Advocate News Fall/Winter 2016 by Child Advocates

FALL / WINTER 2016

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

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TOGETHER

SUPERHEROES TAKE OVER CITYCENTRE CELEBRATING OUR ADVOCATES WITH CHILD ADVOCATESâ€™ HIGHEST HONORS ADVOCATE NEWS

CEO’S letter Hi everyone, As we round out the year, I always stop to reflect on all that we have achieved together in 2016. In just the last six months, we watched hundreds of children get ready to go back to school at our annual Childspree, cheered on our runners at the Child Advocates Superhero Run and filled a hotel ballroom with a group of joyful and energetic kids at our Holiday Party. The Child Advocates Superhero Run in October was a monumental success. We saw runners and walkers of all ages show up in their best superhero costumes, and our sponsors outdid themselves with the post race party. This was our fourth year for the race and, with many thanks to our generous supporters and runners, we raised more than $160,000 for Houston’s littlest victims. You can read more about this on page 19. We honored our court appointed advocate volunteers a few weeks ago at our Volunteer Appreciation Event, and I was reminded how wonderful it is to work with such inspiring individuals. We celebrated a few of our tenured advocates who have reached a 20-year milestone with us, and we awarded our Rookie of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. I loved seeing everyone together and hearing about the amazing work our volunteers are doing for so many children. November’s Advocacy University training class helped us finish strong, graduating nearly 40 brand new court appointed advocate volunteers. With the holidays approaching, we are looking forward to providing a voice for more of Houston’s children before the end of the year.

PHOTO CREDITS TOP TO BOTTOM: One of our volunteers from Schlumberger shops at our Childspree. Father and daughter cross the finish line at our annual Superhero Run. Sonya with our James A. Gwinn Volunteer of the Year and Rookie of the Year at our Volunteer Appreciation Event.

As I look toward 2017, I am excited to see all of the ways the Child Advocates family will join together to make a difference for abused children. We are still seeing a huge need for more court appointed advocate volunteers and I hope we can continue to bridge this gap next year. Every abused child deserves a voice during their scary and confusing time in foster care, and we are committed to providing an advocate to as many children as we can. Thank you for your continued support,

Sonya Galvan, CEO

TABLE of CONTENTS

CHILD ADVOCATES

Celebrating Our Advocates

Advocate Honor Roll

A Closer Look

Thanks Donors

Focus on Friends

Spotlight On

Young Professionals for Children

Upcoming Events

Special Thanks

Board Voice

Doing Something

Snapshots

Overcoming Obstacles Together

Thrive

CELEBRATING OUR ADVOCATES WITH CHILD ADVOCATES’ HIGHEST HONORS Each year in the fall, Child Advocates’ staff and board members invite our court appointed advocate volunteers to a special evening designed to honor them. Our Volunteer Apprecation Event was held this year on October 27 at the Bayou City Event Center Pavilion. The evening included a fiesta themed dinner, presentation by Judge Sherri Dean and a chance to recognize two spectacular individuals as the James A. Gwinn Volunteer of the Year and the Rookie of the Year. This year, we also had the pleasure of recognizing three advocate volunteers who have been serving Houston’s abused children for 20 years: Mary Kay Dingler, Chastiti Horne, and Linda Murphy. Chastiti shared a few words with her peers, reminiscing about the days of using a key map to find the child’s home for a visit, and how she became an advocate with the lofty goal of ending child abuse in Houston for good. She encouraged her fellow advocates to keep up the good work and undoubtedly inspired many to continue speaking up for Houston’s children. Thank you to Chastiti, Mary Kay and Linda for your

tireless work and commitment to breaking the cycle of child abuse.

JAMES A. GWINN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR The James A. Gwinn Volunteer of the Year award, or our JAG award, is the highest honor a Child Advocates volunteer can receive. Now in it’s 20th year, this award is designed to recognize a tenured court appointed advocate who has shown independence, an ability to work with all parties on the case, and is instrumental in some aspect of the case on which he or she works. This award is given to someone who understands our goals and our mission, and who typically goes above and beyond to serve Child Advocates. This year’s JAG winner fits this description wonderfully. Diane Rifai is a warm, compassionate and tenacious volunteer. She has been a court appointed advocate for seven years, serving 20 children and offering nearly 1,400 hours of her time to ensure that the families and children she serves receive the help they need. A few years ago, Diane was working on a case with five young girls

placed in foster care. Throughout their time in care, some of the girls made an outcry of sexual abuse and participated in a forensic interview, providing significant details supporting their outcries. While the girls were receiving therapy, Diane began working to make sure the perpetrator could not victimize any more children. She contacted the investigative detective assigned to the case, and continued to call every few weeks to check in after observing that this case didn’t seem to be a priority for him. Eventually the detective relented in an effort to make Diane’s phone calls stop. Once he spoke to the perpetrator it became clear to him that further investigation was needed. Ultimately charges were filed, all because Diane was persistent in protecting the girls on her case. Throughout her tenure as a volunteer Diane has demonstrated an ability to dig as deep as necessary to find the information that will help her cases. She’s been known to make surprise visits at the hospital, or to a parent’s workplace miles from her home to acquire the information she needs. She builds trusting relationships with every individual on her cases, and everyone who works with her is immediately taken by her reassuring charisma. The children she serves enjoy her presence and parents, caregivers, attorneys and professionals look to her as a linchpin for the case. Diane’s worthiness of this award was evident as we attempted to persuade her to attend our Volunteer Appreciation Event. She was scheduled to attend a family visit a CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE >> PHOTO CREDITS LEFT TO RIGHT: Chastiti Horne with her first Advocacy Coordinator, Suzanne Ronne. James A. Gwinn Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Diane Rifai with her Advocacy Coordinator Jennifer Cassidy.

ADVOCATE NEWS

CELEBRATING OUR ADVOCATES WITH CHILD ADVOCATES’ HIGHEST HONORS (CONTINUED) few hours away that evening with the children on her current case. Several of our staff members called her to ask that she attend, but she was much too dedicated to just skip her visit. These coordinators considered contacting the caseworker to tell Diane the visit was cancelled, but knew that she would then contact every party involved on the case to inform them, and the ruse would be up. We ultimately told her the reason we so badly wanted her there that evening. Diane accepted her award with grace and encouraged her fellow advocates by saying, “Every child and every family that you help is a blessing back to you. Stepping out, stepping forward and being a volunteer is not something you do because you want to get awards or whatever else. You do it because for every good you do back, it spreads… it begins new growth and success.” Congratulations, Diane, and thank you for being a champion for Houston’s abused and neglected children!

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Our 2016 Rookie of the Year, Bobbi Hoyt, has been a volunteer for just 16 months. She is still working her first case, and over time has earned the trust, respect and affection of everyone involved. One of the children on her case, a 13-year-old girl, will often call and text Bobbi, telling her “You’re the only person I can trust.” The children on Bobbi’s case came into care because of their mother’s addiction to alcohol, among other concerns. Bobbie has worked tirelessly to make sure the mother gets the help she needs. When Child Protective Services wanted to end the case, leaving the children with their grandparents and causing them to be ineligible for any kind of financial assistance, this Rookie fought hard to extend the case and gave a thorough testimony, fighting to give the grandparents the chance to apply for benefits. Bobbi also believed that if the case was closed prematurely, the parents would lose access to services to help them overcome their addiction, which could lead to a deadly outcome. With the children’s best interest at heart, she pushed for more time with CPS so the parents could find the help they needed. We are so grateful to have Bobbie as this year’s Rookie of the Year, and we look forward to seeing her continue to speak up for the best interests of our children. n PHOTO CREDITS 2016 Rookie of the Year, Bobbi Hoyt with advocacy coordinator, Jennifer Cassidy.

CHILD ADVOCATES

a closer look: WHATABURGER and KAPPA ALPHA THETA WHATABURGER Whataburger is a Texas institution and was founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi by Harmon Dobson, an adventurous and determined entrepreneur. He had a simple goal – to serve a burger so big it took two hands to hold and so good that with one bite customers would say, “What a burger!” Since that time, Whataburger has grown to nearly 800 restaurants across the country. Family owned and operated, community is as important as ever to this company. Through grants, event sponsorships and volunteering, Whataburger is dedicated to the neighborhoods where they operate. One of their core causes is child abuse prevention, supporting nonprofits across the country that share this purpose. Child Advocates has benefited from the generosity of Whataburger in so many different ways – from cookies at our annual Holiday Party and boxed lunches at Santa’s Warehouse to coffee and breakfast at the Pull for Kids Sporting Clays Tournament and the Superhero Run – plus runner’s bags were stuffed with coupons, goodies and giveaways! For several years, they have even provided a ‘Whataburger for a Year’ basket to be auctioned at the Pull for Kids – it’s always a huge hit with guests! Child Advocates truly appreciates the continued generosity of Whataburger. KAPPA ALPHA THETA HOUSTON ALUMNAE CHAPTER Founded in 1921, the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta is one of the largest alumnae chapters in the nation with more than 650 members. These women commit their time to social and charitable projects throughout the year. Their most well-known charitable endeavor in Houston is the Theta Charity Antiques Show, a threeday event that is hailed as one of the top three antiques shows across the nation. Exhibitors travel from around the world to showcase unique treasures. Coordinated entirely by volunteers, this is an enormous undertaking each and every year. Funds raised through underwriting, advertising and ticket sales are donated to philanthropic beneficiaries across the city. Over the past 64 years, more than $7.5 million has been given to educational, medical and cultural arts nonprofits. Former Theta Charity Antiques Show Chair and past Alumnae Chapter President, Susan Martin shared, “This event is not only about raising money to give to worthy causes, but also about the lifelong friendships we make through the process. It’s about getting together and camaraderie among women.” In 1989, Kappa Alpha Theta adopted National CASA as its philanthropic partner, and Child Advocates is fortunate to have been selected as a permanent beneficiary of the Thetas’ generosity. Over the course of three decades, $160,000 has been donated by the Houston chapter in support of our mission. The sustained support of the Thetas ensures Child Advocates can continue serving abused and neglected children throughout Houston. Thank you, Thetas! n ADVOCATE NEWS

FOCUS on FRIENDS

Friends of Child Advocates President K.K. Eschbach was first introduced to Child Advocates in 2012 when she and her husband, Stephen attended the Pull for Kids Classic where her company had purchased a table. Already an enthusiast of clay shooting, this event was right up her alley! At the behest of one of her clients, K.K. purchased a table the following year and has become increasingly involved with Child Advocates. She shared that her love of children drew her to the mission and that she was fortunate to have mentors in her church throughout her childhood who molded her into the person she is today. Keeping her role models in mind, she wanted to do more than just hear about the unique needs and circumstances of the children Child Advocates serves – she wanted to use her talents and network to bring personal friends and resources to help abused children. K.K.’s volunteer role with Child Advocates began when she served as a member of the development committee. She and several personal friends later attended a membership social hosted by Jane Dabney last 6

CHILD ADVOCATES

year at which point she decided to join the Friends of Child Advocates. K. K. has broadened her involvement by wrapping presents at Santa’s Warehouse, volunteering at the Holiday Party, and attending the Angels of Hope Luncheon. This year she assumed her current two-year term as Friends president. A graduate of Texas A&M University, she serves as the chair of the Mays Business School Deans Advisory Council and is an active member of Houston’s First Baptist Church where she is the director of the first grade children’s ministry. She and her husband are raising a twoyear-old son, Grady. Child Advocates deeply appreciates her devotion to our mission and the children we serve.

longtime philanthropist Lisa Swalm Frantz who has shared her time and resources with Child Advocates for more than 25 years. The fashion presentation will be the Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion, highlighting a variety of designers’ couture and ready-to-wear ensembles. Chaired by Lisa Erwin and Cherie Hassenflu, more than 600 fashionistas are expected to attend this extraordinary event. Several fabulous items will be raffled, including a pair of emerald and diamond earrings. Winners will be announced at the luncheon with proceeds benefiting Child Advocates’ mission. Tables and individual tickets as well as raffle tickets are available for purchase. Please contact Marla Endieveri at 713-529-1396 for more information.

K.K. and the Friends of Child Advocates started the fall season with an Angels of Hope Luncheon kickoff party at the home of former Friends president, Amy Anton. Guests mixed and mingled before hearing from Kalsey Jurick who shared her successes and challenges as a court appointed advocate and emphasized the impact of the Friends’ continued support of abused children across Houston. The Angels of Hope Luncheon and Fashion Presentation will take place on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at the Royal Sonesta Houston. This year’s luncheon is honoring PHOTO CREDITS TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: K.K. Eschbach and Paige Bennett. K.K. with her husband, Stephen and son, Grady. RIGHT TOP TO BOTTOM: Luncheon chairs Lisa Erwin and Cherie Hassenflu. An array of raffle items on display for the Angels of Hope Luncheon.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS for CHILDREN their dynamic personalities and ability to make an impact with children. At each event, kids are naturally drawn to them both. Joe’s fun attitude gets him into water balloon fights at Water Day, and young girls love to sit and talk with Nicole because of her sweet and caring nature.

Child Advocates’ Young Professionals for Children (YPC) is an ever-growing group of individuals who combine their efforts to make a unique, fun and energetic impact on the lives of the abused children we serve. They have had a busy and fulfilling few months! This summer, YPC hosted their annual Water Day. Thanks to sponsors Whataburger and Tenaris, members transformed a local field into their own mini waterpark with inflatables and kiddie pools full of water balloons, inviting kids to beat the summer heat. In August, they woke up early to help shop for back to school clothes at Target for our annual Childspree, sharing stories from the morning at brunch afterward. Each year, YPC also hosts a bowling party for the children of Child Advocates, and in September more than 55 children joined them for some friendly competition and a fun afternoon. In addition to offering activities for children, YPC helps to raise funds for Child Advocates. 8th Wonder Brewery recently opened their

doors to YPC for a membership social and gave souvenir pint glasses filled with drink tokens to sell, offering a portion of the sale back to Child Advocates. They welcomed several new members that night and enjoyed a puppy costume contest, all while raising awareness about the need for child advocacy in Houston. This outstanding group of individuals are full of life and vitality. YPC is a perfect way to get involved in making an impact for abused children. Members can make new friends and bring a smile to children’s faces with just a few hours a month.

The Passanantes were not only sponsors for the Chili Cookoff, but also sat on the committee to plan the event, encouraging their friends and companies to become sponsors as well. Each year, the Passanantes throw a Christmas party and ask every guest to bring a gift to make a holiday wish come true through Child Advocates Santa’s Wish List program. This couple has shown amazing dedication to YPC and to Child Advocates, and we can’t wait to witness the impact they will continue to make in the years to come.

MEET THE PASSANANTES Nicole Passanante first became involved with YPC in 2011. Her enthusiasm for the group was contagious, and a year later she recruited her husband, Joe, to join the group. Joe and Nicole are an incredible asset to YPC and Child Advocates, leading the way as members of the YPC council for the past three years. They have participated in Water Days, Superhero Runs and the Chili Cookoff for Kids, just to name a few. Joe and Nicole enhance YPC with

PHOTO CREDITS TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: YPC members having fun at the bowling party. Members hand out balloons at the Superhero Run. YPC members enjoying drinks at 8th Wonder Brewery. BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT: Nicole Passanante helps a little girl at the Holiday Party. Joe and Nicole Passanante.

ADVOCATE NEWS

a special THANKS Childspree - Thank you to Cameron Corporation for donating binders, Kristi Halseth and NAI Partners for providing backpacks stuffed with supplies, Shipley Do-nuts for donating 50 dozen donuts for our kids and volunteers, and Schlumberger for providing 625 children’s books. Superhero Run - Thank you to Jeff Cotner for donating our finish line inflatable, Hotel Sorella CityCentre for sponsoring hotel rooms, C Force Water Bottling Company for providing our race and post race water, Enterprise Truck Rental for donating transportation, LJA Engineering for providing a traffic control plan, Zoe’s Kitchen for donating water bottles for the race bags and Whole Foods Market for providing our post race snacks and bags for all of our runners. Volunteer Appreciation Event - Thanks to Silver Eagle Distributors for donating eight cases of beer for our guests, and to Leslie Bormaster, Sheila Galvan Clifford and Mark Silberman for preparing our table linens. YPC Water Day - Thank you to Whataburger for providing lunch for our kids. Pull for Kids Classic - Thank you to A Memorable Event for creating a magical evening, Sarah Aziz for the beautiful Henna tattoos, Cakes by Gina LLC for the Elephant cake and cupcakes for our guests, C. Wright Photo for capturing our evening and Lisa Malosky Productions for creating our video. Thank you also to Alliance graphics for printing our invitations and programs; Enterprise for donating a truck for the day; Roop Sari Palace for offering a discount on Bollywood themed clothing; Pinki & Paul Moore for catering our kickoff party; Pico’s Mex-Mex, Whataburger and Zoe’s Kitchen for providing food for our volunteers and Randall’s for donating a gift card. We would also like to thank Judy & Thomas Farrell and Windsor Travel for donating a trip to Napa Valley; Nicole & Eddy De Los Santos and Kagan Cellars for providing bottles of wine for our Wine Pull; French Country Wines, Houston Wine Merchant, Florence & Tom Langford, Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant and Shelly & Scott Washburn for hosting Wine Pull collection parties and HEB for providing wine totes for our guests. We would also like to send a special thank you to Mattress Firm, AIG Consumer Insurance, Amanda Le, Marie H. Newton, Sunny and Shiloh Teli, Joshua Cohen, Wells Fargo, Stephanie Cohen and Business Women in Petroleum for their generous donations to Rachel and Gilbert’s closet. Your special gifts made brighter days for our children!

DOUBLE OR EVEN TRIPLE YOUR GIFT WITH OUR 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.

CHILD ADVOCATES

ADVOCATE NEWS

doing SOMETHING

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DOING GOOD The Knights of Columbus Council 8096 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church led by court appointed advocate, Bob Kossman, sell tamales every year to raise funds for Child Advocates. For eight years, the Knights of Columbus has sold upwards of 800 dozen tamales and donated the proceeds to help abused children across Houston. The tamale sale, which has grown every year, also provides an opportunity for Child Advocates to recruit new court appointed advocates. Every year around Christmas, the Knights of Columbus also hold a diaper drive, splitting the donations between Child Advocates and Child Protective Services. This past year nearly 6,000 diapers were donated by congregants. The hard work and commitment of Bob Kossman and the Knights of Columbus Council 8096 is inspiring. Child Advocates is grateful for their generosity. 10

CHILD ADVOCATES

DECADES OF PHILANTHROPY AND EXCEPTIONAL PRINTING

Alliance Graphics Printing has been committed to fabricating quality work for more than three decades. Working closely with each individual client to create a customized message, Alliance offers full-service printing and graphics across Houston. Alliance also has a strong presence in the philanthropic community. For nearly two decades, Child Advocates counts itself fortunate to be among its charity partners as our special events save the dates and invitations are donated by Alliance. When asked why he is involved with Child Advocates, owner Jeff Birmingham stated, “I believe every child deserves to know someone has their back and has their best interest at heart. I believe Child Advocates does that every day.” We are immensely grateful for the professionalism and generosity of Alliance to make our events top notch year after year.

MAXIMIZING SPACE AND GENEROSITY Every year we receive thousands of in-kind donations for Rachel and Gilbert’s Closet. Items range from diapers, baby clothes and car seats to games, toys and craft supplies. The generosity of our community continues to amaze us year after year. Our court appointed advocates select items from the closet to take to the children they serve. It can be a board game to play together as they get to know each other or a new pair of shoes for gym class. One of our biggest challenges is keeping everything organized and accessible. Child Advocates is exceedingly grateful to The Container Store for not only donating the necessary materials to build a bigger and better Rachel and Gilbert’s Closet, but also for sending a professional team to design the closet, organize the contents and maximize the space. Thank you, The Container Store!

FURNITURE AND FUNDRAISING For the second time, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams invited Child Advocates to attend a party at the Highland Village store this past September where the crowd mixed and mingled, enjoying hand passed hors dâ€™oeuvres and glasses of bubbles while the DJ played a lively mix of music. In keeping with their generous spirit, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams raffled a Bastille Chair, a stainless steel cage filled with luminous Tibetan fur cushions. More swing than chair, this is a statement piece for any house! Proceeds were donated to support our work advocating for abused children. As always, Child Advocates appreciates your partnership!

ADVOCATE NEWS

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TOGETHER:

One advocate helps two siblings and their new families discover a lasting bond. At just five-months-old, Brooklynn was left home alone by her mother who went to use drugs with a friend. This occurrence was reported to Child Protective Services to alert them to the fact that little Brooklynn was neglected and not in a safe situation. It was soon discovered by the CPS caseworker that Brooklynn’s mother and father had an extensive history of drug and alcohol abuse and no permanent housing or employment. Brooklynn’s father had a long and varied criminal record including theft, burglary, aggravated assault, perjury, criminal trespass, and drug possession as well as an active CPS case in another county involving his older children. There were also occurrences of domestic violence in the home, adding to the instability. After one failed placement, Brooklynn’s maternal great aunt and uncle, Sandy and Rodney, stepped up to care for their great niece and court appointed advocate Diane Rifai was appointed to her case. While in their care, Brooklynn flourished; though it did not come without hard work by everyone. Brooklynn faced several medical and psychological challenges as a result of her mother’s drug and alcohol abuse during her pregnancy. Brooklynn had many difficulties to conquer, including low birth weight and slow growth, trouble swallowing, and motor development issues. Through the pursuit of ongoing occupational, physical and speech therapy and the loving devotion of her great aunt and uncle, Brooklynn is overcoming these obstacles and is a healthy and active little preschooler. She loves to spend time outside on the swing and slide and play chase! She is a very active and social little girl who is also very smart and charming.

PHOTO CREDITS TOP TO BOTTOM: Brooklynn and Braden celebrating their adoption day. BOTTOM RIGHT: Brooklynn holding hands with her brother Braden during one of their regular visits.

CHILD ADVOCATES

Just a month after Brooklynn’s second birthday, news spread that her mother had recently given birth to a baby boy. Unfortunately, their mother had not quit using drugs or drinking alcohol during her pregnancy with Brayden, who had difficulty eating and could not gain weight. He had a pronounced startle reflex, avoided eye contact, and preferred not to be held, noticeably stiffening upon physical contact. His sleep was erratic and he cried frequently. He faced many of the same medical and developmental challenges as his older sister. Only a few days after his birth, Brayden was removed from his mother’s care due to several reckless decisions and behaviors exhibited by her and the fact that she had tested positive for drugs and openly admitted to frequent alcohol consumption throughout her pregnancy. Sandy and Rodney were devoted to Brooklynn; however, they were unsure of their abilities to also care for newborn Brayden and did not want to detract

from their attention and care for Brooklynn. And Brayden required frequent medical care, including occupational, physical and feeding therapy, all of which will be needed for several years down the road to address his swallowing and gag reflex issues, and motor development and weakness on the left side of his body. Fortunately, Brayden was placed in a loving foster home where his health and safety were protected and his medical needs given priority to nurture his development. The tenacity of his caregivers and specialists has resulted in him being able to crawl, sit unassisted and eventually walk. He has grown into a rough-and-tumble boy who is very active and very affectionate. “As far as eating, you never have to call him twice,” Brayden’s mother said about her toddler, “He loves anything. His favorites are biscuits, cornbread, grits and catfish. He is from the south, can you tell?” She described a creative and energetic boy who barely resembles the baby he was when they met him. Diane even noticed his improvements as time went by, saying, “His foster family kept holding him and loving him… The day I visited him and he actually looked me in the eye and smiled was a very special one!” CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE >>

“Diane encouraged CPS to allow the relationship between the two families… both for the sibling bond, but also because of the children’s special needs.” ADVOCATE NEWS

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TOGETHER: DIANE RIFAI HELPS TWO SIBLINGS AND THEIR NEW FAMILIES DISCOVER A LASTING BOND (CONTINUED) Brooklynn and Brayden were both in loving, nurturing and stable homes; however, the fact remains they were living in separate homes depriving them of the opportunity to develop a strong sibling bond. Diane made the recommendation that Brooklynn’s great aunt and uncle and Brayden’s foster parents be allowed to exchange contact information to provide updates about the children in each of their care. Advocacy coordinator Jennifer Cassidy commented, “Diane encouraged CPS to allow the relationship between the two families. This is normally not done, but Diane thought it was important - both for the sibling bond, but also because of the children’s special needs.” The goal was to ensure the children not only know the other exists, but were provided ample opportunities to form a real relationship, particularly if their parents were out of the picture. In doing so, a beautiful situation arose. The families became close. They made a concerted effort to let Brooklynn and Brayden interact and get to know each other from the beginning. The children celebrated their birthdays and holidays together. Brayden’s foster parents learned from the experiences of Brooklynn’s great aunt and uncle who had tackled many of the same physical, medical and developmental challenges they were facing with Brayden. While the relationships between both the caregivers and the siblings blossomed, there was an underlying concern that the court would not approve of Brooklynn and Brayden living in separate homes since unification is a typical goal of both Child Protective Services and the court system. Brooklynn’s great aunt and uncle had always hoped to adopt her; however, they felt they could properly care for only one child facing several physical and developmental challenges. Brayden’s foster parents instantly fell in love with him. They too hoped to adopt. Ultimately, Brooklynn’s and Brayden’s parents’ rights were terminated and both children were available for adoption. Diane and the caseworker agreed that it was in Brooklynn’s best interest to be adopted by her great aunt and uncle and in Brayden’s best interest to be adopted by his foster parents. Each child’s case came to trial separately, but both resulted in the judge ruling each child should be adopted by their current caregivers – the individuals who had so lovingly and thoughtfully cared for these babies from the beginning. The judge’s ruling ensured they would only know a world of safety, support and stability – a world free from abuse and neglect. Just this past October, Diane attended the adoption ceremonies for both children. The attorneys and judge made a special exception and allowed the ceremonies to be held on the same day. Both adoptive families were in attendance with other siblings, grandparents and friends who all bore witness to their adoptions. Brooklynn and Brayden were hugging and beaming while everyone celebrated their happy ending. n written by Suzanne McAndrew

LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY FOR CHILD ADVOCATES. JOIN THE 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. By planning a gift as part of your overall estate and financial plans, you will allow us to continue to speak up for abused children who are lost in the system for years to come. With your gift, you’ll also receive substantial tax and financial benefits, and you’ll join a group of outstanding individuals who are making a lasting difference in the fight against child abuse. To learn more about our planned giving program, contact our Development department at (713) 529-1396 or email development@childadvocates.org. 14

CHILD ADVOCATES

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 - 24 YEARS Mary Kae Ries-Dingler Chastiti Horne Linda Murphy 15 - 19 YEARS Laurie Boswell Andrew Chu Zack Coapland Renee Kariv John Krebs Bonnie McMillan John McMillan Dawn Rodriguez Helen Ross Peggy Simon Ellie Sweeney Wanda Williams 10 - 14 YEARS Roxanne Barton Adrian Broadway Jane Dabney Debbie Dayton Erika de la Garza Bruce Edison Sandi Greenstone Nancy Grubbs Quinton Harp Eric Hodnefield Duane King Diana Mattingly Heidi Obie Susan Patterson

Cheryl Powers Les Schmaltz Bernadette Session Kerry Sheppard Sindi Sonnier Barbara Springer Tito Suarez Tori Varner Scott Washburn 5 - 9 YEARS Jessica Adams Ann Ainsworth Melissa Baldwin Brook Ballweg Lindsey Becerra Brian Becker Mary Jo Black Judy Blissard Emilie Booth Romia Bual Bertha Cabello Lisa Caristan Kim Carter Carol Cash Chanda Cashen Chacon Cheri Castillo Moira Castro Michael Chavarria Damaris Chavez Marcus Chery Becky Chmielewski Vicki Cicack Beresford Clarke

Cathleen Collins Adele Countryman Kara Cox Daisy Crawford Rebecca Dalby Lee Ann Davis Kathi Davis Amelia Dawkins Madeline DiFraia Cyndi Diller Ashley Dominguez Sheila Duffy Miriam Edwards Pamela Fazzone Tonya Felix-Davis Colette Fields Joubran Carolyne Fox Kelly Gerland Al Gibson Georgina Goodnight Sheila Graves Martha Gremillion Irene Griffith Dave Gutacker Ludivina Gutierrez Linda Heitzer Eric Hughes Rita Irani Melissa Katsounas Nick Katz Catherine Kellman White Suzette Kelly Joanne King Roxanne Knott

Bob Kossman June Lohman Mary Love Tomie Magee Brian Mandell Bridgett Matthes Joyce Mayor Frances McAvoy Peggy McGrane Rachel Mejia Jan Mendenhall Jane Middlebrooks Lisa Morgan Lorna Muniz-Paz Sherry Murphree Sandra Nassif Kristi Neal Adrienn Parsons Sarah Posey Cathy Poye Ginny Price Michelle Proffit Julie Prunty Gloria Quackenbush Mary Raub Sylvia Reyes Diane Rifai Faye Riggs Jill Ritter Polly Rodriguez Mabel Rogers LaTasha Rothschild Judy Ruhlin Catherine Ryan

Miguel Saldana Beth Sams Leticia Sanchez Tory Sartwelle Courtney Satterwhite Teresa Saucier Priscilla Saunders Ashley Scheele Lyn Schmaltz Audrey Seals Duzi Sithe Charles Steen Dene Streller Melinda Sturgess Jamie Taft-Johnson Irving Tredler Maude Trottie Amanda Tucker Chris Valdez Leo Valk Janet Vaught Alice Verbois Phoebe Waggoner Faye Walker Telia Weisman Wendy Weston Angela Wilson Jacquelyn Winters THANK YOU TO ALL OUR COURT APPOINTED ADVOCATES!

A HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERSâ€¦ Mr. and Mrs. David Baird Mr. Jeffry C. Cotner 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 Mrs. Nancy Thorington Ms. Lynda Lighthouse Transier ADVOCATE NEWS

thanks DONORS The donors listed contributed to Child Advocates, Inc. between May 1, 2016 through October 31, 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. McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival presented by Baker Hughes Texas CASA, Inc. Victims of Crime Act 29-49 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR In honor of Child Advocates volunteers Harris County Community Services Department Houston Endowment Inc. 14-28 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR W. N. Dabney Charitable Trust Direct Energy The Ellwood Foundation The Fondren Foundation LSF Foundation 5-13 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR Atwood Oceanics, Inc. The Elkins Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Rex Gray Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne L. Hyzak Mr. and Ms. Derrick Jensen The Junior League of Houston Beverly McPhail and Kevin Kulish Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kuznar Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lack Master Auto Service, Inc. John P. McGovern Foundation MRE Consulting, Ltd. Spark Energy Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts 3-4 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR AIG American General Mr. and Mrs. Manu Asthana Audi Central Houston Harry S. & Isabel C. Cameron Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cashen Mrs. Chanda Cashen Chacon Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chevalier Mr. and Mrs. Alan Fox William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ingersoll The Jackson Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Darren Jones Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Joy Mr. George W. Kaleh and Ms. Lisa Folloder

The Kiwanis Foundation of Houston Mrs. Florence Langford Mr. and Mrs. Shane Merz Midway Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Rappole RMS Auto Care, Inc. The John T. Shea Charitable Foundation Ticket to Dream Foundation Wells Fargo Bank Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Wright Mr. Steven Wyatt 1-2 CHILDREN FOR A YEAR Mrs. Roxanne Alfaro Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP Amegy Bank of Texas Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Mr. Ed Austin Mr. and Mrs. Tim P. Austin Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Baldwin Mrs. Hildegarde Ballard Bank of America Mr. Ned Barnett Ms. Judith Blissard Mr. and Mrs. Dan Borgen Mr. and Mrs. James R. Bratton Mr. and Mrs. Vince Burkett Burnett Staffing Specialists Cameron Corporation Chapelwood United Methodist Church City of Houston Combined Campaign Ms. Janet Clark Mr. Jeff J. Cotner Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Cullen, Sr. Mrs. Kimberly C. David Florence S. Ducey Charitable Trust Dr. and Mrs. Michael Eklund ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Tom Farrell Friedkin Business Services Mrs. Sherrill Garland Mr. and Mrs. Mike L. Garner Mr. and Mrs. Terrence M. Gee General Electric Mr. and Mrs. James Godwin Grant Thornton LLP Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Grove Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gruen Mr. and Mrs. Mike F. Handel Mr. and Mrs. Emerson K. Hankamer Harris County Treasurer Hilltop Securities Mr. and Mrs. Scott Humphries Mr. and Mrs. Mike Johnson

CHILD ADVOCATES

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kerman KPMG LLP Mr. and Mrs. Bob Krenzelok Mr. and Mrs. William R. Livesay, Jr. Mr. Bill Magnuson Mr. Sam Mar MAXIMUS Foundation Ms. Brandi Maxwell The Florence and William K. McGee, Jr. Family Foundation McGuire Woods, LLP McMullen Family Fund Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital Trini and O. C. Mendenhall Foundation MetroNational Mr. and Mrs. Steven Miller Mobilease Mr. and Mrs. Peter O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Bradley W. O’Halla Paul Comstock Partners Ms. Julie Peak Phillips 66 Ms. Leslie Powell Republic Waste Services of Texas Reynolds, Frizzell, Black, Doyle, Allen & Oldham LLP Mr. Robert E. Rice Mr. and Mrs. Brad W. Robbins Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ruhlin Mrs. Laura Ryan Ms. Susan D. Sarofim Mrs. Lou Shapiro Shell Oil Company Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. Six Foot Studios Mr. and Mrs. Wynne Snoots Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sonnier The Abbott and Leslie Sprague Foundation Mr. Clay Robinson and Mrs. Barbara S. Springer St. Paul’s United Methodist Church TAM International Mrs. Kathy V.B. Taylor The TJX Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Thomas Mr. Joe Turano Dr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Weil The West Endowment Whalley Foundation Whole Foods Market The Williams Companies, Inc. Williams Kherkher Mr. Michael Galvan and Ms. Janell M. Zeug

1 CHILD FOR 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR Avalon Advisors, LLC Ms. Mary Beth Balhoff Benevity Community Impact Fund Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LLP Cantrell & Cantrell, PLLC Mr. and Mrs. Philip Carroll Chevron Mr. and Mrs. Dicarlos Davis Mr. and Mrs. Eddy L. De Los Santos Digisonics, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Eschbach Mr. Clyde Lea and Mrs. Pamela Fazzone Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Francisco Dr. and Dr. Jon Gogola Mrs. Tiffany Guthrie Honeywell International Mr. Duane C. King and Mrs. Carmen Delgado Linn Operating, Inc. / Linn Energy Mrs. Abigail McDonald Ms. Christine M. McMillan Mr. and Mrs. Ron Orsini Mr. Frank B. Rynd Mr. Travis Shoemake Ms. Lori A. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. John W. Storms Ms. Suzanne Thomas USD Foundation Mr. Brian Vaclavik Mr. and Mrs. S. Conrad Weil, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Weill Mr. Milton H. West, III 1 CHILD FOR 3-6 MONTHS Mr. and Mrs. John Anaipakos Dr. and Mrs. Melvyn Anhalt Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Anhalt Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Mr. and Mrs. David L. Baird, Jr. Beckwith’s Car Care Mr. and Mrs. Dave Belanger Mr. Marshall Bendalin Mrs. Paige Bennett Mr. and Mrs. David Bock Mrs. Nadine Boutros Mr. and Mrs. Troy A. Bringle Ms. Cathy Brock Buckeye Partners, L.P. Mr. and Mrs. Rick Burnett CASA of Denton County, Inc. Cornerstone Automotive - Dairy Ashford Ms. Stephanie Coutinho

Mr. George A. Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Davis Mrs. Kathi Davis Mr. and Mrs. Bob Davis Ms. Cynthia Day Define: Body & Mind Ms. Sudha Desai Mr. Talib Dhanji EP Energy FENDI North America Dr. and Mrs. Ronald P. Fischer Frost Bank Dr. Angelo P. Giardino, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Gips Give with Liberty Dr. Thelma Jean Goodrich Mr. Paul Grabowski Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Gregg GS Marketing Halliburton Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Hartman Mr. Derek Henry Ms. Susan L. Hill Ms. Leslie K. Hollingsworth Ms. Angela Holmes Houston Trust Company Mr. Shane Hutchison Dr. Mary Ice Ms. Rita Irani Mr. and Mrs. Troy Johnson JPMorgan Chase & Co. Mr. Cameron Kelman Mr. and Mrs. Shane Kimzey Knights of Columbus Mr. and Mrs. William S. Lamb Ms. Angie Lapp Mr. Daniel Lathen Legge, Farrow, Kimmitt, McGrath, & Brown L.L.P. Mr. Andrew Levy Ms. Michelle Lilie Lillian Kaiser Lewis Foundation Ms. Judy Liu Ms. Michelle Lyn Mammoth Marketing Group Mr. Jeff M. Manley Mr. and Mrs. Neal McKim Ms. Peggy Sue Menchaca Mr. and Mrs. Weston Mikulich Mr. Houshiar Moarefi Ms. Phung Ngo-Burns Mr. Gregory Owen Mr. and Mrs. David Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Matt Pomroy Dr. and Mrs. James L. Pool Mr. and Mrs. Ed Powell Mr. and Mrs. James S. Prentice Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Ray Rotork Controls Inc. Ms. Angie Sherrell Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Springmeyer

thanks DONORS Mr. and Mrs. Kerr Taylor Mrs. Melanie Tomsula Mr. and Mrs. Jon Totz TRUiST Mr. and Mrs. Dan Tutcher Ms. Anne S. Twitchell USI Insurance Services, LLC Ms. Amanda Verell Westside Bridge Academy, LLC Mr. David W. Wick Mr. and Mrs. David W. Winn Mr. and Mrs. Don Wood 1 CHILD FOR 2 MONTHS Ms. Mary E. Ainslie Ms. Ashley Brockette Mr. and Mrs. Ron Brownlee Cadence Bank Mr. and Mrs. Michael Calderaro Ms. Susan Cook EP Energy, LLC Mr. James E. Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Brian Fralick Mrs. Christine Gabriel Mr. Henry Garcia Goldfish Swim School Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Gray Grocers Supply Company, Inc. Mr. David Harkins Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hemmi Mr. and Mrs. Mike Holland Mr. and Mrs. Don Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Connor Johnston Kacal’s Auto & Truck Service Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund Ms. Margaret E. Kirby Ms. Mary C. Knapp Kroger Food Stores Mr. and Mrs. David Matthews Ms. Marsha L. Montemayor Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Nevarez Mr. Mark Newell Mrs. Jennifer M. Paling Mr. and Mrs. Ed Patterson Ms. Virginia I. Price Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Robbins Ms. Regina J. Rogers Mr. and Ms. Joseph J. Romano Mr. and Mrs. Matt Schaefer Mrs. Joyce Schechter Mr. and Mrs. Brent Smith Mr. and Ms. Joshua Smith Salon on Kirby Ms. Kristi A. Sorrels The Clifford Group, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Tripodo Mr. Glen Baugess and Ms. Martha F. Turner VAHLE, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Scott Washburn 1 CHILD FOR 1 MONTH Aetna Foundation, Inc. Ms. JoAnn Agee

Alief Independent School District AmazonSmile Foundation Ms. Ann Amrock Mr. and Mrs. Randy Anhalt Mr. and Mrs. Chance G. Aven Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baker Mr. Martin Beirne Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Boyer Mr. and Mrs. Craig Brooks Mr. Ken Broughton Mrs. Janis Burke Mr. David Bush Ms. Anne H. Bushman Mr. and Mrs. Barry Campbell Ms. Avery Carson Mrs. Melanie Cashat Ms. Jennifer Cassidy Mr. Edwin W. Chapman Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. Chase, III Mr. Eric Clewis Mrs. Victoria Clifford Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cone Ms. Cindy Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Brian Cox Ms. Kaley Crane Mrs. Amy Cress Mr. and Mrs. Jai Daggett Mr. and Mrs. Joshua M. Dansereau Mrs. Laura Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Dusty Davis Mrs. Emily Davis Mr. Michael S. Day Mr. and Ms. Arthur De Leon Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Deavers Mr. and Mrs. Michael Desormeaux Diversified Recruiting Services, L.L.C. Mr. and Mrs. Art Dubose Mr. Rob Duncan Mr. and Mrs. Brad Eastman Mr. Sandy Elstein and Mrs. Julie Bartlein Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Evert Ms. Jan E. Farley Fields Alexander Mr. Lou Fragoso Ms. Delphine French Mr. Pat Galvan Ms. Carol Gold Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Gorry Mr. and Mrs. Luke Gottschalk Mr. Martin Grady Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Graybeal Dr. and Mrs. Chris Greeley, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Greenstone Dr. Nellie P. Grose Mr. and Mrs. Keith A. Guerrini Mr. Fred Hagans Mr. Dave Hart Ms. Deborah S. Hartsfield

Mrs. Allison Hartzell Ms. Pat Hendricks Ms. Georganne Hodges Houston Texans Foundation Ms. Elizabeth Hueben IBM Employee Services Center Ms. Alicia H. Ide Mrs. Michelle Janiszewski Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Kaminski Ms. Leslie Karpas Mrs. Pooja Kharbanda Mr. Byron King Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. King Mrs. Crystal Kirkpatrick Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Kroeker Mrs. Jeane Kunkle Ms. Patty Larason Dr. Kathryn Laughlin Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lee Mr. and Mrs. Ariel Leibovitz Mr. Chris Leonard Mr. and Mrs. Robin Lindley Mr. Joseph H. Loretto Mr. and Mrs. Scot Luther Mr. Braxton Maddox Ms. Caroline S. Marciano Mark III Systems, Inc. Ms. Anne M. Martin Ms. Nancy Mathé Mr. and Mrs. Jim McCloskey Ms. Bertha McCue Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McFarland Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell McFarland Mr. Brandan C. McGaughey Mrs. Sherry Miller Ms. Marion F. Monsen Mr. and Mrs. Corey Mordacz Mr. and Mrs. William H. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Bill Neeley Mr. Trinh K. Ngo Mr. and Mrs. Robert O’Connor Mrs. Betty Othold Mr. Jaki Owen Ms. Imogen S. Papadopoulos Mrs. Mary Tere B. Perusquia Mr. Marti Peterson Mr. PJ Popovic Mrs. Maricela Prayther Prime Communications Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Prunty Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pylant QRI LLC Mr. and Mrs. David Quackenbush Ms. Jo-Ann B. Reilly Ms. Diane Rifai Mr. and Mrs. Kevin F. Roach Ms. Jacquelyne M. Rocan Mrs. Dawn Romagnoli Ms. Julia Romero Peter Mr. and Ms. Scott Ronne Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rothfelder

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rowsey Mr. Peter Ruddy Ms. Mary Ann Ryerson Dr. and Mrs. Santiago A. Sanchez Schlumberger Ms. Sarah Sivers-Gonzalez Ms. Cindy Soefer Ms. Danae Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Christiaan Stevens Mrs. Alexandra Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Thorington Mr. and Mrs. Gerald P. Thurmond Mrs. Stephanie Viator Mr. Wallace Ward Ms. Kay H. Williamson Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Wood Mrs. Cindy Wylie 1 CHILD FOR 1 TO 30 DAYS Mr. and Mrs. Guy F. Aldrich Mr. Seth S. Allen, Esq. Allstate Ms. Megan R. Altman Mrs. Amy Anderson Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Appelbaum Mrs. Jennifer N. Arizpe Ms. Natalie Baba Mrs. Lauren Bair Miss Regina Bale Mr. Brook Ballweg Mrs. Teresa Banner Mr. Edward Barlow Mr. Jose Barreda Mrs. Roxanne Barton Mrs. Christy Bass Mrs. Sara E. Beckmann Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bellatti Mr. Ken Bendalin Ms. Karla Bermudez Ms. Mary Jo Black Ms. Tamara Black Mr. Carlos Blandino Ms. Sally Bonds Mr. Danial Bonilla Ms. Linda M. Bordwell Dr. Sharon Boutwell Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bowden Ms. Kimberly D. Bramlett Mr. James D. Brodnax Mr. David Brooks Ms. Lindsey Burch Ms. Brittany Burke Mr. and Mrs. Ben Burleson Ms. Suzanne Byerley Ms. Lee Caldwell Ms. Beth Calhoun Mr. Dan Calvert Mrs. Cleo Y. Campbell Mr. Dean Cannon Mrs. Maria T. Cano Ms. Kimberly K. Carter Mr. and Mrs. Thor Castillo

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Cater Ms. Mayra Cerda Mr. Marcus D. Chery Christian Brothers Automotive - Grand Parkway Ms. Claudia Christin City of Houston Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Clark Ms. Jonique Colbert Mrs. Kathleen H. Cole Mrs. KeShawna Cole-Clark Mrs. Alma A. Connor Ms. Ellen Cook Mr. and Mrs. David W. Cooney Ms. Thushara Corea Mr. Russell Corgey Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Cragin Ms. Joanna Cramer Ms. Alexandra Currier Ms. Rachel Currier Mr. and Ms. Marc Danile Ms. Barbara J. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Davis Mrs. Conchita L. de la Garza Mrs. Miriam De Mulder Ms. Dawn M. Dewees Ms. Madeline DiFraia Mr. Robert Dixon Mrs. Kristin Doherty Mrs. Erin Dominy Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Donevant Mr. Brandon Drake Ms. Robyn Drake Ms. Margaret Drinkwater Ms. Emily Duncan Ms. Roslyn Dupre Mr. Walter C. Ebarb Mrs. Kelli Eberhart Ms. Elizabeth H. Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edwards Ms. Kaija Emmons Ms. Marla S. Endieveri Mr. and Mrs. Greg Englert Ms. Patricia Escalona Ms. Lenny M. Esquivel Mr. Jamaal Evans Ms. Lauren Evans Mrs. Mary Sue Fairchild Ms. Kim Ferrarie Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Fields Mr. Kelsey Folmer Ms. Gail Foster Mrs. Barbara S. Franchina Mr. James Frankowski Mr. Ralph Frankowski Mr. Boby Fussell Ms. Sonya M. Galvan Mr. Kenneth A. Garrison Ms. Priscsilla Garza Ms. Irmgard Glockner Mr. and Mrs. Derek Goff Mr. Javier Gonzalez Mr. Jorge Gonzalez Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Good Ms. Georgina A. Goodnight Mrs. Courtney Graham

ADVOCATE NEWS

thanks DONORS Mrs. Cristina Green Mr. and Mrs. Dave Griffis Mr. and Mrs. John Gross Miss Dawn Haas Stanley Ms. Sarah Hall Mr. Mudassir Siddiqui and Mrs. Muneba Hameed Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hamilton Ms. Margaret Harlan Ms. Lisa Harris Mr. Kelly Hawkins Mr. Tom Henderson Mrs. Carrie Hendricks-Helm Ms. Carla Henry Mr. Alfonso Hernandez Mrs. Melissa M. Hernandez Mr. Vicki Hessemer Ms. Shamra Hodge Mr. and Mrs. Jay Holm Mrs. Grace B. Holmes Mr. Tony Houck and Mrs. Chastiti N. Horne Mrs. Christine Howard Ms. Nicolette Jackson Ms. Bertha Jamison Ms. Hayley Jaska Pastor Michael Jeter Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Johnson Ms. Elizabeth D. Jones Mr. Abraham Joseph Ms. Sarah Jumper Ms. Emma Karko Mr. and Mrs. Jay J. Karkowsky Mr. and Mrs. William A. Kennedy

Mr. George J. Klages Ms. Katha G. Knippa Ms. Susan Knoblauch-Turner Mr. Marc Kutner Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lane Mr. and Mrs. Theo Lawrence Dr. Peta-gay Ledbetter Mr. and Mrs. Marshal Lightman Mrs. Tracy Lockhart Mrs. Betsi Longoria Mr. Luis G. Lugo-Velez Mrs. Nanette Lynch Mrs. Tonya Mack Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Magers Mr. and Mrs. Milton Magness Ms. Sharon W. Maguire Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Manahan Ms. Keanna Manning Mrs. Megan Markland Mrs. Andy Marlatt Mr. and Mrs. Israel Gomez Mrs. Holly P. Masur Ms. Nancy Mathe Mrs. Bridgett M. Matthes Mr. and Mrs. Alan May, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick B. McAndrew Mr. and Mrs. James N. McGrew Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. McMahan Mr. Gerry Meeks Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Mills Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Morgan Stanley Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morin Mr. Don Moser

Ms. Susan Moss Mr. and Mrs. David Nathan Ms. Laura Neilsberg Ms. Laura Beth Nelson Ms. Melissa Newcity NextEra Energy Mrs. Bernice Norris Ms. Cindie Obets Ms. Aniel Oseguera Mr. Pierre A. Parker Ms. Payal Patel Ms. Meghan Peckis Personal Computer Company, Inc. Mrs. Gillian Philo Ms. Etta Pickett Mrs. Jessica Pierce Ms. Laura Pollard Ms. Allison Poore Ms. LaToya Porter Ms. Belinda Price Price Gregory International Mrs. Louise L. Price PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Dr. and Mrs. Trevor Rabie Ms. Jo S. Reid Mr. and Mrs. Donald Reid Ms. Harriet Reitman Mr. Jimmy Rhodes Mr. and Mrs. Carl N. Roberts Ms. Sondra Rosenthal Ms. Katy Rothfelder Mr. Michael Rowe Safeway, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Schmitt

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Schulze, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Seay, II Mrs. Gauri Semlani Ms. Ann Sever Ms. Hannah Sindlinger Mr. Alan Skolnick Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Smith Mrs. Quana Smith Ms. Sydney Smith Ms. Fanet Soifer Ms. Margaret Somers Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Sonnier Mr. Stephen K. Hanrahan and Mrs. Susan A. Speert Spring Auto Service Ms. Aleisha Stamps Ms. Geneva D. Statin Ms. Shearrhea Stelly Mrs. Dominique Stephenson Ms. Donteak Stewart-Sewell Ms. Nancy Stillwell Ms. Leslie Stone Ms. Linda Stone Mrs. Margaret Stone Mrs. Lisa Strauser Ms. Ashley Strawder Ms. Mary Strickland Ms. Brittany Swain Mr. James Switzer Ms. Phyllis S. Tanksley Ms. Allison Theobald Ms. Lucinda Thomas Ms. Pamela Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Thomas

Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Thompson Ms. Janis L. Thompson Ms. Andrea Tindall Mr. George Torres Mrs. Constance Tran-Tsakiris Mr. and Mrs. Edmunds Travis, Jr. Ms. Olivia A. Trzepacz United Way of Central Ohio Universal Giving Mr. and Mrs. Tony Urrutia Mr. Nathan Goodwin and Ms. Brittany Vanek Ms. Victoria A. Varner Mrs. Suzy Wager Mr. and Mrs. J. Dudeon Walker, III Ms. Meredith Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Corey Walter Mr. and Mrs. Lucius J. Walton Mr. and Mrs. Jerry R. Warring Mrs. Ruby Washington Mr. and Mrs. Jon Weeks Mr. and Ms. Eric S. Wehner Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Weiss Dr. and Mrs. Norman Weiss Mrs. Tonya R. West Mrs. Jewel White Mr. and Mrs. Rodney H. Williamson Zeta Mu Chapter Ms. Rebecca Zimdars Zimms Coffee & Wine Co.

goals UPDATE CHILDREN SERVED

VOLUNTEERS TRAINED

2046 SERVED GOAL: 2350 AS OF 11/18/2016

266 TRAINED GOAL: 300 AS OF 11/18/2016

DOLLARS RAISED

4,036,033 RAISED GOAL: $5,086,950 AS OF 10/31/2016

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ALL THE LATEST AT WWW.CHILDADVOCATES.ORG 18

CHILD ADVOCATES

spotlight on CHILD ADVOCATES

SUPERHERO RUN

On October 15, CITYCENTRE Houston was filled to the brim with tiny Batmen, a family of Star Wars characters and plenty of Wonder Women as Child Advocates hosted the fourth annual Superhero Run. Thanks to the continued support of our presenting and title sponsors, Direct Energy and MRE Consulting, LTD, more than 1,100 runners and walkers of all ages became superheroes for the day to participate in our timed 5K and 1K fun run. Hot 95.7’s Sarah Pepper joined us again this year to help get the morning started with music and games on the green. Adults enjoyed mimosas from Kendra Scott while kids were entertained by the

Direct Energy bounce house, as well as with crafts and balloons. Runners were able to refuel after the run with plenty of snacks from Whole Foods Market and water donated by C-Force Water Bottling. Other superheroes from TAM International, SOK - Salon on Kirby, CycleBar, Grace School, QRI LLC and Orion EMS helped fill the postrace party with plenty of energy. This year, we offered our teams and runners the chance to fundraise for Child Advocates while they ran, and one of our sponsors did just that! “The Clippers”, a group of stylists and patrons from SOK - Salon on Kirby transformed their salon into their very own “batcave”, allowing supporters to add their name to a giant wall when they made a donation to our cause. The team wore bright t-shirts on Fridays and encouraged every client to join the fight against child abuse. When race day rolled around, this group of 22 runners had raised nearly $3,000, making them our top fundraiser. Their enthusiastic support of Child Advocates will allow for more children to have

advocates to speak on their behalf during their time in foster care. When the day was done, we raised more than $160,000 for our mission. A Superhero sized thank you to our event chair Jeff Cotner and race director Angie Henderson, along with all of our runners, sponsors and volunteers who made this exciting morning possible! n PHOTO CREDITS TOP TO BOTTOM Kids take off from the starting line for the 1K fun run. A family dressed up as Star Wars characters cross the finish line. A 5K runner poses after finishing his race. BOTTOM LEFT: The Clippers team from SOK - Salon on Kirby with their salon mummy.

ADVOCATE NEWS

upcoming EVENTS December 6 - 8 Santa’s Wish List Drop-off Help us fill Santa’s warehouse with gifts for our kids. 7 Angels of Hope Luncheon & Fashion Presentation Featuring the Neiman Marcus “Art of Fashion”. 10 - 13 Santa’s Wish List Pick-up Volunteers pick up gifts to give to their kids. January 18 Advocacy University Begins 15 Chevron Houston Marathon Hoopla Station Help us cheer on our Child Advocates runners!

LET’S GET SOCIAL! Join in the conversation and share in the fun! Find Child Advocates on: FACEBOOK Child Advocates

February all month Car Pros for Kids Get 2 free oil changes with a $35 donation. 15 Advocacy University Begins

TWITTER @ChildAdvoHOU

March 3 & 4 4

INSTAGRAM @ChildAdvocates

Grace School “Over the Edge” Backspace benefit concert Featuring songs from our favorite movies.

April all month Child Abuse Prevention month 1 & 2 McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival 18 Advocacy University Begins May 6 10

Pull for Kids Classic Celebrating our 25th anniversary Advocacy University Begins

SNAPCHAT @ChildAdvocates Tag us in your photos and use #HoustonsTrueChamps

THERE IS GOOD NEWS FOR CHILD ADVOCATE DONORS IN THEIR 70s. As of 2015, it is possible to give individual retirement account (IRA) assets to nonprofit organizations, like Child Advocates, free from federal tax. Prior to 2006, all lifetime distributions from IRAs were taxed—even those given to charity. This may be a great giving option for you if you are: • Over 70½ and now receiving minimum IRA distributions—but do not need the extra income. • Interested in making a significant lifetime gift to help abused and neglected children in your community. The PATH Act of 2015 permits individuals to roll over up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to a qualifying charity without being taxed. Single and married individuals 70½ and older are eligible to give in this way from their individual retirement accounts. Using IRA assets to make a gift during your lifetime allows you to leave a legacy of helping our most vulnerable children into safe environments where they can thrive. For more information on the Charitable IRA opportunity, please contact Emily Bhatti at 713-529-1396 ext. 248. 20

CHILD ADVOCATES

ADVOCATE NEWS

board VOICE Eddy De Los Santos has a face you may recognize from previous Child Advocates ad campaigns, but there’s also a good chance you’ve also seen him coaching a baseball game or running across the finish line with his daughter at the Superhero Run. He is a devoted husband, father of four, attorney and Child Advocates’ Board Chair elect. His interest in helping abused children began in 2001 during his second semester of law school when he attended a Child Advocates orientation on campus. He left that day thinking, “There’s something that needs to be done here. Why shouldn’t I do it?” Soon after, he graduated from Advocacy University and was sworn in by a judge as a court appointed advocate volunteer. In his nine years as an advocate, Eddy served 21 children on six cases. “The mission for advocates is not simply to help children, but also to help the parents… helping the parents ultimately helps the children,” Eddy said when speaking about his first case. He believes being a father allows him to help the parents on his cases think differently about parenting. “It helps you appreciate your own situation,” he said. In 2007, Nancy Thorington invited him to lunch to gauge his interest in joining the board of directors. Since then, he has worked with various sub-committees, served as our legal counsel and has spoken on behalf of Child Advocates in several radio and tv spots. Eddy and his wife Nicole are credited with introducing the Wine Pull to our Pull for Kids Classic in 2011. They started by collecting 210 bottles of wine, spray painting wine corks gold and labeling each bottle themselves, all in just one month’s time. Eddy loves the one-on-one attention he can give when he volunteers for the Childspree, and each year builds bikes and wraps gifts with his family for Santa’s Wish List . When not roaming all over Houston to participate in his kids’ activities, Eddy and Nicole enjoy being part of a wine and dinner club through their church. Eddy takes time each year to relax in Montana with friends for a weekend of fly fishing, and also serves as a member of the advisory board for the Hope and Healing Institute, a group dedicated to finding a home for every child in Houston in need of an adoptive family. As our Board Chair, Eddy plans to work toward growing Child Advocates as an organization, expanding our donor base and seeking out more involvement from our advisory board. He wants to ensure every child who needs one is given a volunteer to speak on their behalf. According to Sonya“Eddy is an all-star player. He was a volunteer first and then he stepped into a board position. He’s been our legal counsel, he’s served on the development and the nominating committee…You can put him into any position. He’s so familiar with our challenges and he understands what we’re trying to accomplish. He’s all around just a genuinely good person and he’s willing to fight for things he believes are right.” To anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, Eddy would say this: “Do it because it needs to be done. There is absolutely a need,” and would encourage them that, “one by one we can break the cycle." n written by Lauren Bair

CHILD ADVOCATES

snapSHOTS

ADVOCATE NEWS

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

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

It was at this time that Brandon was placed with his grandmother and given an advocate, Ann. Ann offered him a warm presence, reassuring him of brighter days ahead and helped him find a loving stable home.

*In some instances, names were changed to help protect parties of the story.

CHILD ADVOCATES

LEGAL COUNSEL

Suzie Thomas TREASURER / FINANCE CHAIR

Mark Smith EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

David Baird James Brodnax Paul Grabowski Frank Rynd Angie Sherrell David Winn BOARD MEMBERS

Brandon* spent most of his early life afraid of what might happen if his mother got angry. When Child Protective Services became involved, they placed him with his father and stepmother. While he had hoped for a safe home with his father, this was not the case. Instead Brandon was abused so significantly that he endured fractures in his small body.

Eddy De Los Santos

Through Child Advocates’ partnership with Jon Weeks and the Houston Texans, Ann was able to give Brandon tickets to his first Texans game. He and his Nana got to cheer on their home team and even meet some of the players, bringing a bright smile to his face. After such a hard time, Brandon was given a day to have fun and feel like a normal kid again.

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 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.