Advocate News Spring/Summer 2016

SPRING / SUMMER 2016

A BI -ANNUAL PUBLI CAT I ON FR OM CHI LD A DVOCAT ES, I N C.

FINDING HAPPINESS WITH A CONSTANT SUPPORT

LOOKING BACK AT OVER TWO DECADES OF SUPPORT… HONORING THE ANHALTS. ADVOCATE NEWS

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CEO’S letter Hi everyone, Child Advocates went through a big change in January. The generosity of many people gave Child Advocates the opportunity to create a beautiful new office space. You can read more about this endeavor on page 19, but first I personally wanted to say thank you to all who had a hand in this project.

It was no easy task but it positions Child Advocates for growth, ultimately allowing us to help more abused and neglected children have a voice in the court system.

Recently, we held our 24th annual Pull for Kids Classic, this event is always so fun and this year was no exception. Over 600 people gathered at Bayou City Event Center to honor long-time supporters Millie and Mel Anhalt. Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, our incredible Wine Pull as well as hundreds of live and silent auction items at our Bollywood themed party, “The Garden after the Monsoon”. I am so grateful for all who gave their time and help to raise funds for the fight against child abuse and neglect. With your outpouring of support, we raised over $715,000.

This summer, we will help many of our children stay busy. Our Young Professionals for Children will host Children’s Water Day and our annual Cameron Childspree will be here before you know it. The Childspree is always a great opportunity to get to spend time with the children we serve and help them pick out much needed clothes and supplies as they get ready to start another school year.

Many of you have heard me say this before, but it’s worth repeating again -- we can’t do this work without you! Unfortunately, we have more cases than we have advocate volunteers. Help us continue to spread the word by sharing with your family, friends and coworkers about our mission. Please let them know about the opportunity to be the voice and the light in the life of a child. It will be a wonderful day when we have more advocate volunteers than children who need us, but until that day comes, we need you and your help.

Thank you for your continued support,

Sonya Galvan, CEO

TABLE of CONTENTS

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CHILD ADVOCATES

Honoring the Anhalts

3

Thanks Donors

14

Focus on Friends

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Upcoming Events

16

A Closer Look

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Goals Update

16

Special Thanks

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Snapshots

17

Young Professionals for Children

7

Board Voice

18

Heroes Society

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Spotlight On

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Thrive

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Finding Happiness

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Donor Honor Roll

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LOOKING BACK AT OVER TWO DECADES OF SUPPORT… HONORING THE ANHALTS. For over two decades, Millie and Mel Anhalt have passionately supported Child Advocates in all facets of the organization.

Millie completed her training and was sworn in as a court appointed advocate in 1993. There was no stopping her from there. She took on her first case, and in her words, ‘began the most meaningful and gratifying experience’ of her life. Millie went on to take four more cases and helped several children in the process.

When she decided to take a step back from taking cases, she remained an integral part of the organization.

She has served on the advisory board for 16 years, been an active member of the development committee, and has assisted with almost every special event that supports the children we serve.

After a short video, Mercy, along with Child Advocates’ CEO, Sonya Galvan, presented an award to Millie and Mel. The program concluded with a chance for the audience to sponsor a child. This portion of the evening raised a record breaking $134,000 and brought the overall event total to over $715,000.

The entire evening was filled full of fun and entertainment as the Bayou City Event Center was transformed into “The Garden after the Monsoon,” a Bollywood themed party. Guests danced the night away, participated in games, took a chance on 100’s of auction items and enjoyed the company of an entertaining little monkey.

Thank you to all who came out to support Child Advocates and to honor Millie Throughout this journey, Mel has stood and Mel Anhalt. A

by Millie’s side both physically and special thank you emotionally. Their commitment to to our event chairs, our mission runs very deep and their Ambassador Arthur passion to help the children we serve Schechter and his wife, is apparent from the first moment you Joyce, for leading the meet them. way, and to committee chairs, Jeff Birmingham, On May 7, Child Advocates had the Bryan Boyer, Rick joy of honoring Millie and Mel at our Burnett, Liz Chevalier, annual Pull for Kids Classic. Mercy, a Mark Ellenberger, child Millie help over 20 years ago, Christine Gabriel, Suzette returned to personally thank the Kelly, Pinki Moore, Reena Anhalt’s for their 23 years of service Moore, Susan Patterson, to our mission.

Bernadette Payne, Emily Mercy is a thriving adult with a Trout and Steven Wyatt. n beautiful family of her own and remembers Millie fondly. “Having someone like Millie come out and take the time out of their life, when they PHOTO CREDITS have their own family, is amazing. It TOP TO BOTTOM: Mercy, a child served by makes you feel special,” said Mercy.

Millie over 20 years ago, with Millie Anhalt and Sonya Galvan. Scott Washburn taking a chance Millie worked tirelessly to help Mercy at the wine pull. The 2016 Pull for Kids Classic have a voice in the courts while Mercy honorees, Millie and Mel Anhalt with Sasha the was in foster care. monkey. Kelly Hawkins on the dance floor.

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FOCUS on FRIENDS excited for another year together!

The Friends of Child Advocates never disappoint – the Angels of Hope Luncheon and Fashion Presentation was another fabulous success this year. Chaired by Brandi Maxwell and Marlene Casares with past luncheon honoree Linda J. Messner acting as honorary chair, the event raised $355,000 in support of our mission.

Attendees admired the 2016 Spring Etro Collection presented by longtime partner Neiman Marcus. With 550 fashionistas in attendance, we honored court appointed advocate Sindi Sonnier for her longtime service to abused and neglected children. Foster mom, Patches DeShanzo moved the audience to tears with the story of her adopted son and Sindi’s devotion to his wellbeing.

One of the highlights of the event occurred at the table of girls who are currently being served by Child Advocates. Their hair was styled and makeup applied by professionals and new dresses and accessories were provided for the occasion. None of the girls knew each other when they 4

CHILD ADVOCATES

Mark your calendars for the Angels of Hope Luncheon and Fashion Presentation to take place on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at the Royal Sonesta where Lisa Frantz will be honored for her years of generous support. Chairing the event are Lisa Erwin and Cherie Hassenflu. Rather than feature a specific designer, Neiman Marcus will present arrived. During The Art of Fashion – a compilation of the course of designer couture and ready-to-wear the luncheon, two girls realized fashion. This is guaranteed to be an exciting event, as always. Contact they attend the same school! Imagine feeling as though Marla Endieveri for sponsorship details at marla.endieveri@childadvocates.org. you are the only teenager living in foster care and attending a new school The Friends work tirelessly to raise money in support of abused and only to discover there is someone neglected children across Harris there who understands your situation County. We so appreciate their because she is living it too. This truly continued devotion! n was an amazing day.

In April, Friends lifetime member, advisory board member, and court appointed advocate Florence Langford graciously opened her home for the annual Friends member social.

Forty ladies attended with many new faces, including six new members.

Friends President K.K. Eschbach introduced the guest speaker for the evening – Chastiti Horne, a current court appointed advocate who was recently featured in the Houston Chronicle highlighting her volunteer work with Child Advocates. Thank you to everyone who attended – we’re

PHOTO CREDITS TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: Brandi Maxwell, Linda J. Messner and Marlene Casares at the Angels of Hope Luncheon. A beautifully designed runway show from ETRO. Then Sonnier Family, Sara, Sindi, Mike and Megan.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Sonya Galvan with court appointed advocate, Chastiti Horne and Florence Langford.

a closer look: MISCHER INVESTMENTS and MARY BRATTON MISCHER INVESTMENTS L.P.

During the past seven decades, Walter Mischer, Sr., and his affiliated companies in banking, construction, homebuilding and master-planned community development, have played a vital role in the growth and prosperity of the greater Houston area. Mischer and related partnerships are invested in several mixed use projects that include Cypress Creek Lakes and the Vintage which are located in Northwest Houston.

their outfits for the day. It’s become an annual tradition for Mary and her friends to attend the luncheon, admire the cutting edge fashion and enjoy one another’s company – all for a cause Mary believes in deeply. In 2007 Child Advocates honored Mary at the Angels of Hope Luncheon in appreciation of her generosity.

Child Advocates is proud of our partnership with Mischer Investments.

Thank you for investing in the futures of the children we are privileged to serve!

MARY BRATTON

Beyond the Angels of Hope Luncheon, Mary also established a fund that provides support for the “extras” a child might need, such as cheer lessons, tennis shoes, and orthodontics.

One young man, a 13-year-old, had endured ruthless teasing from his peers because of his teeth. The Mary Bratton Fund is paying for the necessary orthodontics to straighten his teeth so he will feel more confident.

Twenty-three years ago, Mary Bratton read an article in the newspaper about Child Advocates. Coming from a Child Advocates and the children we large family of attorneys, the role of a serve are so grateful to Mary and her court appointed advocate piqued her generous spirit. n interest. Mary took it upon herself to Mischer Investments has shared its learn more about our mission and the success with Child Advocates first unique needs of the children we serve. PHOTO CREDITS as a supporter of our gala and then She first became involved by attending BELOW LEFT TO RIGHT: Mary Bratton with Jane as a supporter of the Pull for Kids Womack at the 2012 Angels of Hope Luncheon. the Angels of Hope Luncheon in Mary with one of her daughters, Carrie Pepi, at the Classic for the past ten years. The 2007 Angels of Hope Luncheon Kick-off Party.

1994. Each year we invite ten young company even offered their Beaver ladies who are currently being served Creek residence as an auction item

by Child Advocates to attend the – a huge hit! Former board member, luncheon. Professionals style their hair John Storms, first introduced Mischer and apply their makeup and volunteers Investments to Child Advocates purchase new clothes for them. For the because they had a strong desire to past five years, Mary Bratton provided ensure the safety and wellbeing of their shoes and purses to children in the community. complete “Child Advocates has provided hope and opportunity to children and youth year after year.

Their dedicated volunteers have guided these children to safe environments and a positive way of life that provides a view of a promising future. We are proud to support the staff and volunteers so that this legacy continues,” said Mischer Investments.

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a special THANKS Angels of Hope Luncheon and Fashion Presentation - Thank you to the Barfield Collection, Cornel A. Williams & Associates, Disneyland Resort California, Hilton Americas - Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Madame Tussaud’sHollywood, Nadine Boutros Designs, Neiman Marcus Houston, Pandora at Willowbrook, Precise Dental of Houston, R.J.’s Boot Company, RéVive Skincare, San Luis Resort, SeaWorld Adventure Parks, Starline Tours - Hollywood, Theatre Under the Stars, Vera Bradley Houston Outlets for donating raffle items, and to H-E-B Foods for providing the centerpieces.

Car Pros for Kids - Thanks to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, GS Marketing and Seebridge for your contributions and to the following local shops for participating in this year’s program: Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage, Auto Check One, Beckwith’s Car Care, Christian Brothers - Grand Parkway, Cornerstone Automotive - Dairy Ashford, Cornerstone Automotive - Wilcrest, Freedom Automotive Services, Inc., Itzy’s Auto Repair Service, Kacals Auto & Truck, Mac Haik Ford, Master Car Care, Ortega Automotive, RMS Auto Care, Inc., Scott’s Auto Repair, Inc, Specialized Auto Repair, Spring Auto Pros and Yale Automotive.

Children’s Holiday Party - Thank you to Enterprise and Whataburger for helping bring holiday cheer to over 750 children.

Friend’s of Child Advocates - Thank you to Florence and Tom Langford for underwriting the Friends’ social and to Chick-Fil-A for providing lunch for our kids at the Easter Egg Hunt.

Pull for Kids Classic - A Memorable Event, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Alliance Graphics, C. Wright Photography, Cakes

by Gina LLC, Enterprise, H-E-B Foods, Pico’s Mex-Mex, Pinki & Paul Moore, Randall’s, Roop Sari Palace, Sarah Aziz, Susan H. Patterson, Whataburger and Zoe’s Kitchen for all your contributions to the event.

Santa’s Wish List - Thank you to Jon Deal for providing warehouse space, Spectrum for donating tables and chairs, Whataburger for volunteer meals and to everyone who sponsored a child.

Spring Luncheon - Thanks Café Natalie and Stage Directions for support and contributions.

Shopping Experience with Dwight Howard - A special thank you to The Barbara Bush Foundation, Chick-Fil-A, Dwight Howard, D12 Foundation, Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston, JCPenney and Target for providing a memorable event for our children.

We would like to send a special thank you to 100 Black Men of Houston, Allstate Insurance, Bay Area Quilters Guild, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Expressworks International, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, Greater Houston Society of Healthcare Risk Management, Habitation Realty, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Lakeview Quilters Guild, The Thread Alliance, Amanda and Jon Weeks, Christy Kottwitz, Gary Behelfer, Jamie Roll, Mary Anne Billings, Mary Kae Ries-Dingler, Nancy C. Grubbs, Patricia Singletary and Wendy Weston for your generous contributions to Rachel and Gilbert’s Closet. Your special gifts made brighter days for our children!

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CHILD ADVOCATES

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS for CHILDREN The Young Professionals for Children (YPC) are a dynamic group of people who make an incredible impact on Child Advocates and the children we serve. YPC encourages the participation of any young professionals in the Houston community who want to make a difference in the lives of abused children, but do not always have the time commitment it takes to become a court appointed advocate. YPC affords its members the opportunity to spend time with the children we serve, network with other young professionals and raise dollars to help Child Advocates break the cycle of child abuse.

YPC has kept our kids and members busy this spring at the Backspace Concert that benefitted Child Advocates and a networking event at Revolver Bourbon Social with other nonprofit organizations. YPC also helped the children we serve begin to explore the infinite possibilities of their futures at the “When I Grow Up” event at Whole Foods.

There the children met and learned about different jobs from professionals including a police officer and a zoo keeper. It was truly an inspiring day.

The members of YPC lent a helping hand to the Child Advocates area at the Houston Children’s Festival

in April. There our members helped the children go “Into Outer Space” by making sand art, creating alien headbands and building rockets. YPC members also took a trip to Bollywood and volunteered at the 2016 Pull for Kids Classic, helping with the silent auction and the Wine Pull.

Water Day is the next exciting event for these dedicated volunteers. In June, YPC members will help the children we serve beat the summer heat with inflatable water slides, games and lunch provided by Whataburger.

The summer excitement doesn’t end there. Keep an eye out for upcoming socials and networking opportunities.

In August, YPC will get to take the children served by Child Advocates back to school shopping. For more information regarding YPC or Childspree or to sign up please contact christine.howard@childadvocates.org.

YPC is the perfect way to meet other young professionals that are passionate about helping the children we serve. With only a few hours a month, anyone can make an everlasting impact on the life of an abused and neglected child. n PHOTO CREDITS LEFT TOP TO BOTTOM: YPC members gathering for a Wine Pull social at Houston Wine Merchant.

One of the children we are serving at the ‘When I Grow Up’ event learning about becoming a firefighter. YPC members volunteering and having fun at the Houston Children’s Festival.

THERE IS STILL TIME! Become a court appointed advocate and help us break the cycle of child abuse.

We have FOUR more Advocacy University training sessions in 2016.

Now is the perfect time to become a champion for an abused or neglected child.

AUGUST 6 | SEPTEMBER 10 | OCTOBER 8 | NOVEMBER 5 For more information or to sign up visit: www.childadvocates.org/AU ADVOCATE NEWS

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heroes society MEMBERS The Heroes Society is comprised of those donors who make an unrestricted financial commitment to the Child Advocates annual campaign, allowing the organization to provide court appointed advocate volunteers to more abused and neglected children.

The campaign is intended to help us serve more children, grow our program and further distinguish Child Advocates from other organizations with 100% participation from volunteers, board members and staff, as well as, increase awareness about the importance of annual gifts to our mission and continue to build Child Advocates’ legacy.

Ms. Sue H. Adcock Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Adkins Ms. Mary E. Ainslie Mr. and Mrs. Guy F. Aldrich Dr. Melanie J. Alo Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Amburn Mrs. Lisa Ancell Mr. and Mrs. Joel Androphy Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Anhalt Dr. and Mrs. Melvyn Anhalt Dr. and Mrs. Bruce S. Appelbaum Mrs. Jennifer N. Arizpe Mr. and Mrs. Howard T. Ayers, Jr. Mrs. Dee Bagley-Thierry Mrs. Lauren Bair Mr. and Mrs. David L. Baird, Jr. Mr. Drew Baker Mrs. Susan G. Baker Mrs. Melissa Baldwin Mrs. Hildegarde Ballard Mr. Fred Bandini Ms. Mary Barone Mr. Eric V. Bartz Mr. and Mrs. Ariel H. Bass Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Bayens Mr. and Mrs. Brian Becker Mr. and Mrs. Lee Beckmann Mr. and Mrs. Troy Benavides Mr. Ken Bendalin Mr. Marshall Bendalin Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Benjamin Best Grinding and Machining, Inc. Mrs. Amie Binkley Mr. and Mrs. Chris Black Mr. Carlos Blandino Ms. Judith Blissard Mr. and Mrs. David Bock Mrs. Brittney Boerner Dr. Sharon Boutwell Mr. Sylvester Bowden Ms. Kimberly D. Bramlett Mr. and Mrs. James R. Bratton Ms. Dawn Brien Mr. and Mrs. Eric Brigger Mr. Adrian Broadway Ms. Ashley Brockette

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CHILD ADVOCATES

Mr. James D. Brodnax Mr. and Mrs. Craig Brooks Ms. Rachel Broussard Mrs. Janis Burke Mr. and Mrs. Vince Burkett Mr. and Mrs. Ben Burleson Bush & Ramirez, PLLC Ms. Anne H. Bushman Mr. and Mrs. Rob P. Bushman, III Mr. and Mrs. Barry Campbell Mrs. Cleo Y. Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Gerald S. Campbell Mrs. Maria T. Cano Mrs. Megan Carrell Mrs. Paula Carrillo Ms. Avery Carson Ms. Kimberly K. Carter Mrs. Loyce Cashat Mrs. Melanie Cashat Mrs. Chanda Cashen Chacon Ms. Jennifer Cassidy Mr. and Mrs. John T. Cater Mr. and Mrs. William H. Caudill Causecast Foundation Mr. Marcus D. Chery Chevron Ms. Becky Chmielewski Mr. Andrew W. Chu Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Clark Ms. Janet Clark Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Colaco Mrs. KeShawna Cole-Clark Ms. Patte Comstock Ms. Erin Connally Ms. Cindy Cooke Mr. and Mrs. David Cooney Ms. Almeria T. Cottingham Ms. Stephanie Coutinho Ms. Janet Covington Ms. Joanna Cramer Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Cullen, Jr. Mr. Jerry S. Cyprus Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dabney Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Dabney Mr. George A. Davenport Ms. Barbara J. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Davis Mr. and Ms. Peter A. Dayton

Mr. and Mrs. Eddy L. De Los Santos Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Dean Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Deavers Ms. Barbra Denniston Ms. Cynthia A. Diller Mr. and Mrs. Craig M. Dingler Mr. Robert Dixon Mrs. Erin Dominy Mrs. Cynthia Dopjera Mr. Brandon Drake Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Droughton Mr. and Mrs. David W. Durkin, Sr. Mrs. Kelli Eberhart Ms. Kathy Eberwein Dr. and Mrs. Bruce D. Edison Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edwards Mrs. Meredith Edwards Dr. and Mrs. Michael Eklund Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ellenberger Ms. Marla S. Endieveri Mr. and Mrs. Daren Ercolani Mr. and Mrs. Chet Erwin Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Eschbach Ms. Maria L. Espinosa Mr. Jamaal Evans Far-Fetched, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Tom Farrell Mr. Tim Feerer Ms. Sara J. Fielder Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Fields Ms. Erica Fine Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy Finkelstein Mr. James E. Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Forbes Ms. Sonya M. Galvan Mr. Kenneth A. Garrison Ms. Delilah Gauthia Francis Mr. and Mrs. Terrence M. Gee Mr. Kelly Gerland Ms. Tabinda Ghani Mrs. Kelly Goff Mr. Javier Gonzalez Mr. Jorge Gonzalez Ms. Georgina A. Goodnight Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Gorry Mr. Martin Grady

Mrs. Courtney Graham Ms. Patsy M. Graham Mr. and Mrs. John E. Granahan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Greenstone Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gregg Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Griffon Dr. Nellie P. Grose Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Gruman Ms. Vickie Guerin Ms. Henrietta Hall Ms. Sarah Hall Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hamilton Ms. Erin P. Hamilton Mr. Stephen K. Hanrahan and Mrs. Susan A. Speert Mr. and Mrs. Wesley E. Hart Ms. Deborah S. Hartsfield Mr. and Mrs. Alan Hassenflu Mrs. Maxine Heath Mr. Robert Heine Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hemmi Mr. Pat Hendricks Mrs. Carrie Hendricks-Helm Mrs. Melissa M. Hernandez Ms. Dorene Herzog Mr. and Mrs. Arden Hetland Mr. and Mrs. Craig Hill Mr. and Mrs. Leo D. Hobbs Mr. and Mrs. Alton Honeycutt Dr. and Mrs. C. R. Hoopingarner Ms. Shawna Hurley Ms. Gwendolyn A. Huskey Mrs. Susan Imre Ms. Rita Irani Mrs. LeeLee Irwin Ms. Bertha Jamison Ms. Hayley Jaska Mr. Edwin J. Jennings, III Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Johnson Ms. Ann Marie Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Scott L. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Stanley J. Juszczak Mr. George W. Kaleh and Ms. Lisa Folloder Ms. Mary Anne Kannard Mr. and Mrs. Itzy Kariv Ms. Melissa Katsounas

Ms. Christine Keating Mr. and Mrs. William A. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kerman Mr. and Mrs. Jack D. Key Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. King Mr. Duane C. King and Mrs. Carmen Delgado Ms. Margaret E. Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Kirschbaum Knights of Columbus Ms. Susan Kohl Mr. A. B. Korsakov Mr. and Mrs. John E. Krebs Mr. and Mrs. Bob Krenzelok Mrs. Jeane Kunkle Mr. Albert Labasse Mrs. Taylor Lamb Larzelere Picou Wells Simpson Lonero, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Lattin Mr. and Mrs. Theo Lawrence Ms. Alicia Lee Legal Media, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Legler Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Lehmann Mr. and Mrs. Rick Lilliott, III Mr. Mark R. Livesay Mr. and Mrs. William R. Livesay, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lohman Ms. Pam Longley Mrs. Betsi Longoria Mr. Michael Luna Mrs. Rita Lutz Mrs. Audrey T. MacLean Mr. Bill Magnuson Mr. Jeff M. Manley Mr. Sam Mar Mr. Johan Marklund Mrs. Andy Marlatt Mrs. Martha Martinez Gomez Mrs. Misty K. Matin Ms. Brandi Maxwell Mr. and Mrs. Alan May, Jr. Mrs. Suzanne McAndrew Mr. and Mrs. Tom McCaffrey Dr. and Mrs. Patrick J. McClellan Ms. Bertha McCue Ms. Peggy McGrane

Mr. and Mrs. James N. McGrew Mr. Roger C. McMahan Mr. and Mrs. John D. McMillan Mr. John McWilliams Mr. and Mrs. James R. Meek Ms. Peggy Sue Menchaca Mr. and Mrs. Oniel Mendenhall Mr. Eugene Mendoza Mr. and Mrs. Dennis J. Meszaros Mr. James Meyers Mrs. Jane Middlebrooks Mrs. Madison Middlebrook Mr. and Mrs. Brian Miller Ms. Katherine Mitchum MLD Pathology Department Mrs. Christine Howard Mr. and Mrs. Felipe Morales Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Moran Mrs. Julie M. Morin Mr. and Mrs. S. I. Morris Mr. Gary Moss Dr. and Mrs. Hargobind J. Mulchandani Mr. and Mrs. William H. Murphy Mrs. Kathy Nevarez Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Nick Mr. Richard E. Norris Mr. and Mrs. Peter O'Brien Mr. and Mrs. Bradley W. O'Halla Mr. and Mrs. Gerald T. O'Keefe Ms. Ann M. Ollo Ms. Linda Paine Paragon Offshore Mr. Scott Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Cliff E. Perry Mrs. Charlotte Pendergraft Ms. Audrey Perry Mrs. Mary Tere B. Perusquia

Mr. and Mrs. William R. Pettitt Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Pew, Jr. Mr. Adolph A. Pfeffer, Jr. Ms. Etta Pickett Ms. Lynn Pinkerton Mrs. Joanne Piper Ms. Patricia Pipitone Mr. Brad S. Pladson Dr. Richard A. Plessala Ms. Kristie Polockow Ms. LaToya Porter Mr. and Mrs. Paul Posoli Mr. and Mrs. Ed Powell Mr. and Mrs. James S. Prentice Mr. and Ms. J. H. Price Ms. Virginia I. Price Mr. David Proch Mr. and Mrs. David Quackenbush Ms. Gloria Quackenbush Dr. and Mrs. Trevor Rabie Mr. and Mrs. David B. Rae Mr. and Mrs. John C. Ramey Ms. Asha Ramgulam Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Rappole Mrs. Donna Ratliff Ms. Stephanie Rau Ms. Mary Raub Mr. Edward B. Reeves Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Reichert Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Reid Mrs. Margaret Reidy Ms. Jo-Ann B. Reilly Mr. and Mrs. Andres Reiner Ms. Anne C. Rice Mrs. Ellen W. Rienstra Mr. and Mrs. James R. Riley Mr. and Mrs. Connor Riseden Mr. and Mrs. Kevin F. Roach Mr. and Mrs. Brad W. Robbins Mr. and Mrs. Carl N. Roberts

Mr. and Mrs. Laron D. Robinson Mr. Clay Robinson and Mrs. Barbara S. Springer Mrs. Suzanne Ronne Ms. Michelle Rosales-Mancias Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Rosie Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rostek Mr. Peter Ruddy Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ruhlin Ms. Melissa Ruzicka Mr. Frank B. Rynd Mr. and Mrs. Eric Sachs Mr. Robert Saltiel Mr. Jeremy M. Samuels Dr. and Mrs. Santiago A. Sanchez Ms. Theresa Sandoval Ms. Peggie Sarubbi Ms. Priscilla P. Saunders Mr. and Mrs. Lester E. Schmaltz Dr. and Mrs. Rick Schneider Ms. Janna Segrest Mr. Matthew Seinsheimer Ms. Bernadette L. Session Mr. Mickey Sharma Shell Oil Company Ms. Angie Sherrell Mrs. Ann M. Shirley Mr. Travis Shoemake Ms. Hannah Sindlinger Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Smith Ms. Natalie Smith Mrs. Quana Smith Dr. Richard T. Snodgrass and Dr. Merrie Brucks Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sonnier Mr. and Mrs. Mark B. Sossaman St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Ms. Linda St. Julian

Mr. Eric St. Pierre Mr. Drew Stackel and Ms. Elizabeth Stein Mr. and Mrs. Al Stansbury Ms. Geneva D. Statin Mr. Jack Steltzer and Ms. Carole R. Minor Ms. Danae Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Christiaan Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Scott Stevenson Mrs. Lisa Strauser Ms. Ashley Strawder Mr. Carl S. Stutts and Mrs. Tessa Lesley Mrs. Keryn A. Sulimma Ms. Brittany Swain Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sweeney Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sweet Mr. David R. Swenson Mr. and Mrs. Aaron A. Swerdlin Mr. Mark S. Swerdlin Mr. James Switzer Ms. Grace Tabor Ms. Phyllis S. Tanksley Ms. Welela Tereffe Ms. Cheryl Terry Mr. and Mrs. Paul B. Terry, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Thomas Ms. Lucinda Thomas Ms. Suzie Thomas Mr. Kenneth F. Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Thorington Mr. Bruce W. Toig Mrs. Brenda C. Tolbert Mr. George Torres Ms. Huong P. Tran Mr. and Mrs. Edmunds Travis, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Tripodo

Ms. Anne S. Twitchell Universal Home Experts USD Group LLC Mr. and Mrs. Mike Van Hoozer, Jr. Dr. Ajay Vargheese and Dr. Melissa Vargheese Mr. and Mrs. J. Verghis Ms. Maggie Vermillion Mr. Alex P. Verraires Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vickers Mr. Joseph T. Wabl Mr. and Mrs. Edward Walker Mr. Johnny B. Walker Mrs. Margaret S. Walker Ms. Alice G. Walker Ms. Meredith Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Rob Walls Mr. Lucius J. Walton Ms. Jo Ward Mr. Wallace Ward Mr. and Mrs. Scott Washburn Ms. Ruby Washington Mr. and Mrs. Gerald B. Weeden Dr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Weil Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Weinstein Mrs. Linda Weiss Dr. and Mrs. Norman Weiss Mr. Marshall T. West Ms. Dora Wiederhold Mr. and Ms. Wade Wiesepape Ms. Angela M. Wilson Mr. and Mrs. David W. Winn Mr. and Ms. Warren Winters Ms. Barbara A. Woolhandler Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright Mr. Steven Wyatt Mr. and Mrs. Blake Young Mr. Jeffery Young Ms. Phyllis A. Zendejas 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 further questions please contact Kelly at kelly.goff@childadvocates.org.

ADVOCATE NEWS

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A CHANCE FOR HAPPINESS: Pamela

Fazzone’s dedication leads two girls into a happier and healthier future

On a typical day, nine year old Alisha and her seven year old sister, Hannah, can be found rehearsing for their upcoming dance recitals, working on school science projects or attending Girl Scout meetings. They participate in their grandmother’s garden club and serve food after church on Sundays.

They are bright and bubbly little girls, but less than five years ago their lives looked much different.

Alisha and Hannah’s parents loved them dearly, but the struggle within their own relationship caused their home to be unstable, confusing and often very aggressive. A history of domestic violence, aggressions in the home and general instability caused them to move around a lot. To make matters more confusing for the girls, their mom and dad would often separate and then reconcile. The girls were often found with little stability in their life.

At one point, the tension between their parents escalated so much that Child Protective Services (CPS) stepped in because there was fear that the girls’ wellbeing was being compromised. Alisha and Hannah moved in with their maternal grandmother, Gretchen. It was then that Pamela Fazzone walked into the girls’ lives.

Pamela had just finished her 30 hours of training and was soon assigned by a Harris County judge to Alisha and Hannah’s case. She was now their court appointed advocate and was ready to help the girls find the best possible home. Pamela began making phone calls, reading case files and learning everything she could about the family she would support and help for the next few years.

“This was her first case; she just immediately knew what she should be doing,” said Amie Binkley, Pamela’s advocacy coordinator, “She combed through all the records, made timelines, contact sheets, went through documents to see what services had been completed and got old case files from the CPS caseworker. She was able to piece everything together because she had all the history.”

One day, while Pamela was visiting with the girls at daycare, Alisha, who was two years old at the time, realized that Pamela was going to be a frequent visitor. “I remember Alisha holding her hand at daycare while walking down the hall, and my little girl asked her if she was her friend,” said Gretchen, “Pamela told her yes and explained she would be around a lot looking out for her and her sister. I knew Pamela cared for their wellbeing.”

Though she was very young, Alisha showed a lot of aggressive behavior toward her sister. “Alisha communicated with her sister in a physical way,“ Pamela recalled, “I think it was Alisha’s instinct. That’s what she saw.” This behavior changed and improved throughout the course of their case. Pamela was able to recommend therapy for the girls, as well as, monitor their interactions with each other and with the family while she worked toward a permanent outcome for the girls. Pamela credits the success of the therapy sessions to Gretchen and her willingness to allow a professional to craft a treatment plan that altered how troubled behavior was approached. That plan helped both the girls and their grandparents

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CHILD ADVOCATES

communicate more effectively with one another.

Throughout the duration of the case, Pamela not only served as a constant support to Alisha and Hannah, but to all parties on the girls’ case. Pamela’s knowledge of the details served as a constant reference and guide to their mother, Gretchen, attorneys, caseworkers and therapist. As their court appointed advocate, she was able to make sure the girls found their way out of a storm and into the stable and safe life they deserved.

“Gretchen called me frequently to share details of the girls’ experiences and behaviors at daycare, school, home, during therapy sessions, and sometimes she would update me while we watched the girls at dance lessons,” Pamela said, “She also asked many questions regarding the CPS process and more specifically about what she might expect prior to each court hearing. I always tried to keep the grandparents well informed, so they could form and discuss questions, and so they could better prepare for what might happen next.”

“I felt confidence, even though I didn’t know what was on going on,” said Gretchen, “without someone like Pamela, being an anchor in the storm, I don’t know how I would have gotten through almost three years of the most horrible time of my life.”

Alisha and Hannah’s parents eventually completed the court’s requested services, but were still unable to provide a safe and stable home. Pamela urged all parties to consider it more than the “tasks” they were asked to complete, and to focus on the “goals” that they had not been able to meet. By visiting each of the many homes the girls’ parents had lived in over the course of the case, Pamela was able to document a continued pattern of instability. The girls needed a safe, predictable place to overcome what they had been through.

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE >>

PHOTO CREDITS TOP TO BOTTOM OPPOSITE PAGE: Alisha and Hannah celebrating Halloween, time at the ‘North Pole’ and Easter.

TOP RIGHT: The girls with maternal grandparents.

“Nobody can go in there better than a child advocate that knows the story, hears about what happened to the child…”

ADVOCATE NEWS

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A CHANCE FOR HAPPINESS: PAMELA FAZZONE’S DEDICATION LEADS TWO GIRLS INTO A HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER FUTURE (CONTINUED) Ultimately, the case concluded with a trial that granted permanent custody of the girls to their maternal grandparents.

Through Pamela’s thorough research and recommendations to the court, Alisha and Hannah were able to find a sense of security and stability with their difficult behaviors subsiding. Gretchen is adamant that Pamela’s influence throughout the case was a critical component of reaching this outcome.

“It took a long time to see a new normal for them, but Pamela played a key role in helping them to have normalcy,” Gretchen said, “Nobody can go in there better than a child advocate that knows the story, hears about what happened to the child, or meets the child when the abuse first happened. They piece the story together, as broken as it is, and get to the heart of what is going on.”

Pamela now looks back on her first case and understands the importance of the work she does as an advocate. “Nearly seven years later, and even with my current case involving a large sibling group, I cannot imagine not taking the next case for fear a child won’t have the advantage of an advocate during such a critical time in his/her life. I believe that all children in custody are at risk of being lost in the system, and an advocate helps better their chances at breaking the cycle of abuse, and helps them find a safe and healthy path to their future,” said Pamela.

Today, Gretchen still credits much of the girls happiness to the positive influence Pamela made in their lives. Each Christmas Gretchen sends a card, photos and an update on the girls. This last card contained a heartfelt message, “I hope you see [the girls’] successfulness is because of your dedicated efforts to help achieve the best possible life. The children are thriving and becoming responsible young ladies. I will always appreciate you. When life was feeling empty of joy, you were like a ray of light… your love for children and their needs in life was like a gift to the world. A gift that ensures good chances of successful lives to make the world a better place.”

It’s because of Pamela, and other volunteers like her, that Alisha, Hannah and other abused and neglected children in Houston are able to find new futures and live out their childhood away from potential storms. n Thank you to Gabby Alred for providing your photography talents for this story and to Pamela, Alisha*, Hannah* and Gretchen for sharing your wonderful story. *In some instances, names were changed to help protect parties of the story.

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donor HONOR ROLL The donors listed below have consecutively given to Child Advocates and our mission. It is with much gratitude that we recognize these companies and individuals for their on-going support.

25+ YEARS City of Houston Combined Campaign The Ellwood Foundation The Junior League of Houston The Lyons Foundation The Strake Foundation 20 - 24 YEARS Mr. and Mrs. David L. Baird, Jr. Mrs. Hildegarde Ballard Bank of America Mr. and Mrs. James R. Bratton Chapelwood United Methodist Church Mrs. Kimberly C. David ExxonMobil George & Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Harris County Community Services Department Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Lehmann Mr. and Mrs. William R. Livesay, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James S. Prentice Mr. and Mrs. Perry Sendukas Spectrum Mr. and Mrs. John W. Storms Texas CASA, Inc. Theta Charity Antiques Show 15 - 19 YEARS Dr. and Mrs. Melvyn Anhalt Mr. and Mrs. Chris Black BP Mr. and Mrs. Craig Brooks Ms. Anne H. Bushman Harry S. & Isabel C. Cameron Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Caudill Mr. Walter C. Ebarb Ms. Marla S. Endieveri Mr. and Mrs. Tommy R. Fadal Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Forbes Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Francisco Ms. Sonya M. Galvan Ms. Patsy M. Graham William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Mr. George J. Klages Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Lieder Mrs. Betsi Longoria John P. McGovern Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Moran Mr. and Mrs. William H. Murphy Ms. Grisell Nouis Mr. and Mrs. Gerald T. O’Keefe Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting Ms. Belinda Price Ms. Anne C. Rice Mr. and Mrs. Carl N. Roberts Ms. Regina J. Rogers Safeway, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Santiago A. Sanchez Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. Mr. and Mrs. John N. Sion, Jr. Ms. Geneva D. Statin Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sweeney Ms. Suzie Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Thorington Ms. Brenda C. Tolbert Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Tripodo Mr. and Mrs. Mike Van Hoozer, Jr.

Victims of Crime Act The Edith & Robert Zinn Foundation 10 - 14 YEARS Amegy Bank of Texas American Express Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Joel Androphy Mr. Lee E. Beckmann Mr. Marshall Bendalin Berg & Androphy Mrs. Amie Binkley Ms. Tiffany Black Mr. and Mrs. David Bock Mr. Adrian Broadway Mr. James D. Brodnax Dr. Richard T. Snodgrass and Dr. Merrie Brucks Mr. and Mrs. Rick Burnett Cameron Corporation Mrs. Maria T. Cano Mr. and Mrs. Terry L. Carius CenterPoint Energy Chevron Mrs. Kathleen H. Cole The Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dabney The Bob and Cathleen Davis Foundation Mr. and Ms. Peter A. Dayton Mr. and Mrs. Eddy L. De Los Santos Mr. and Mrs. Ronny Dickerson Mr. and Mrs. Jack P. Eckels EY Mr. and Mrs. Chet Erwin Mr. and Mrs. Ned Evans Mr. and Mrs. Tom Farrell

Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy Finkelstein Freeport- McMoRan Oil & Gas Mr. and Mrs. Terrence M. Gee Mr. Kelly Gerland Dr. Thelma Jean Goodrich Dr. Nellie P. Grose Ms. Vickie Guerin Halliburton Harris County Youth & Family Services Division Mr. and Mrs. Alan Hassenflu Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne L. Hyzak Dr. and Mrs. Mark Jacobs Mr. Eric Johnson and Mrs. Bernadette Payne Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kerman Ms. Joyce King Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Kirschbaum Mr. Carl S. Stutts and Mrs. Tessa Lesley Ms. Lynda Lighthouse Transier Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lohman Lucky Tile, Inc. The Lyons Foundation Mrs. Audrey T. MacLean Mr. Bill Magnuson Mrs. Martha Martinez Gomez MAXIMUS Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Alan May, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Tom McCaffrey Ms. Bertha McCue Mr. and Mrs. John D. McMillan Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Microsoft Mr. Jack Steltzer and Ms. Carole R. Minor Mischer Investments, L.P.

Ms. Denise Monteleone Mr. and Mrs. Felipe Morales Mr. and Mrs. David Nathan Mrs. Kathy Nevarez Mr. and Mrs. Sam Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Ron Orsini Mr. and Mrs. Ed Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Paul Posoli Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Poujol Mr. and Mrs. David Quackenbush Mr. Rick Repnak Mr. and Mrs. Brad W. Robbins Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Romano Mrs. Suzanne Ronne Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. Scharton Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Scott Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Seay, II Ms. Angie Sherrell Mr. and Mrs. Rob Shoss Charles B. and Jean G. Smith Family Foundation Spark Energy Mr. Drew Stackel and Ms. Elizabeth Stein Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Texas Mutual Insurance Company Mr. and Mrs. Dan Tutcher Mr. and Mrs. Edward Walker Mr. Lucius J. Walton Mr. and Mrs. Mike Weill Mrs. Linda Weiss Mr. Marshall T. West Mr. Milton H. West, III Mr. and Mrs. Rodney H. Williamson

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

ADVOCATE NEWS

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thanks DONORS The donors listed contributed to Child Advocates, Inc. between November 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016. 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. Texas CASA, Inc. Victims of Crime Act The Wyatt Foundation 29-49 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR The Brown Foundation In Honor of CAI Volunteers The Lyons Foundation Reuhl Family Foundation 14-28 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR Cameron Corporation CBRE EQT Foundation M.D. Anderson Foundation Texas Children’s Hospital Mr. and Mrs. Steve Thorington 5-13 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Boeing Co. The Gordon A. Cain Foundation The Bob and Cathleen Davis Foundation Deacons of Deadwood Donne di Domani Association Educational Foundation of America The Gregory Fund George & Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation The Junior League of Houston Ms. Brandi Maxwell John P. McGovern Foundation The Medallion Foundation, Inc. Ms. Linda J. Messner Newman’s Own Foundation Palmetto Partners, Ltd. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Posoli Ms. Leslie Powell Republic Waste Services of Texas Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. The Simmons Foundation Charles B. and Jean G. Smith Family Foundation St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Vacations To Go Robert L. and Barbara Zorich Family Foundation 3-4 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR Dr. and Mrs. Melvyn Anhalt Mr. and Mrs. James R. Bratton Chapelwood United Methodist Church

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Mr. Jeff J. Cotner Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dabney Mrs. Kimberly C. David Direct Energy Enterprise Holdings Foundation The Frill Foundation Harris County Treasurer Mrs. Florence Langford Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Thomas Trini and O. C. Mendenhall Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sweeney The Edith & Robert Zinn Foundation 1-2 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR Alvarez and Marsal Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Anhalt Armadillo Financial Partners, LLC Mr. and Mrs. David L. Baird, Jr. Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Baldwin Mrs. Hildegarde Ballard Mr. Ned Barnett Baylor College of Medicine Ms. Judith Blissard Mr. and Mrs. Dan Borgen Mr. William Boyer Mr. James D. Brodnax Business Women in PetroleumCrude Committee CenterPoint Energy CFC Canadoil, Inc. Charity Guild of Catholic Women City of Houston (Combined Campaign) Community Bank of Texas The Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation Cutsinger Foundation W. N. Dabney Charitable Trust The Charles and Melissa Davis Foundation Ms. Sudha Desai Eads & Associates Dr. and Mrs. Michael Eklund Eventbrite, Inc. ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. Clyde Lea and Mrs. Pamela Fazzone Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy Finkelstein Mrs. Traci Fowler Freeport- McMoRan Oil & Gas Friedman Foundation Mrs. Christine Gabriel Mr. Kelly Gerland The James H. Godwin Foundation Mr. R. Gray Gregory Halliburton

CHILD ADVOCATES

Harris County Community Services Department William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Alan Hassenflu Mr. Kelly Hawkins Mr. Robert Heine Honeywell International Charity Matching Houston Junior Woman’s Club ION Energy Jackson Walker, L.L.P. Mr. and Ms. Derrick Jensen Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Roy F. Johnson Ms. Mary E. Jones Mrs. Cheryl Jordan Kagan Cellars Mr. Barry D. Kahan and Ms. Marsha K. Capen Mr. George W. Kaleh and Ms. Lisa Folloder Mr. and Mrs. Jay J. Karkowsky Katy Students Run Ms. Margaret E. Kirby Mr. Charles J. Kirk Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Lehmann Mr. and Mrs. Ariel Leibovitz Mr. and Mrs. Barry M. Lewis Linn Operating, Inc./ Linn Energy Mr. Bill Magnuson Mr. Sam Mar Ms. Michelle Maresh Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Margolis Ms. Tracy McMullen Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA) Inc. Melton Electric, Inc. Memorial Hermann Health System Mr. and Mrs. Oniel Mendenhall MetroNational Mike Grove Law Office C. Wayne and Patricia J. Miller Foundation Mischer Investments, L.P. Ms. Denise Monteleone Mrs. Pinki Moore Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Moran W.T. and Louise J. Moran Foundation MRE Consulting, Ltd. The O’Hern Family Foundation Mr. Charles Ott Paulea Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David Peterson Petrophysical Solutions Mr. and Mrs. Ed Powell The Charlotte B. Proehl Foundation Quanta Services, Inc. Mr. Mark S. Rose

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ruhlin Ambassador and Mrs. Arthur L. Schechter Ms. Clarice Schlinger Ms. Jane C. Schmitt Shell Oil Company Mrs. Nicole Sims Spark Energy Susman Godfrey L.L.P. The Strake Foundation Ms. Suzanne Thomas The TJX Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jon Totz U.S. Trust Company Mr. and Mrs. Tony Urrutia Mr. and Mrs. Scott Washburn Mr. and Mrs. Sid Weiss Wells Fargo Bank Whataburger Ms. Stacey White Mr. and Mrs. David W. Winn Mr. Michael Galvan and Ms. Janell M. Zeug 1 CHILD FOR 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR Mr. and Mrs. Morrie K. Abramson Ms. Joann Agee American Shooting Centers Audi Central Houston Ms. Ericka Bagwell Baker Botts LLP The Benevity Community Impact Fund Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Boutros Mr. Jim Chambers Chevron Ms. Bonnie J. Colhour Mrs. Diane Cook Credit Suisse Ms. Cheryl Cunningham Mrs. Laura Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Greg Englert Environmental Industrial Services Group, Expressworks International Felvis Foundation First Imperial Mortgage, Inc. Ms. Audrey Z. Flannery Fleckman & McGlynn, PLLC Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Francisco Freedom Automotive Services, Inc. Ms. Georgina A. Goodnight Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hermis Mr. Tony Houck and Mrs. Chastiti N. Horne IBM Employee Services Center Mr. Kyle Jefferson Mrs. Vicsandra Jones Dr. and Mrs. Mark D. Kalish

Kanaly Trust Company Mr. Cameron Kelman Mrs. Kerry Kirk Mr. Jeff Kubin Mr. and Mrs. John W. Leggett Lesley & Associates Mr. and Mrs. Max Levit Mr. and Mrs. Joel M. Levy Mr. and Mrs. William R. Livesay, Jr. Mrs. Abigail McDonald McGuire Woods, LLP Ms. Lauren Meschino Mr. Thomas Montague National Association of Professional Mortgage Women Nissan Next Ms. Kathy D. Patrick Paul Ortega Services, Inc. Phillips 66 Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Poujol Mr. and Mrs. Irving Pozmantier R & S Steel Ms. Kelly Reifel Ms. Regina J. Rogers Mr. and Mrs. Mansel Rubenstein Seyfarth Shaw LLP Mr. A Haag Sherman The Alan and Michelle Smith Family Fund Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sonnier Ms. Lori A. Stewart Storms & Critz Mr. Martin P. Sutter The Thread Alliance Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Kevin F. Tiernan Mr. Bruce W. Toig TRUiST Ms. Janice Warren Mr. and Mrs. Mike Weill Mr. Milton H. West, III Mr. and Mrs. Lacy H. Williams, II Winstead PC Wright & Close, LLP Zions Management Services Company 1 CHILD FOR 3-6 MONTHS Mr. Morrie K. Abramson Aetna Foundation, Inc. Ms. Mary Beth Balhoff Mrs. Karen Ballantyne Ms. Juliette Bell Mr. Marshall Bendalin Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Berkman Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates Mr. and Mrs. Joe A. Brown Ms. Hollis Bullard Mr. David Calkins

thanks DONORS Ms. Becky Chmielewski Ms. Joan R. Cohen Ms. Cindy Cooper Ms. Thushara Corea Mr. and Dr. Rufus Cormier, Jr. Ms. Jennifer Covey Mr. and Ms. Jai Daggett Mr. and Mrs. David Davis Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Davis Mr. and Mrs. Robert Deutser Mrs. and Mr. Sue Deutser Mr. and Mrs. Michael Eaker Dr. Michael V. Epstein and Ms. Janice Poplack Ms. Ana Escalona Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Eschbach Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Evert Mr. and Mrs. Tom Farrell Ms. Tracy O. Faulikner Mr. and Mrs. Todd Foss Genesis Testing Services Dr. and Dr. Jon Gogola Ms. Carol Gold Dr. Thelma Jean Goodrich Mr. Paul Grabowski Mr. and Ms. Buddy Gray Mr. Sidney Greenblatt Mr. and Mrs. Jim Greer Mr. and Mrs. David Gregory Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gulley Mr. and Mrs. Grant J. Harvey Mr. Tom Henderson Mrs. Theresa Honea Ms. Laurel C. Huffman Mr. Mohamed Issa Ms. Elizabeth Jones Mrs. Joan E. Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kaufman The Kayser Foundation Kroger Food Stores Ladies Auxilary at SEAS Mr. and Mrs. Marshal Lightman Locke, Lord, Bissell & Liddell, L.L.P. Ms. Adrienne G. Lyons Ms. Lynn W. Maltz Mrs. Sabrina Manto Mr. and Mrs. Barry H. Margolis Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin Ms. Linda McKenna Ms. Christine M. McMillan Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Miller Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated Newfield Exploration Company Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP Mr. Feroz Panjwani Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pevow Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Dr. and Mrs. James L. Pool Drs. Bharat & Vanitha R. Pothuri Mr. and Mrs. David Quackenbush

Mrs. Kelly Ranucci RBC Royal Bank Mr. and Mrs. David Ronn Mr. Peter Ruddy Mr. Frank B. Rynd Ms. Elizabeth E. Sampson Scott’s Auto Repair and Collision Center Mr. Robert A. Seale and Ms. Chalon Fontaine Ms. Angie Sherrell Mr. and Mrs. John N. Sion, Jr. Mr. and Alan Skolnick Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Smith Dr. Richard T. Snodgrass and Dr. Merrie Brucks Ms. Kristi A. Sorrels Mrs. Teri Springfield Mr. Kenneth F. Thompson Mr. Wesson Tribble Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Tripodo Mr. and Mrs. Phil Trotter USD Group LLC Ms. Teresa J. Waldrop Mrs. Kelli Walter Mrs. Annette Weiser Ms. Sheila Whitford The Williams Companies, Inc. Ms. Jamie Wolf Mr. and Mrs. Melvyn Wolff Ms. Tiffany Wong Ms. Lori Wulfe Mr. Jeff Young Mr. Harry H. Zuber 1 CHILD FOR 2 MONTHS Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage Ms. Janna Banks Mrs. Cheryl Byington Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Cubbage Mrs. Katherine Daily Ms. Cherilyn Donato Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Elsenbrook FKP Architects, Inc. Ms. Monica Hayman Mrs. Kerry J. Humphrey Dr. Mary Ice Itzy’s Auto Repair Service Mr. and Mrs. John Losoya Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Lupo Mr. and Mrs. Milton Magness Marathon Oil Company Midway Foundation National L.S., Inc. Mr. and Ms. James Pavlik Ms. Ellen Sloane Mrs. Michelle Leyendecker Smith Ms. Jean Stout Ms. Amy Voss Dr. and Mrs. David Wadler 1 CHILD FOR 1 MONTH Ms. Jessica Adams Ms. Margaret Adams

Amazonsmile Foundation Amegy Bank of Texas Ms. Judith B. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Antes Mr. and Mrs. Mark Armstrong Mrs. and Mr. Veronica Atnipp Ms. Earlene Baggs Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Baker Ms. Kim Bean Mr. and Mrs. John Bisbee Ms. Lisa Bisceglia Black Sheep Agency Mr. and Mrs. John Brennan Mr. and Mrs. Ron Brownlee Mr. and Mrs. Cade Burks Mr. and Mrs. Rick Burnett Casa of Liberty/ Chambers County Mrs. Dolores Cavatore Ms. Kay Champiomont Dr. Ashima Chauhan Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Cimas City of Houston Mr. and Ms. Donald Cole Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Colquhoun Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Cullen, Sr. Mr. Carleton Cummings Ms. Tami Curry Custom Eyes Ms. Adria Czerewaty Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Dabney Ms. Debbie A. Dalton Mrs. Emily Davis Mr. and Mrs. James Desrochers Ms. Stephanie Deverka Mr. and Mrs. Andy Diamond Mr. and Mrs. Ronny Dickerson Mrs. Missy Drinnen Pacha Ms. Ana Dunkel Mr. John Dwan Mr. and Mrs. Jack P. Eckels Edge Capital Partners Mr. Harold Eizenman and Ms. Jolene Friedman Mr. Irwin M. Barg and Ms. Lysa Elkins Mrs. and Mr. Michelle Elliott Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon R. Erikson Mr. and Mrs. Chet Erwin Ms. Laura Fanning Mr. and Mrs. Don Faust, Jr. Mr. Christopher Fink Ms. Karen Flowers Ms. Valerie Folsom Mr. and Mrs. Steven Fowlkes Mr. Leslie Fox Ms. Lisa Freeman Friedman Industries, Inc. Ms. Patty Gage Mr. Gilbert E. Galle Mr. Henry Garcia Mrs. Sherrill Garland Mr. and Ms. David L.

Garrison, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gauntt Ms. Catherine Genzer Mr. and Mrs. Pete Gibbs Mr. and Mrs. James Godwin Mrs. Amanda Gonzalez Ms. Natasha Gorgue Ms. Tina Governace Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Grady Mrs. Jessica Graham Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Graybeal Mr. and Mrs. Mark Greenberg Mr. Paul Grossbard Dr. and Dr. Edward Group Ms. Jo E. Guillory Ms. Amber Hartland Ms. Julie Haviland Robert and Janet Haworth Family Trust Mr. and Walter Hecht Mr. and Mrs. Paul Heim Mr. Pat Hendricks Ms. Margaret A. Henry Ms. Cathy Herr Mrs. Regay Hildreth Mr. Jeffrey Hilliard Mr. and Mrs. Marks Hinton, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ty Hoffer Ms. Tammy Holekamp Ms. Catherine Hollerbach Ms. Leslie K. Hollingsworth Ms. Elizabeth Howley Ms. Renee L. Humphrey Ms. Rebecca Hunt Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Hurwitz Ms. Gwendolyn A. Huskey Ms. Jenna Jackson Dr. and Mrs. Mark Jacobs Ms. Bridget L. Jensen Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Kaminski Mrs. Jo Ruth Kaplan Ms. Shae Keefe Ms. Bonnie Kelley Ms. Dolly Kennard Mr. Masu H. Khan Mrs. Patricia A. King Ms. Laura J. Kissel Ms. Carla Kneipp Ms. Roberta Konicki Ms. Deborah Kozar Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lack Ms. Q. LaPorte Ms. Patty Larason Mr. Daniel Lathen Dr. Kathryn Laughlin Mrs. Barbara LaVigne Mr. Kirk Layden Ms. Heather Layton Mr. and Mrs. Bryon Lee Mrs. Frann Lichtenstein Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Lieder Mr. and Mrs. Robin Lindley Ms. Becky Livingstone Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lockett Ms. Heather L. Lowery

Ms. Kelley S. Lubanko Mr. and Mrs. Colt Luedde Mr. Brian Mandell Mr. and Mrs. Luke B. Mandola Ms. Veronica Massiatte Mr. and Mrs. David G. Massin Mr. and Mrs. Arshad Matin Ms. Bertha McCue Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McFarland Ms. Mary L. McKeown Ms. Michelle Mckinney Ms. Hannah McNair Mr. Luz M. Mejia Mrs. Sherry Miller Mr. and Mrs. William K. Miller Mrs. Janell Molloy Ms. Kathleen E. Moore Mr. and Mrs. Corey Mordacz Mrs. Allison Mundy Mr. and Mrs. William H. Murphy Mrs. Charlene Needles Mr. Michael Nordstrom Mr. and Mrs. Peter O’Brien Ms. Chinekwu Onyesoh Ms. Anita O’Shaughnessy Mr. Gregory Owen Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting Ms. Kristin Palmer Mr. Henry Paris Mr. and Mrs. Mark Parsons Mr. Eric Johnson and Mrs. Bernadette Payne Mrs. Brady C. Peters Mr. Marti Peterson Mr. Marco Pievant Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Powell Mrs. Cathy C. Poye Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Prunty Ms. Brandy Ray Mr. and Mrs. Barrett Reasoner Mrs. Casey Redd Ms. Rachelle Reeves Ms. Harriet Reitman Mr. Scott Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Donald Rickertsen Ms. Diane Rifai Ms. Jacquelyne M. Rocan Ms. Julia Romero Peter Mr. Brian T. Ross Mrs. Peta Rubenstein Ms. Marlene Rubin Mr. and Ms. Timothy Rueter Mrs. Laura Ryan Ms. Mary Ann Ryerson Mr. Kumaran Sathyamoorthy and Mrs. Monica Karuturi Ms. Brittany Schaefer Mrs. Joyce Schechter Mr. and Mrs. James Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Perry Sendukas Mr. and Mrs. Armand Shapiro Mrs. Lou Shapiro Mrs. Christen Sistrunk Ms. Kelly Sklar

ADVOCATE NEWS

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thanks DONORS Mr. and Mrs. Mark Smith Ms. Christina P. Solomon Ms. Megan Sonnier Mrs. Sydney L. Staley Ms. Nancy Stillwell Mrs. Lisa Stoika Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sturdivant Mr. and Mrs. Erich Sturgis

Dr. Mary Nell N. Suell Ms. Kathy Sutter Ms. Kathy V. B. Taylor Mr. Darrell R. Dodds and Ms. Rebecca S. Taylor Tenaris Dr. and Mrs. Peter K. Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald P. Thurmond Ms. Kay Tittle Ms. Brenda C. Tolbert Mrs. Constance Tran-Tsakiris Ms. Rebecca Tripathy Mr. Joe Tuffly, III Mr. and Mrs. Mike Turner

Ms. Marisa Underbrink Ms. Marcia Vilas Mr. Lloyd Warner Ms. Mimi Wasserberg Mr. and Mrs. Jon Weeks Mr. and Mrs. Barry Weinberger Mr. and Mrs. Taff Weinstein Wells Fargo - Community

Support Campaign Mr. and Mrs. Philip Wetz Mr. and Mrs. Rudy C. Wildenstein Ms. Ann Wilkerson Mr. and Mrs. Norman Wilson Mrs. Mary Wong

upcoming EVENTS June 4 Advocacy University Begins 18 Children’s Water Day August 6 Advocacy University Begins 15 Cameron Childspree

Keep up with all the latest events and news at our new website: WWW.CHILDADVOCATES.ORG

September 10 Advocacy University 24 Deacons of Deadwood Charity Ball October 8 Advocacy University Begins 15 Superhero Run November 5 Advocacy University Begins December 7 Angels of Hope Luncheon &

Fashion Presentation

LET’S GET SOCIAL! Join in the conversation and share in the fun!

Find Child Advocates on: Twitter @ChildAdvoHOU Facebook Child Advocates Instagram @ChildAdvocates Tag us in your photos and use #HoustonsTrueChamps

goals UPDATE

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CHILDREN SERVED

VOLUNTEERS TRAINED

DOLLARS RAISED

1578 SERVED GOAL: 2350 AS OF 5/23/2016

81 TRAINED GOAL: 300 AS OF 5/23/2016

$ 1,715,445 RAISED GOAL: $5,086,950 AS OF 4/30/2016

CHILD ADVOCATES

snapSHOTS

ADVOCATE NEWS

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board VOICE Dolly Dawson Thomas is best known for her humor, grace and love for her family and Child Advocates. “She is what everyone looks for in a board member… commitment, compassion and fun,” Child Advocates’ CEO, Sonya Galvan, said.

“Even in a serious situation, she can add humor in the right way.”

Dolly’s involvement with Child Advocates began on an airport bus in the early 1990s when she met Marty Braniff, the founder of Child Advocates. Dolly said, “If a child could have an advocate, the advocate would make a difference and the child could have a chance for a brighter future.”

Dolly quickly dove into Child Advocates and subsequently joined the gala auction committee, the Friends of Child Advocates, the Board of Directors, as well as the Development and Nominating and Governance Committees.

She has also served as the President of the Friends of Child Advocates, Development Chair, Pull for Kids Chair, Wine Pull Chair and is currently leading the newly developed Engagement Task Force.

Dolly joined the Board of Directors as the Friends of Child Advocates President in 2003 and continues to make an impact on Child Advocates.

“She has embraced the organization through good times and bad,” Sonya said. “What makes Dolly a great Board member is her willingness to help and always go above and beyond to really help the staff and Child Advocates grow,” Kelly Goff, Development Director, said. “Anything that she volunteers for or helps with, she just does it with 100 percent of herself.”

Dolly is a dedicated wife to Jeff Thomas, mother to Sophie Thomas, Ally Smith and son-in-law, Brian Smith. She is also the cofounder and Principal of DDi Executive Recruiting, a lead singer in the Praise Band at West University United Methodist Church, as well as an aspiring tennis player.

“I think it makes for a more significant life,” Dolly said, “and makes your life richer if you have some community involvement. I chose Child Advocates,” she continued, “because I want to make a difference.”

Dolly was honored with her best friend, Kim David, at the Angels of Hope Luncheon in 2012. Sonya said that they were selected to be honored because of their love and belief in Child Advocates. “We had put so many years of work into this great organization and we were thrilled that so many people we love were there to support the organization and share the day with us,” Dolly said, “It was a great day.”

One of her other favorite days with Child Advocates was the first time she saw the new office space. “I’m so happy for y’all that you get to do this difficult and important work in such a happy, bright, and beautiful space.” She said, “We as staff and board members and fundraisers, we helped make this possible.”

“I just love it. I am consistently proud of the work that is done here,” Dolly said. n written by Meredith Edwards 18

CHILD ADVOCATES

spotlight on OUR NEW OFFICE! In January 2016, Child Advocates moved to our new office space located at 3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 400 – just across the street from our former office. In 2015, in anticipation of our lease expiration, our Board, together with members of our staff, formed an ad hoc committee to review our office space options. After review, the decision was made to make a move that would position us to grow and serve more children. Our new building offers an additional 4,000 square feet which supports our current staff and our plan to hire more staff to support our growth over the next ten years. The move also allowed the organization to transition into a more updated and open floor plan that facilitates increased collaboration and teamwork.

Our new training room – where new court appointed advocates attend Advocacy University, current advocates attend Grad School, and board and staff meetings occur – can hold up to 125 people and offers updated technology. There are also four huddle rooms where advocacy coordinators and court appointed advocates can have one-on-one meetings to discuss their cases, two phone rooms for private phone calls, as well as, three conference rooms for team and committee meetings. Rachel and Gilbert’s Closet is twice the size of the former space, making all the toys, games, clothes and other essentials offered to the kids we serve more easily accessible.

Ultimately, this move means we are better positioned to fulfill our mission and serve more abused and neglected children across Harris County. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us through this change by donating to our Capacity Campaign, donating services, materials, furniture, coordinating the move and investing their time and resources in the future of Child Advocates. n Thank you to our capacity campaign donors*!

Constance Acosta Lisa Ancell M. D. Anderson Foundation Sheryl Androphy Sarah Austin David Baird Melissa Baldwin Hildegarde Ballard Roxanne Barton Marshall Bendalin Judy Blissard Emilie Booth Dr. Sharon Boutwell Michaelle Brooks The Brown Foundation, Inc. Cameron Kimberly K. Carter CBRE Claudia Christin David Cooney Thushara Corea

Deborah Culver Jane J. Dabney Cynthia Diller Shelley Dimiceli Kaija Emmons Maelyn Finkbine Donald and Traci Fowler Ellie and Michael Francisco James R. Frankowski The Frill Foundation Terrence and Terri Gee Kelly Gerland Georgina Goodnight Kristi M. Grizzle Maxene and Mike Grove Vickie Guerin George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Paula Hansen Margaret Perez Harlan Robert Heine

Rita Irani Derrick and Traci Jensen Michael Jeter Jamie Johnson Cheryl Hogan Jordan Margaret E. Kirby Robert J. Kossman Jeffrey and Cinda Lack Florence Langford Peta-Gay Chen Ledbetter Jeannie and Nolan Lehmann The Livesay Family The Lyons Foundation Kathie Magness Bill Magnuson Joan B. Mandola Sam Mar Peggy McGrane The Medallion Foundation, Inc. Jan Mendenhall

Gregory Moore Yvonne and Ron Moran Linda Lackey Murphy Mary Offenburger Chichi Onyesoh Gregory J. Owen The Posoli Family Bernie and Ed Powell Leslie Powell Cathy Poye Belinda Price Ginny Price Louise Price Julie Prunty Ruth and Trevor Rabie Megan Raines Mary and Brad Robbins Frank B. Rynd Sarah Sivers Angela Laswell and Mark W. Smith

Sindi Sonnier Lisa S. Strauser Ellie Sweeney Kathryn Tamminga Dolly and Jeff Thomas Suzie Thomas Nancy and Stephen Thorington Victoria Varner Stephanie Viator Wallace T. Ward Darlene R. Warring Debbie Weil Sarah and Benjamin Wilbanks Williams David and Cissy Winn Jacquelyn Winters Laura A. Wirth The Wyatt Foundation

Thank to all who donated time, materials or services to our new office!

Architectural Floors The Container Store CW Lighting Daltile Tile D.E. Harvey Builders

Debner+Company Designtex Environmental Limited Fast Track Specialties Formica

Gensler Graves Herman Miller / Office Pavilion I.A. Naman + Associates, Inc.

Impressions Architectural Leslie and Associates Maharam McCoy Workplace Solutions Melton Electric, Inc.

Milliken & Company Philips Lighting Simpson Thacher Treefrog Veneer Unika Vaev

It is not too late to give to our Capacity Campaign. As a thank you, your name or company name will be listed on our donor wall.

For more information on this campaign or our new office, please contact, Kelly Goff at 713-529-1396 ext. 214 or kelly.goff@childadvocates.org. *Names listed are those who donated by print deadline.

ADVOCATE NEWS

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NEW ADDRESS Ü 3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77098 WWW.CHILDADVOCATES.ORG

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE -PAIDCHILD ADVOCATES, INC. PERMIT NO. 06664 HOUSTON, TX

2016 BOARD CHAIR

Brad Robbins CHAIR ELECT

Eddy De Los Santos LEGAL COUNSEL

Suzie Thomas 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. ©2016

thrive Today, Andrew is doing well. He is still in foster care but living in a great home and he is excelling in school. Even though Andrew’s case is closed, Lesley is still in contact with him.

She has lunch at school with him once a month and they regularly call each other. With the help of Lesley, Andrew will have a bright future.

“We laugh and cry together. He is thirteen now and is college bound. He has so much to offer,” said Lesley.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

David Baird James Brodnax Paul Grabowski Frank Rynd Angie Sherrell David Winn Manu Asthana Hildegarde Ballard Rick Burnett Gill Cheesman Jane Dabney David Davis Phil Dyson K.K. Eschbach Terrence Gee Cherie Hassenflu Grace Holmes Dwayne Hyzak Brian Mandell Dana O’Brien Ron Orsini Joy Posoli Leslie Powell David Quackenbush Ellie Sweeney Dolly Dawson Thomas Nancy Thorington Milton West Steven Wyatt

Child Advocates mobilizes

This was part of a paper that Andrew wrote talking about his time in care and what Lesley means to him. It is safe to say, his advocate made an impact. *In some instances, names were changed to help protect parties of the story.

CHILD ADVOCATES

Mark Smith

BOARD MEMBERS

At nine years old, Andrew* was brought back into foster care for the third time. His mother was brought into police custody for prostitution and she suffered from a drug addiction.

In Andrew’s short life, he has lived in seven different foster homes and, most recently, he had three different caseworkers. Andrew did not know who to trust - until Lesley, his court appointed advocate, came into his life.

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TREASURER / FINANCE CHAIR

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.