Keeping you informed on our mission:
the
CAFB & Local School Districts Join Forces
Strengthen the Child's Voice, Heal the Hurt, and Break the Cycle of Abuse and Neglect for Children and Families in Fort Bend and surrounding counties. Save these dates and plan to join us for these upcoming events
New volunteers & staff, new video series, conference update, bringing TBRI into classrooms and MORE
Welcome Friends,
We’re dedicating this issue of VOICES to all our Hispanic and Latino children, families, volunteers and staff. . .
November is National Adoption Awareness Month where we raise awareness of the thousands of children in foster care who are waiting for adoption and celebrate families that have grown through adoption and children finding their “forever homes” The goal is to ensure that every child can build a life of happiness and well-being and that adopted children and adoptive families are “better together” Why “Better Together”? Think peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, hugs and kisses, and chips and queso These children and their new families are “better together” through the love, caring, and commitment of these adoptive parents and the security and safety afforded these children This is one of the happiest months for us all year – please join us in congratulating these children and families!
November is about Fall and Thanksgiving This month, we take time to give thanks for
all our blessings and reaffirm our commitment to help and uplift children who may not be as fortunate in their life circumstances As you celebrate, please remember these children We have a lot of ways to get involved at Child Advocates of Fort Bend – from a one-time opportunity to a longer-term commitment – whatever suits you best It’s also nearing the end of the year, and many donors are interested in making a charitable, tax-deductible donation We hope you consider Child Advocates of Fort Bend in your year-end giving this year and help change the life of a child
Thank you for all you do to strengthen the voices of these children, heal their hurt, and break the cycle of abuse and neglect
For The Children’s Sake,
Ruthanne
Ruthanne Mefford, CEO
By Jheri Walters, LCSW - S
It’s a harsh reality: children who experience abuse often face it from those close to them family or friends When a child reveals such trauma, it can draw out complex emotions like grief The holiday season, typically filled with joy and gatherings, can feel entirely different for families grappling with the fallout of abuse
Grief manifests uniquely across individuals and communities Common feelings include numbness, sadness, fear, shock, and guilt emotions that resonate strongly for a child disclosing abuse, especially if it disrupts family dynamics For instance, if a child reports abuse by a household member, the fallout could lead to arrests, separation, and significant shifts in family life The child may feel relief at being safe, yet face the turmoil of altered routines, potential financial strain, and emotional chaos
This upheaval often triggers the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance It’s crucial to remember that these stages aren’t linear; they ebb and flow over time
During the holidays, these grief stages can intensify The absence of a once-involved family member might amplify feelings of loss, and the victimized child may wrestle with guilt, believing they caused the disruption Adults must recognize these triggers and create safe spaces for children to process their emotions Importantly, caregivers themselves may also experience grief during this time
Children in foster care face their own set of grief and loss, having to separate from continued next page
biological families, friends, and familiar environments. Their responses to loss vary based on developmental stages. Infants may mourn the parent-child bond through intense crying, while older children often articulate their feelings through language or behavior. CASA volunteers and caregivers play a vital role in supporting these children, listening to their emotions, and encouraging healthy expression of grief.
Maintaining connections is essential. CASA volunteers should advocate for the parent-child relationship when safe, allowing children to keep crucial bonds alive. Holidays can be particularly challenging; traditions may fade, leaving children feeling isolated. Collaborating with caregivers, CASA volunteers can help
incorporate familiar traditions into foster care experiences—like making cards for biological families or recreating favorite holiday meals during visits.
Support is vital for children disclosing abuse. Caregivers must be equipped to address their unique emotional needs. While many resources focus on grief related to death, it’s important to acknowledge that for these children, the loss might feel akin to a death the death of their previous family life. This is known as ambiguous loss.
For more guidance on helping children navigate grief, resources like childmind.org and Sesame Street Workshop offer valuable insights.
By Sandra Glenn, Outreach Coordinator
CAFB has dedicated itself to providing education and resources that empower children, teens, and adults to prevent all forms of abuse and victimization. Fort Bend County spans 875 square miles, housing six school districts and educating over 150,000 students. With such a vast and diverse population, the need to safeguard our children is more urgent than ever. As part of our ongoing mission, the Community Engagement Prevention Team at Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) is committed to working tirelessly alongside community stakeholders to protect our most precious resource our children.
This partnership is not just a professional endeavor; it is personal. As a long-time resident of Fort Bend County and a retired educator, I have seen firsthand the importance of equipping young people with the tools they need to stay safe.
Through our collaboration with several campuses in Lamar CISD and Fort Bend ISD, we are using the Child Safety Matters curriculum to reach students and educate them about the dangers of bullying, abuse, and other forms of child victimization We are also addressing critical topics such as internet safety and cyberbullying, ensuring both students and parents understand the hidden risks children face online
In addition to our efforts with youth, we are equally focused on equipping adults with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize and respond to signs of child abuse By working together with schools, families, and the broader community, we are creating safer environments for every child in Fort Bend County
It takes a village to protect our future Through education, awareness, and community engagement, we can ensure that every child grows up in a safe and supportive environment CAFB is proud to be a part of this vital work, and we will continue to stand strong in our mission to protect and uplift the children of our community
Presented by Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation
For 33 years Child Advocates of Fort Bend has been showcasing homes lavishly decorated for the holidays in Fort Bend County’s most beautiful neighborhoods as a way of raising money to support our programs. With the help of professional decorators, homeowners decorate their homes for Christmas and open their doors to the public. Guests purchase tickets to tour the homes and admire the talents of the homeowners and decorators as well as the homeowners’ personal styles. This is one of Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s largest fundraising events Ninety-four percent (94%), of the proceeds go directly toward services for children
Scan the QR code for info, tickets, and more!
Sponsor – There are several opportunities left with perks
Purchase Home Tour Tickets Individual tickets – $35
Purchase a Holiday T-Shirt –Super cute feelin’ festive tees, available in short and long sleeve in cream Show your support and get in the holiday spirit Order yours today! Short-sleeved $27; Long-Sleeved (available online only) $32
Purchase a Butterfly Ornament - These vibrant colored beautiful butterflies are the perfect gift as an ornament or a pedant They measure 3”W x 35” L and come with red gift box and red ribbon, ready for gifting! - $25
Volunteer – Share your time as a 2-3 hour host in one of the homes Bring a friend or family member and volunteer together!
Entertainers & Cookie Bakers – Are you a singer? Do you play an instrument? Contact nandale59@gmail.com Can you bake? Put those your skills to work
For more information contact Tarina at TSheridan@cafb.org.
On October 25th 60 friends gathered to raise money for CAFB They immersed themselves in Asian culture at a private lakefront home in Alkire Lake Everyone enjoyed delicious food from Alings Chinese Bistro, beverages including a Year of the Dragon signature cocktail, and lively conversation The pinnacle of the evening was a traditional Lion Dance and Chinese Kung Fu by Teo Chew Association: Unicorn Dragon and Lion Dance Team Special thanks to incredible CAFB Board Members who coordinated and provided for the evening festivities – Patti Tuma, Pat Somers, Irfan Motiwala, Betty Baitland & Eileen Akerson
updates on training, staff and MORE!
By Dana Mersiovsky
On October 11, we wrapped up two weeks of Pre-Service Volunteer Training and 10 new volunteers were sworn-in to service as CASA Volunteers by Judge Jamie Rawlinson. This incredible and diverse group of individuals will bring so much expertise, lived experience and talent to the children and families served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend. Congratulations to all – we are lucky to have you!
L-R: Denise Paul, Linda Scheidle, Sherri Whitus, Cary Warner, Melissa Bolding, Kelly Poland, Tamara Carrell, Kathy Nelson, Andrea Haro, Sandra Glenn, Paula Noble, Jordan Schlafer, Ebony Williams
Growing up in Fort Bend and Alief as the youngest of three, I developed a strong sense of family and community early on. With 15 years in corporate HR, I've gained valuable experience in the oil and gas and chemical industries. My career has taught me a lot about workforce management and employee relations, and I love helping others succeed in their professional journeys.
As a mother of two adult children and a busy teenager, I truly value the time I spend with my family, always looking for ways to create lasting memories together. Recently, I've started gardening as a hobby, which brings me joy and allows me to unwind while connecting with nature. This new passion not only gives me a chance to relax but also teaches my kids about patience and growth. Balancing family life, work, and personal interests keeps me grounded.
Join us for our new video series “Transforming Lives” to learn about our new initiatives and the work that we do
By Dana Mersiovsky
Child sex trafficking is a grave and pervasive issue that affects millions of children worldwide. It involves the exploitation of minors through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual activities. Victims often endure severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. This crime is driven by various factors, including poverty, lack of education, and inadequate legal protections. Efforts to combat child sex trafficking include strengthening laws, increasing public awareness, and providing support and rehabilitation for survivors. Communities and governments must work together to protect vulnerable children and bring perpetrators to justice.
On October 18, Child Advocates of Fort Bend presented a conference titled THAT is NOT in MY Town ~ Debunking the Myths of Child Sex Trafficking and Exploitation. Many organizations that play a crucial role in protecting children and advocating for stronger laws and support systems presented at the conference. Our opening speaker, Rhonda
Kuykendall, MSW, shared her lived experience and set a powerful stage for the rest of our day. The conference closed with the incredible Dr. Gregory Williams sharing his story and struggle and the importance and need for trauma-informed sensitivity throughout our communities. Special thanks also to Kellye Turner, Regional Director with the Office of the Governors Child Sex Trafficking Team; Mark Hanna, Ashley Harkness and Grayson Miller with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, Special Crimes Division; Kristy Gutierrez, Program Services Director with Child Advocates of Fort Bend and Kerri Taylor, CEO of Unbound NOW-Houston. A special addition to our Conference was the RedM Human Trafficking Art Exhibit on display that was presented by the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Community Awareness Team. We are grateful to The University of Houston at Sugar Land who hosted us for this important and impactful event.
“I cannot recall how many times I was raped or how many photographs were taken of me I am unsure how many visits I made or how many times I was flown between Houston, Texas and Lubbock, Texas. I was flown out on Fridays, returned on Sunday night and Monday morning I was back in elementary school sitting in my seat”
-Rhonda, When Silence Ends: Stories and Art from Survivors of Human Trafficking
Often when we travel through airports, our minds wander. We think about the work trip we ’ re headed to and the meetings we’ll have. The resort we ’ re vacationing at and the fun memories to come. Or maybe we just read our books, listen to our podcasts, and focus on getting home to our own beds. But do we consider that the person next to us could have something different on their mind? They may not even know where they’re going, or what horrors will face them when they arrive. Maybe they’re nervous, hiding their bruises and avoiding eye contact. If they’re traveling with someone, does that person speak for them, or stand outside of the bathroom when they go? If we don’t know the signs and actively look for them, their silent calls for help may never be noticed. from the RedM Human Trafficking Art Exhibit
By Snehal Johnson
CASA was given the opportunity to create a calming corner in a former CPS caseworker’s classroom. Mrs. Turnipseed’s background in CPS helps her understand the importance of working with students through a traumainformed lens. A calming corner provides a safe space in the classroom where a child may go when they feel overwhelmed and dysregulated. A trauma-informed calming corner provides students with an opportunity to utilize the various coping tools/skills to regulate themselves, so they don’t have to be removed from the classroom. Every classroom is full of students with different regulation needs, so it is imperative to have a safe space for students to regulate and go back to learning. The calming corner developed for Mrs. Turnipseed includes texture-rich fidgets, manipulatives, weighted blankets, stress strips, aroma therapy as well as a white noise machine.
This particular calming corner is extra special as it was created for James Steenbergen Middle School, which was named after James Steenbergen, our former Board President at Child Advocates of Fort Bend. Mr. Steenbergen had such a heart for service and dedicated so much of his life to building a better community through his support of CAFB as well as through his leadership in education.
CASA hopes to continue working with educators in our community to bring more awareness to becoming a trauma-informed classroom.
By Aly Ferrante
Adoption was a long-awaited day for three particular children For 1,170 days, they were in the child welfare system, waiting for permanency, working through trauma, trying to build a sense of self, holding onto relationships with their other five siblings, and navigating new normalcies
CPS, CASA, attorneys, and the children’s support networks worked tirelessly to move this case forward for over three years They connected these children and their caregivers with resources and support and advocated every step of the way for the children’s best interest and permanence On October 4, 2024, the children were finally adopted by fictive kin who are people not related to a child by blood or marriage but have a close emotional relationship with the children.
Today, they are no longer waiting for permanency. While they continue to work through their trauma and navigate new experiences, they do so in the hands of their loving families. Today, they remain close and connected with all their siblings. Today, tomorrow, and forever they are home, safe and loved.
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Did you know that Child Advocates of Fort Bend participates in the TX CASA Specialty License Plate Program? You can order a custom license plate with the phrase “Big Voices for Little Texans” Not only can you spread awareness and show your support for us but a portion of the cost of the plate goes to Texas CASA and the local programs to increase our statewide efforts to advocate for
every child in the foster care system. To order your plate go to https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/lice nse-plates and search for CASA under specialty plates OR visit your local tax assessor ’ s office and ask for the Court Appointed Special Advocate license plate
Introduce the topic of Estate Planning and one of the first things that comes to mind is creating a will. But surprisingly, crafting a will isn’t necessarily the first step you should take in the estate planning process. The coming Great Wealth Transfer which will pass tens of trillions of dollars from Baby Boomers to younger generations over the next decade or two will reshape the face of wealth in our country. However, if families don’t prepare, it could take months or even years for beneficiaries to receive their inheritances.
Why? The answer is probate. This is the legal process that takes place when a person dies and leaves assets that need to be distributed. In Texas, estates worth more than $75,000 must go through probate process which can take a year or longer to complete.
But probate can be avoided by taking a few simple steps. Financial advisors say naming
beneficiaries on all your financial accounts is essential. These include a checking or savings account, 401(K), brokerage account, life insurance policy, Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or similar assets. In every case, naming beneficiaries enables skipping the probate process entirely, and inheritors will receive assets more quickly and with fewer headaches. Named beneficiaries supersede anything dictated in a will.
Financial institutions typically prompt clients to name a beneficiary when they sign up and consumers can do this by logging into their online account. It’s a good idea to create a checklist of your assets and go through each one to determine if a beneficiary (or beneficiaries) has been named. This simple exercise can eliminate a lot of red tape and help ensure that your final wishes are honored in a timelier manner.
-continued
What types of Property are exempt from Probate?
Assets held in joint tenancy, such as a home where two people’s names are on the deed
Community property with the right of survivorship
Payable-on-death accounts
Proceeds and benefits from a life insurance policy
Payments from a survivor annuity
Naming a non-profit organization like Child Advocates of Fort Bend as a beneficiary of a valued asset is one of the best ways to leave a lasting legacy It is popular to leave a percentage of an asset to a non-profit We would be honored to add you to the growing list of generous donors who have recently joined the “Forever Angels Legacy Society”
If you would more information about how to make your legacy….their future , please contact us at plannedgiving@cafb.org to discuss your wishes.
What types of Property are exempt from Probate?
Community property with the right of survivorship
Payable-on-death accounts
Proceeds and benefits from a life insurance policy
I was inspired to make a Legacy Gift after a parent told me how Child Advocates of Fort Bend saved their daughter from trauma caused by abuse
Payments from a survivor annuity
-Farha Ahmed, Esq.
TOY DONATION DROP OFF DATES: December 2 - 5 from 9am until 5pm 5403 Avenue N, Rosenberg, TX 77471 For more information, please contact Jen Brown at JBrown@cafb.org
November 12, 2024
TBRI® Correcting Principles
10am - 4pm
Texana Center, 2330 Graeber Road, Rosenberg, TX
November 15, 2024
Dutch Bros Give Back
Visit your local store between 5a and 11pm.
November 19, 2024
Sip & Stroll
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Contact Lisa at LMoore@cafb.org to reserve your spot
November 22, 2024
National Adoption Day
get tickets today!
December 6+7, 2024
Christmas Home Tour
“FAMILY isn’t always blood. It’s the people “FAMILY isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who WANT you in theirs. The in your life who WANT you in theirs. The ones who ACCEPT you for who you are. The ones who ACCEPT you for who you are. The ones who would do ANYTHING to see you ones who would do ANYTHING to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.” smile, and who love you no matter what.”
- Unknown - Unknown