and Mrs. Juan Lopez Lucky Tile, Inc. Ms. Brooke Luz Mr. Brian Mandell Mrs. Andy Marlatt Ms. Sheila Martinez Mr. and Mrs. Alan May, Jr. Ms. Rachel McConnell Mr. and Mrs. James N. McGrew Mr. Cliff McLain Ms. Amy McLeod Mr. James Meyers Ms. Brenda Michalik
Mr. and Mrs. William Middlebrook Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Phillip R. Miller Ms. Karen Moese Ms. Christine Moody Mr. Gregory Moore Ms. Megan Moran Mrs. Jodi Morton Ms. Natalie Morton Mr. and Mrs. William H. Murphy Ms. Sarah Murphy Ms. Lauren Neely Mr. Richard E. Norris Ms. Amber Novotny Mrs Ruth Obando-Melo Dr. and Mrs. Spencer Obie Mr. and Mrs. Peter O’Brien Mrs. Dianne O’Brien One Subsea Ms. Melissa O’Neal Ms. Tanisha Parham Mrs. Yasmin Parr Mrs. Desiree Parrish Ms. Seema Patel Ms. Meghan Peckis Mrs. Charlotte Pendergraft Mr. Jeff Perkins Mr. and Mrs. William R. Pettitt Ms. Meredith Phillips Ms. Natalie Picha Ms. LaToya Porter Ms. Cheryl L. Powers PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Ms. Michelle Proffit Ms. Gloria Quackenbush Dr. and Mrs. Trevor Rabie Ms. Lara Rasco Ms. Mary Raub Ms. Julia Romero Peter Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Rosales Ms. Michelle Rosales-Mancias Mr. Timothy Rosborough Mr. and Mrs. Louis Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ruhlin Ms. Meredith Sadler Ms. Betsi Sanchez Mrs. Tari Sarabia Ms. Victoria Sartwelle Mrs. Chelsea Saxena Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. Scharton Ms. Terri Scott Mr. Robert A. Seale and Ms. Chalon Fontaine Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Seay, II Mr. and Mrs. Casey Seraphin Mr. Mickey Sharma
Ms. Maria Shaw Ms. Carolyn M. Shearer Mr. and Mrs. Rob Shoss Ms. Hannah Sindlinger Mrs. Quana Smith Mr. and Mrs. Al Stansbury Ms. Danae Stephenson Ms. Courtney Stevens Ms. Nancy Stillwell Mrs. Lisa Strauser Ms. Ashley Strawder Sugar Land First United Methodist Church Ms. Brittany Swain Mr. James Switzer Mr. Mark Szyman Mr. Andrew Tarpinian The Professional Group Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Thomas Ms. Lucinda Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Thorington Ms. Jackie Tingle Ms. Huong P. Tran Mr. and Mrs. Edmunds Travis, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Marius Tripsa Ms. Elizabeth N. Turney Mr. and Mrs. Dieter Ufer Mr. and Mrs. Mike Van Hoozer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William Vese Mr. and Mrs. Imants Viss Ms. Valerie A. Vuong Ms. Betty Waddell Mr. and Mrs. J. Dudeon Walker, III Ms. Meredith Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Lucius J. Walton Ms. Shuntate Warren Ms. Ruby Washington Ms. Glenda F. Wehner Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Weiss Dr. and Mrs. Norman Weiss Mrs. Katie Wells Ms. Tandy Westmiller Ms. Dora Wiederhold Ms. Wanda M. Williams Ms. Stacey Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Wirzberg Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wise Mr. and Mrs. Paul Woodward Admiral Jeff Worne Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright Ms. Shannon Young Zeta Mu Chapter Ms. Raona L. Zumwalt
DOUBLE OR EVEN TRIPLE YOUR GIFT WITH THE MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM! Many companies participate in gift matching programs. Some companies will even match gifts made by retirees and spouses of employees. To find out if your company has a company matching gift policy, please visit: www.matchinggifts.com/childadvocates. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer and send it completed and signed with your gift. Child Advocates will do the rest. The impact of your gift may be doubled or possibly tripled! For more information or for futher questions please ADVOCATE NEWS 9 contact Kelly at kelly.goff@childadvocates.org.
HOME SWEET HOME:
Kathi Davis’ journey to find baby David the best possible home Court appointed advocate, Kathi Davis was just a few months away from finishing her fourth case when her advocacy coordinator, Quana Smith, called to check in. Her recent case had been a tough one and Kathi thought she might be ready for a break. Then Quana mentioned that she had a case with just one child, a baby, that was currently placed at a foster home near her. It was just the right case for Kathi to take on next. Little did she know this case was going to be one of her biggest challenges as an advocate. Baby David was born two months premature and weighed only 3 pounds 6 ounces. His birth mother never received prenatal care. Immediately, he was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). His mother said she would come back for him after being discharged from the hospital, but never did. At one month David was still tiny, but healthy enough to be released from the NICU. Child Protective Services (CPS) placed him with Peter and Susie Browne and shortly after, Child Advocates was appointed to the case. David was growing and thriving with his new foster parents and all looked promising for them to adopt him. Then they went to court for their second permanency hearing. Kathi, a flight attendant, was traveling the day of the hearing so Quana went to court in her place. To everyone’s surprise, David’s grandmother, a woman no one had heard from since his birth, had flown in from New York to ask for custody of David. She already had custody of David’s three older sisters, born with similar circumstances, but Quana knew that we needed more information before removing David from his current safe and loving home. Quana requested a home study of the grandmother, which the judge reluctantly allowed before making a ruling. Within hours of the hearing, Kathi immediately got to work. Kathi was pleased with the progress David had been making in his new home, however, she wanted to make certain that she knew all the facts before she made her recommendations to the judge. Kathi spoke to CPS caseworkers, attorneys and the foster parents. All expressed their concerns about placing David with his grandmother, Maria*. After a three hour conversation with Maria, Kathi began to have some concerns of her own. Maria told her about the severe depression that has kept her on disability for 20 years. Maria made comments that led Kathi to believe that David would only be living with her because she already had a house full of girls and having a boy would be a change of pace. In the three hours they talked, not once did Maria ask about David or his health. Peter Browne told Kathi, “They want to just send David to New York. Nobody has even looked at where he would be living.” Kathi knew she wouldn’t be comfortable recommending placement with David’s grandmother without investigating the home for herself. She made plans to assess the situation in person. Within two weeks, Kathi was on a plane, rented a car and booked a hotel room for one night. That chilly morning, unannounced, Kathi knocked on Maria’s door in upstate New York. Maria was less than thrilled to see her. When Maria remembered who Kathi was and her role in the case, she immediately got defensive and refused to let Kathi inside her home. Kathi was professional, kind and persistent and talked with Maria for nearly an hour outside in the cold. Kathi explained that she had come to see where David could potentially be living and wanted to be able to make an honest recommendation to the judge on David’s behalf. When she was finally able to go inside Maria’s home, she was hit with a pungent smell and instantly knew why there were concerns. Every room Kathi entered was filled with clutter and in a complete disarray. The bathtub was not in working order and had an exposed electrical wire running alongside it. None of the beds had any sheets and even though there was a oneyear-old living in the house, no crib was found. There were open paint cans on the floor and the kitchen table held a variety of items covering it, including cupcakes 10
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next to plumbing chemicals, next to a hairbrush. The home was riddled with hazardous materials and generally unsafe. Kathi knew she had done the right thing by doing her own home study. She captured several photos and flew back to Houston. A few weeks later, Kathi was visiting with David at the Browne’s home when she received the shocking news that New York CPS had approved Maria’s home study. Everyone was baffled. This meant that David would likely be leaving his loving and caring home with the Browne’s to move in with Maria. Kathi knew something was not right with this approval. She once again took matters into her own hands and flew back to New York. Maria’s house was still in the same condition and this time Maria was angry with Kathi’s unannounced visit. Kathi left that afternoon and brought home more photos to submit as evidence in the case. Through her persistence, it was determined that a physical home study never took place in New York. Kathi was the only party in David’s case to visit this home. While awaiting trial, Kathi continued to keep up with everyone involved. She visited David and his foster parents. David was still small, but was growing and doing well. It was clear that he was a thriving member of the Browne family. When it was time for trial, CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE >>
“She just kept saying that she was ‘just doing her job’, but that kind of thing doesn’t happen every day.”
PHOTO CREDITS TOP TO BOTTOM OPPOSITE PAGE: Baby David when released from the hospital. Baby David with the Browne family on their first night together. David at his first birthday. CURRENT PAGE: Kathi with David, now two years old.
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HOME SWEET HOME: KATHI DAVIS’ JOURNEY TO FIND BABY DAVID THE BEST POSSIBLE HOME (CONTINUED) Kathi was prepared to fight for David’s best interest. She had done her due diligence and knew that he would be able to grow and overcome any obstacle with Peter and Susie as his dad and mom. However, Maria’s attorney was ready for a fight. He grilled Kathi on the stand and presented photos of the home in Rochester. A home that now appeared pristine and safe, even though he had never been there to see it himself. He tried everything to find errors in her testimony, but there were none. Kathi covered every base, making sure that she could recommend the very best placement for David. That afternoon, the judge ruled that David should stay with the Browne family, allowing enough time for them to file for adoption and make him an official member of their family. A case that Kathi thought would be simple and less complicated than her previous cases, had proven to be one of the most emotionally and mentally taxing cases she had ever had. The evening before a mediation, Kathi laid awake for hours thinking about the case and David. Early the next morning, Kathi called Susie Browne to talk through some details. Susie went silent and asked, “Do you lay in bed and think about this in the middle of the night too?” Kathi said, “Of course I do, this is part of my job.” Susie knew that not everyone had an advocate like Kathi and that Kathi was going above and beyond what was required of her. Fast forward 18 months to today, David is happy and bubbly. He is a train-loving two-year-old with the proudest parents by his side. Kathi has maintained a friendship with the Browne family and David. David knows exactly who she is when she walks in the door, calling her ‘Auntie Kathi’ while grabbing her hand to go play. Susie and Peter look back on their time with Kathi as David’s advocate with overwhelming gratitude. Peter said, “The day his grandmother showed up in court, I thought our world was falling apart, but then Kathi called. Everyone else had an agenda. There was nobody looking out for David besides her. To Kathi, David wasn’t just another number or another case. He was a real person. If Kathi didn’t stand in the gap for him nobody would have.” When thinking about Kathi’s willingness to fly to New York Susie said, “She just kept saying that she was ‘just doing her job’, but that kind of thing doesn’t happen every day.” This past summer, Kathi was invited to David’s baby dedication at church. When Kathi saw the family all stand up together, she said, “I cried through the whole thing. I realized in that moment that his life will now be totally different because of the work that we, Child Advocates, did for him. We really did change his life.” n written by Lauren Bair
PHOTO CREDITS TOP TO BOTTOM: David thriving and spending time on the beach. Kathi standing next to the Browne family the day David was adopted. Kathi reading to David. The Browne family. Thank you to Gabby Alred for providing your photography talents for this story and to the Browne family for sharing this wonderful story of love. *In some instances, names were changed to help protect parties of the story.
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advocate HONOR ROLL Our court appointed advocates are at the heart of the Child Advocates mission. We are grateful for all their work and time they give to the children we help. The court appointed advocate volunteers listed below have been giving their time for 5 years or more. It is with much gratitude that we recognize these amazing individuals. 20 YEARS + Mary Kae Reis-Dingler Chastiti Horne Linda Murphy Pamela Powell 15 - 19 YEARS Laurie Boswell Andrew Chu Zack Coapland Renee Kariv John Krebs Stacy Lord Bonnie McMillan John McMillan Dawn Rodriguez Helen Ross Peggy Simon Ellie Sweeney Wanda Williams 10 - 14 YEARS Roxanne Barton Marshall Bendalin Adrian Broadway Becky Brusen Jane Dabney Deborah Dayton Erika de la Garza Bruce Edison Mary Fischer Sandra Greenstone Nancy Grubbs Quinton Harp Eric Hodnefield Duane King Diana Mattingly Heidi Obie Philip Orth Susan Patterson Cheryl Powers
Leticia Prevost Lester Schmaltz Bernadette Session Kerry Sheppard Sinthia Sonnier Barbara Springer Edgardo Suarez Victoria Varner Scott Washburn Lawrence Whyte 5 - 9 YEARS Jessica Adams Ann Ainsworth Matthew Alberty Kay Allen Sarah Austin Melissa Baldwin Brook Ballweg Lucero Barajas Lindsey Becerra Brian Becker Mary Jo Black Judith Blissard Emilie Booth Deborah Bowie Amber Branum Romia Bual Michele Byrnes Bertha Cabello Lisa Caristan Kimberly Carter Carol Cash Chanda Cashen Chacon Cheri Castillo Moira Castro Shanna Chaka Carmen Champion Michael Chavarria Damaris Chavez Marcus Chery
Becky Chmielewski Vicki Cicack Beresford Clarke Cathleen Collins Theresa Coulehan Adele Countryman Kara Cox Marcie Craig Daisy Crawford Rebecca Dalby Kathleen Davis Lee Ann Davis Amelia Dawkins Elvira de Pieri Madeline DiFraia Cynthia Diller Ashley Dominguez Sheila Duffy Rebecca Dunne Miriam Edwards Barbara Fagan Pamela Fazzone Tonya Felix-Davis Colette Fields Joubran Becky Flowers Carolyne Fox Kelly Gerland Tabinda Ghani Harit Ghelani James Gibson Valerie Gomez Georgina Goodnight Sheila Graves Martha Gremillion Irene Griffith Vickie Guerin Dave Gutacker Ludivina Gutierrez Linda Heitzer Eric Hughes Rita Irani
Leslie Jacob Melissa Katsounas Nicolas Katz Catherine Kellman White Suzette Kelly Joanne King Roxanne Knott Robert Kossman Cynthia Larson June Lohman Mary Love Stacey Lusk Carol Ann MacDonald Tonya Mack Tomie Magee Brian Mandell Bridgett Matthes Joyce Mayor Frances McAvoy Rebecca McDonald Peggy McGrane Rachel Mejia Jan Mendenhall Jane Middlebrooks Lisa Morgan Lorna Muniz-Paz Sherron Murphree Sandra Nassif Kristi Neal Adrienn Parsons Sarah Posey Cathy Poye Virginia Price Kimberly Prince Michelle Proffit Julie Prunty Gloria Quackenbush Mary Raub Sylvia Reyes Diane Rifai Faye Riggs
Jill Ritter Pauline Rodriguez Mabel Rogers LaTasha Rothschild Frances Rubin Judy Ruhlin Catherine Ryan Miguel Saldana Elizabeth Sams Leticia Sanchez Victoria Sartwelle Courtney Satterwhite Teresa Saucier Priscilla Saunders Ashley Scheele Marilyn Schmaltz Audrey Seals Duzi Sithe Charles Steen Darrelene Streller Melinda Sturgess Jamie Taft-Johnson Charann Thompson Irving Tredler Maude Trottie Amanda Tucker Chris Valdez Leo Valk Janet Vaught Alice Verbois Phoebe Waggoner Faye Walker Telia Weisman Wendy Weston Janie Wilson Angela Wilson Jacquelyn Winters THANK YOU TO ALL OUR COURT APPOINTED ADVOCATES!
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a special THANKS Cameron Childspree - Thank you to Stacy Michel and Shipley Do-Nuts for donating 50 dozen donuts and to Target for providing breakfast for our kids and volunteers at each location. Thank you to Cameron, Linn Energy, and The Junior League of Houston, Inc. for donating school supplies for our kids. Friends of Child Advocates Fendi Social - Thank you to Fendi for hosting the evening, donating a Fendi bag to the 2016 Pull for Kids Auction and generously giving a portion of the evening’s sales. Friends of Child Advocates Social and Angels of Hope Kick-off - We would like to thank Nadine Boutros for generously opening up her home and providing imprinted napkins for the evening, Gus Executive Limo & Valet Service for donating the valet service and Brandi Maxwell for providing the flowers. Superhero Run - Thank you Direct Energy for the bounce house, Hope Aqua for providing race and post race water, HOT 95.7 and Sarah Pepper for providing music and emceeing, Hotel Sorella for donating hotel rooms, Luke’s Locker for providing runner bibs, race inflatables, gift cards and runner packet pick-up, Lululemon for hosting pre-race yoga, MRE Consulting, Ltd., Whole Foods Market for giving post race food and capes. We would also like to thank the following who donated to the runner goodie bags: Alexan Enclave, Beck’s Prime, Direct Energy, Insperity, Luke’s Locker, MRE Consulting Ltd., Napz, Salata, Sports Authority and Whole Foods Market. A special thanks to Hildegarde Ballard, CITYCENTRE Houston for hosting us, Jeff Cotner for all your support and time, Ivivva, Limitless Race Productions for race assistance and Angie Parker for your leadership and time. YPC Chili Cook-off for Kids - Thank you to Little Woodrow’s - Midtown for the venue space, Cuevas Champions for providing chairs, EB Inc. for donating linens, Sports Radio 610/Mix 96.5 for the street teams, Saint Arnold’s Brewing Company and Silver Eagle Distributors for donating to the charity bar. We would like to send a special thank you to Whole Foods Market Houston for hosting a Halloween costume drive and to Bay Area Quilt Guild and Lakeview Quilters Guild for the handmade quilts. Your special gifts made brighter days for our children!
upcoming EVENTS December 1 Giving Tuesday 2 Care-All Holiday Event 8 Angels of Hope Luncheon & Fashion Presentation 8 - 10 Santa’s Wish List Warehouse Drop-off 12 - 15 Santa’s Wish List Warehouse Pick-up January 9 17
Advocacy University Begins Chevron Houston Marathon Hoopla Station
February all month 2 6 27
Car Pros for Kids Graduate School Advocacy University Begins Advocacy University Begins
March 24
Graduate School
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April 11 23 & 24
Advocacy University Begins McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival
May 7
Pull for Kids Classic
For more information or the latest on all of our events, please visit: www.childadvocates.org/calendar
LET’S GET SOCIAL! Join in the conversation and share in the fun! Find Child Advocates on: Twitter @ChildAdvoHOU Facebook Child Advocates Instagram @ChildAdvocates Look for us on Periscope during the Angels of Hope Luncheon!
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snapSHOTS
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board VOICE Leslie Powell has the kind of laugh that could make anyone smile, and the kind of heart that reminds you truly good people are among us. Leslie has two sons, a daughter-in-law and will be taking on the role of grandmother in April 2016. She loves to garden, travel, is friends with her librarians and has a passion for collecting sea glass. When she lost her husband of 30 years, Mark, five years ago, she decided that she would go. “I just go,” she said, “I do things.” Leslie’s relationship with Child Advocates began in 2013 with Facebook. Her interest was piqued by the Angels of Hope Luncheon and she soon found herself investigating the website. There she stumbled across the name of an old friend, who at the time was on the advisory board, Frank Rynd. Frank quickly invited her to the Summer Luncheon. “She was ready to volunteer,” Frank said, “I knew she cared about kids and would do a great job.” Leslie immediately signed up for Advocacy University following the Summer Luncheon and wound up on three cases at one time. “It was kind of hairy,” she laughed. She expects the third to close soon and is ready to take on her fourth case. “She’s very caring and compassionate,” Leslie’s advocacy coordinator, Jennifer Arizpe, said, “She gets to know somebody first before making a judgement call about them.” The first case Leslie took was with a child named Anthony. “He knows that he can trust me,” she said, “That I will be there.” True to her word, she is there. She is at school lunches, school plays and interviews with the Assistant District Attorney. “He [Anthony] sat with his head against me, with my arm around him, he cried as he told his story,” she said, “But he did it.” Leslie joined the Board of Directors and Marketing Committee in January 2015. “We all have one goal,” she said, “We have to help the children.” The Angels of Hope Luncheon that initially drew Leslie to Child Advocates, continues to be her favorite event. “I love, not the pomp and circumstance, but the glamour of a fashion show,” she said, “Carolina Herrera was fabulous.” Leslie’s company also contributes to Santa’s Wish List. She founded Mark III Systems, an IBM Business Partner that was recently named one of the top 50 Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston by the Houston Business Journal, in 1995 and speaks of her employees like they are family. Leslie said that her best day with Child Advocates was with the child on her first case. “When Anthony told people I was his grandmother was a really good day,” she said. “It was like, he really likes me!” “You’re their friend,” She said about being an advocate. “You stay with them from the beginning to the end. Their CPS worker may change, they may move to a different foster home, they may have a new attorney, but you’re their one constant. You are the person they get to know, they get to be with during the whole case. So, if you’ve got the time, we have a child for you.” “Leslie is one of our best recruiters for volunteers and ambassadors for the organization. It is so apparent that she’s passionate about the mission of Child Advocates, which makes her an excellent board member,” says CEO, Sonya Galvan. n written by Meredith 18
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spotlight on CHILD ADVOCATES
SUPERHERO RUN
For the third year in a row, Superheroes of all ages gathered in CITYCENTRE Houston as MRE Consulting presented the Child Advocates Superhero Run powered by Direct Energy. October 17 was a windy and brisk morning but did not stop over 800 runners from coming out to support Child Advocates. Lululemon got participants moving bright and early on the green with pre-race stretches. Whole Foods Market was on hand helping everyone stay nourished with post race snacks and a trail mix station. They also provided the capes and photobooth for the event. New to the run this year was Hope Aqua, who provided water during and after the race. As always, the costumes were wonderful. From little Hulks to Minions to Supermans, we saw a plaza filled with support for our mission. Direct Energy kept all the kids entertained before and after the race with their giant bounce house. HOT 96.5’s Sarah Pepper was on site as a runner and our emcee, along with her street team to keep plaza going with music. At the end of the morning, Child Advocates raised more than $116,00. Thank you to all of our sponsors, runners and volunteers without your support, this race would not be possible. We look forward to seeing you all next year! n
goals UPDATE CHILDREN SERVED
VOLUNTEERS TRAINED
1900 SERVED GOAL: 2350 AS OF 10/31/2015
DOLLARS RAISED
201 TRAINED GOAL: 250 AS OF 10/31/2015
3,110,836 RAISED GOAL: $4,666,780 AS OF 9/30/2015
$
BERNIE POWELL LEGACY SOCIETY The Bernie Powell Legacy Society honors those supporters who have made a legacy commitment to Child Advocates to benefit future generations. To learn more about our planned giving program, contact our Development Department at (713) 529-1396 or e-mail development@childadvocates.org.
A heartfelt thanks to our current members‌ Mr. and Mrs. David Baird Mr. and Mrs. Tom Farrell Mr. and Mrs. Rex Grey Mr. and Mrs. Hub Hawthorn
Ms. Betty Joe Haynes Mrs. Lucile Melcher Ms. Alice Minatra Mrs. Alison Comstock Moss Mr. and Mrs. Ed Powell
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Robbins Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sloan Swalm Foundation Ms. Lynda Lighthouse Transier
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2401 Portsmouth Street, Suite 210 Houston, Texas 77098 WWW.CHILDADVOCATES.ORG
NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE -PAIDCHILD ADVOCATES, INC. PERMIT NO. 06664 HOUSTON, TX
2015 BOARD CHAIR
Brad Robbins LEGAL COUNSEL
Advocate News is published twice annually by Child Advocates, Inc., Ashley Brockette, Editor. This newsletter is designed and published by Child Advocates, Inc. Houston, Texas 77098. All rights reserved. Any use of materials herein in any form including, but not limited to photocopying, transcribing, excerpting or any print or electronic reproduction for any purpose for any reason without prior written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. ©2015
thrive
It was a long road for Michael but his main goals were to eat with utensils, dress himself, eat solid foods, articulate words and develop social boundaries. Since getting the treatment he needed, Michael is now able to interact with others. He is drinking out of a cup and can dress himself with little assistance. Michael’s speech has also drastically improved. He has made great leaps in writing, which was a struggle before. He recently became very excited when he learned to write his name and count. This picture was a drawing Michael did in a therapy session. While to many, it might look like a simple children’s scribble, to those who are working with him, it shows great progress. If you look carefully, you can see his name and numbers one through ten. Michael now is on a path to a healthier future. n CHILD ADVOCATES
TREASURER / FINANCE CHAIR
Mark Smith EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
David Baird Terrence Gee June Lohman Angie Sherrell Suzie Thomas David Winn BOARD MEMBERS
Michael initially came into Child Protective Services (CPS) care at the age of four because his father was driving under the influence while Michael was in the car. It was at this time that Michael was diagnosed with Austim Spectrum Disorder. Prior to coming into foster care, Michael was going without treatment for his disorder and his developmental skills were severely delayed. Michael did not interact well with others, could not eat solid food, didn’t drink out of a cup and was limited in his speech and writing. With some help from his advocate, Michael was soon in speech, occupational and behavioral therapies to address a growing list of concerns.
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Eddy De Los Santos
Manu Asthana Hildegarde Ballard James Brodnax Rick Burnett Gill Cheesman Jane Dabney Kimberly David David Davis Tracy Eklund Cherie Hassenflu Grace Holmes Dwayne Hyzak Robert Krenzelok Ron Orsini Leslie Powell David Quackenbush Frank Rynd Ellie Sweeney Dolly Dawson Thomas Nancy Thorington Milton West Steven Wyatt
Child Advocates mobilizes court appointed volunteers to break the vicious cycle of child abuse. We speak up for abused children who are lost in the system and guide them into safe environments where they can thrive.