The Voices of Child Advocates of Fort Bend APRIL 2023

The ofVOICES

Inside / Inside /

from the ceo

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and this issue is dedicated to all those children who have suffered from abuse and neglect

Although child abuse is not a new phenomenon, the awareness of child abuse as a crime is fairly recent. As recent as the 1980s, laws were enacted that protected children from various forms of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. Over the past 40 years, the understanding of child abuse has increased along with increased awareness of the incidence, severity and contributing factors. Reporting of abuse is now part of training programs for teachers and school personnel, doctors and medical professionals, daycare and childcare workers. In the state of Texas, anyone who suspects child abuse is obligated by law to make a report to the authorities through the CPS Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or to law enforcement. Over the past few years, disclosures by victims of sexual abuse histories have attracted media attention as actors, athletes and celebrities have stepped forward to recount their abuse. So much of this attention has been focused on child abuse after it has happened – on the identification and treatment of abuse.

Our work at Child Advocates of Fort Bend was exclusively focused in this area for three decades. But, over the past couple of years, we are broadening our focus and moving upstream to better understand what can be done to prevent child abuse from occurring in the first place. Beginning with the formation of our Community Engagement department, we have now reached out to over 15,000 children, teachers, nurses, counselors and community members with safety messaging and early intervention by identifying siblings or family members with risk of abuse. We have recast our CASA advocacy work around trauma and trained all staff, over half of our volunteers and many of our partner agencies in trauma training so that as a community of child serving agencies we are approaching children through a trauma lens so that we can reduce the risk of re-abuse. Our therapy and mental health services have added psychiatric services through our partnership with UT Health Sciences Pediatric and continued next page

Adolescent Residency Program so that we can intervene and hopefully prevent escalation of mental health symptoms and further abuse.

We are beginning to shift our orientation around child abuse from strictly a criminal justice model to include a public health model and are exploring approaches that reflect a disease model incorporating risk factors, early intervention, treatment, recovery and ongoing supports. We have updated our Vision Statement to reflect this by proclaiming our long-term goal to End the Cycle of Abuse and Neglect. As we reflect on the 22,000 children we have served since we opened our doors, we take this month of April to honor them and their incredible resilience while at the same time vowing to do whatever is in our power to prevent other children from suffering this fate.

Take a moment this month to display a blue ribbon on your car, tie a blue ribbon on a tree, take a tour of our building to learn more about child abuse services (and bring a friend) and join us at our Gala For The Children as we close out the month of April. Together as a community, I firmly believe that we can make huge strides in the Prevention of Child Abuse and keep our children safe.

For the Children's Sake,

Ruthanne Mefford, CEO

April is. .

Child Abuse Awareness Month

By Lindsey Castellanos

We see this quote often and it’s meaning can sometimes be overlooked. Being the change means actively changing how the world around us operates. Child abuse and neglect continues unless we act and change what is acceptable around us. People who wish to harm children are counting on adults to look the other way and for children to be silent. But we can be empowered to act.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend staff and volunteers work hard every day to flip those dynamics and we need each parent or person who is involved with children to take part in this action. It might be hard to imagine that child abuse is occurring, but it happens in all areas of our communities.

As you pass by the Historic Richmond Courthouse or drive down Highway 90 into Houston you will see the blue ribbons in white stakes that represent the 2,380 children that Child Advocates of Fort Bend served in 2022. Each blue ribbon represents the hurts and harm a child endured by an adult or child/teen that in 90% of cases the child knew and trusted. For each child that came to Child Advocates of Fort Bend an adult knew the signs of abuse, suspected something was wrong and reported it.

There are many opportunities for all adults to notice risky situations children might be in. We can each be the change that keeps a child

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Ghandi

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Ghandi

from experiencing abuse because there are many situations of abuse that go unreported. We each need to take responsibility to learn how to prevent or intervene in child abuse situations.

There are several steps parents can take to prevent child abuse:

1. Educate yourself on child abuse: Learn about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect at www.cafb.org, and know what to do if you suspect abuse. If you suspect abuse you can call 1-800-252-5400 to report it. You don’t have to be sure. All reports made in good faith are accepted. You can remain anonymous. All adults are obligated by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

2. Build a supportive family environment: Create a safe and nurturing environment at home by providing your child with love, affection, and positive reinforcement. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the stress of life, reach out for support. Talk with your partner or spouse about how you will discipline. Never discipline your child when you are angry. Disciplining while angry can lead to abuse.

3. Establish open communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and opinions, and listen to them without judgment Talk about your own values and hopes for them Be willing to listen to their perspective, especially teens Being heard is an important value as children grow You are

demonstrating to them the respect you want to receive.

4. Set appropriate boundaries: Teach your child about appropriate behaviors and personal boundaries, and ensure that they understand that they have the right to say no to unwanted physical contact, even to authority figures, family members, or older children. Empowering children to “Be the boss of their bodies” helps them understand when someone is crossing personal boundaries.

5. Screen potential caregivers: When choosing a caregiver for your child, make sure to thoroughly screen them and check their references. Check in with your child after they have been in the care of another person, even family members, youth serving organizations, or trusted babysitters. It’s okay to ask them about what happened while you were away. Let caregivers know you have talked to your child about inappropriate behaviors.

6. Teach your child about personal safety: Teach your child about personal safety, including what to do if someone tries to touch them inappropriately. Talk to them in age appropriate ways about what they can do if someone hurts them. There are many great resources to talk to kids about all different kinds of topics Children feel safer to talk when they know their parents are willing to start those conversations

We are making strides in the right direction. More and more parents are learning new ways of interacting with their children to prevent all types of child abuse. There are more supports in place to give parents avenues and resources they need to reduce stress. The messaging around child abuse is powerful and is being noticed in ways that it has never been before.

No parent has all the answers. Utilizing trainings and resources in person and online normalizes for us that we all need help. It’s okay, even brave to ask for help. Give yourself grace as a parent or caregiver. When a parent acknowledges that they could have done better with a situation, it brings authenticity to the relationship. Often a repair in a relationship can be the foundation of a new beginning. Kids want to know that adults mess up too.

If you would like more resources or assistance, Child Advocates of Fort Bend hosts Darkness to Light once a month to equip all adults to better protect kids. Every child deserves to have a safe, innocent childhood. Be the hope that a child needs. Be that kind of change.

People who wish to

Volunteer Appreciation Month

By Jennifer Brown

Walking the red carpet at our recent volunteer celebration

Walking the red carpet at our recent volunteer celebration

“If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.”-Author Unknown

This month is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and we have the very best here at Child Advocates of Fort Bend. We couldn’t do what we do for children and families without each and every one of our volunteers. They support, advocate for and help build better futures for the children we serve every day. We are incredibly grateful for our volunteers and send a huge shout out to each of them! Thank you for all that you have done, CAFB Volunteers! We appreciate you!

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

-James Matthew Barrie

SPOTLIGHT: Maria Sonnen

By Melissa Johnson

Maria started her volunteer journey with CAFB by completing volunteer training during August of 2016 and shortly after began sharing her gift of decorating for holidays with the CAC With her generous spirit, she purchases decorations and then decorates the CAC so beautifully that kids, families, and staff stare in awe and say “Wow! This is so pretty!” She started with Christmas and now decorates for Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and Thanksgiving!! We are so blessed to have Maria share her time and talents with us! In addition to decorating, she has had several CASA cases, volunteers every Thursday morning at the CAC, is a mom to four beautiful girls, and is a full-time realtor She may be small, but she is mighty!!

SPOTLIGHT: Pat Somers

Celebrating 30 Years of volunteering

By Jennifer Brown

It’s not often that an organization is blessed with an individual that believes in the mission so wholeheartedly that they not only help build it and put the work in to get the program started but then they stay and continue to serve faithfully and fully for 30+ years Child Advocates of Fort Bend is fortunate and grateful to have such a person Pat Somers She has been with CAFB every step the way As I sit here and write this article, Pat is in the front office, working diligently at the front desk She’s working on projects for our GALA, answering the phone, welcoming guests, and directing people where they need to be

Not only does she work a shift at the front desk, but she has consistently had a CASA case since 1992, is a member of our Board of Directors and Past President, is a Friends Council member, is a part of our Outreach Speaking Team and ANYTHING else we need When I tell you there is nothing she can’t do, it’s the truth She is incredible She is compassionate and knowledgeable She’s a wonderful friend, wife and grandmother She has an impressive collection of Christmas head gear and is a fierce bridge player, some say She is a wonderful resource to all staff here at CAFB from speeches to Education Committee questions, to how things should run more effectively within our walls and beyond She is one of the first people we look to for guidance, a need or a solution

Not to mention she’s one of the most wonderful people to be with You will laugh and you will enjoy your time with her that’s a given Irene Wisner, our Front Desk Administrator, may say it best in saying “She’s just the most pleasant person in the whole world. She’s a great friend and a great co-worker. She has a personality that works well with anyone and everyone. She can put people at ease and she makes

everything look easy regardless of the challenge She’s simply amazing and I’d just do anything for her I love her so much”

When you walk into the annual GALA that Child Advocates of Fort Bend hosts, Pat is who you should be looking for Not only will she most definitely be there, but usually she will be dressed up, laughing and helping ensure the night is a success Her joyfulness is contagious!

Snehal Johnson, one of our Advocacy Specialist’s has this to say about Pat “Oh Pat There aren’t enough words to describe Pat Somers I have had the absolute honor working alongside Pat for the past year Her selflessness, gracious attitude and intoxicating spirit are inspiring to watch She is dedicated to her passion of child advocacy which is shown in so many ways around our agency I have told Pat since day one that I will ALWAYS be learning from her WAY before she ever learns from me I am in absolute awe Every Single Day”

Carol Holton previously worked with CAFB for 16 years and said “I quickly became aware that Pat was becoming one of the hardest working and dedicated to the cause volunteers we had I can't recall not seeing her at any of the CAFB events and many times she hosted these events at her house Early on, she had a full time teaching job in the Alief school district but she still managed to find the time for CASA We always knew we could count on Pat! I'd say she's one of the main reasons the agency not only survived, but thrived On a personal level, Pat is one of the kindest women I have had the privilege of knowing! She always goes out of her way to make you feel special!”

It was said at our Volunteer Banquet that “If Pat Somers isn’t your favorite person in this room, you haven’t met her yet.” These are just a few examples of the stories and kind words I was told when asking about Pat for this article. I have so many emails and notes from people wanting me to add more and more and more. We truly cannot say enough good things about Pat for her 30 years of service to our agency. She is one in a million and we are so lucky to have her.

She is one of the first people we look to for guidance, a need or a solution

LIGHT OF HOPE

By Lindsey Castellanos

Light of Hope- Laughter, pinwheels, bubbles, and a movie under the stars…. These are the magical things of childhood that we hope for each child. Light of Hope by Child Advocates of Fort Bend is our opportunity to give a safe night out to all children and families in our community. This annual child abuse prevention event was hosted on March 31, 2023 at Wessendorff Park.

The evening kicked off with 14 non-profit and business partners providing a host of games and fun activities for children and families to enjoy. A treat walk featured donated snacks by Frito-Lay, a bounce house was full of smiling kiddos, and a game truck kept our tech savvy children entertained. We are grateful to have the partnership with the City of Richmond to co-host this event and provide a night of fun the whole family can enjoy. By celebrating the resiliency of families and strengthening their bonds, we remember the children who do not have a safe home.

Children throughout our community experience abuse every day. We recognize the courage of each child who has come forward to tell. CAFB is committed to bringing to light the issues of child abuse and neglect. Our CEO, Ruthanne Mefford and Board President, David Lanagan sent a powerful message of action to learn the signs, speak up when a situation doesn’t look right, and to report abuse. We can’t wait for someone else to get involved. Mayor Pro Tem, Alex BeMent, read a proclamation to declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Our “Be the Hope” and “Be the Light” t-shirts sent a message that each one of us, child or adult can do something. What can do you? Check out the rest of our newsletter for great resources and events that will inspire you to help prevent abuse and neglect. It takes all of us!

monthly spotlights

CASA Day at the Capitol- New Volunteers- Staff Updates - and more!

CASA Day at the Capitol

Child Advocates of Fort Bend had another successful CASA Day at the Capitol on 3/1/2023 Texas CASA and multiple CASA programs across the state were present CAFB staff, board members and CASA volunteers spoke to elected officials and their staff, highlighting the positive effects CASA has on children and families involved in the child welfare system CASA programs collectively advocated for continued funding, appointing CASA volunteers in court ordered services cases, supporting and encouraging placements with relative caregivers, supporting policies to keep families safely together and supporting access to safe, stable placements in communities

CAFB Welcomes New Volunteers

By Dana Mersiovsky

On March 31st we completed two weeks of Volunteer Training and welcomed 16 new volunteers to the Child Advocates of Fort Bend Family. This amazing group of individuals brings compassion, kindness, empathy and an eagerness to give their time and talents to the children and families we serve. During the

training one of our participants stated, “This is where I know I need to be.” Special thanks to Judge Monica Rawlins for swearing in our new class. We appreciate you!

Congratulations to our new volunteers – what you do transforms children’s lives.

Congratulations to Brenda Zavala!

If you see Bilingual Therapist Brenda Zavala, don't forget to congratulate her She recently passed her LCSW exam and is now a licensed clinical social worker We are so happy for her and proud to have her as a member of our team

Maxi Schultz, Advocacy Specialist

Hi there from your newest CASA team member! You may remember meeting me a year ago when I came on board as a Forensic Interviewer in the CAC. Let me reintroduce myself as Maxi Schultz, Advocacy Specialist. I’m thrilled about this transition and excited to gain new experiences in this role while getting to remain an employee at the greatest agency! Volunteer service and the time and resources they provide truly keep our agency going I cannot wait to interact on a more personal level supporting volunteers who take CASA cases Advocacy is my passion, and I am ready to stand alongside volunteers and aid them in the task that is representing the best interest of children in foster care I have previous experience in this role at a different center and am prepared to bring my background knowledge while soaking in all that there is to learn here. My new team has welcomed me with open arms, and I am ready to get to work!

Are you interested in joining our team? We have openings Click here for more information or to apply today.

A Duo of Helpers

It takes a village is a well-known refrain for those who work to improve the lives of others, especially those most vulnerable The Charity Guild of Catholic Women and the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation are two consistent supporters of CAFB whose grant awards will benefit the health and welfare of children and families in our community impacted by abuse

The forerunner to the Charity Guild of Catholic Women began in the 1920s when a handful of volunteers provided needlework and monetary donations to support disadvantaged children Today members representing 71 parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and volunteering in over 25 separate committees, continue the mission of supporting children in basic needs, health and safety, education, supportive recreation and enrichment services, and restorative and psychological assistance Through proceeds from the Charity Guild Shop of consignment goods, CAFB is fortunate to be among 54 agencies to receive a recent grant, benefitting children who have suffered abuse with therapy and mental health supports At 100+ years, the Sewing Committee is the oldest committee of the Guild and continues to sew layettes for infants

Before joining her husband in business and philanthropy, Ethel A Avis and her family were instrumental in establishing the Fulshear United Methodist Church (Texas), which later became a recipient of the Herzstein Foundation Since 1965, the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation has supported numerous large and small philanthropic causes rooted in service and leadership Their legacy continues today with efforts that enrich the human spirit, contribute to the quality of life in our society and offer individuals opportunities for advancement CAFB is fortunate to be a recent grant recipient to support our children in foster care with court advocacy and programming to improve their outcomes

Both foundations believe in equal treatment and dignity for all, regardless of circumstance CAFB is grateful they are a part of our village and share our commitment to improving the lives of citizens

For more information on these impressive foundations, visit them online at https://charityguildshoporg and

https://herzsteinfoundationorg

CEO FOUNDATION

When her three children and her mother perished in a fire at their Sugar Land home during the catastrophic Texas winter storm of 2021, Jackie Pham was left with a broken heart and a dream. That dream became the CEO Foundation, fueled by the generous support of people across the country who donated in memory of her family in the wake of the tragedy. This foundation is named for her three children: Colette, Edison and Olivia.

Today, as Founder & President, Jackie has the help of Charlene Sabonghy, Director of Operations and Kelly Goff, Director of Development to support initiatives that closely align with her core values of education and arts, health and wellness, and environmental and social impact for the children of Sugar Land and beyond. The foundation's primary goal is to promote these values in children and their families for generations to come.

Families served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) benefited from the Foundation’s mission. As a beneficiary of their recent inaugural Gala, live auction packages were purchased by guests, but predesignated to be given to children and families in need. These gifts included packages to attend some of Houston’s most iconic activities, such as four (4) Club level seats to a concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a 4-hour sailboat tour of Galveston Bay from Kemah, four (4) Club level tickets to an Astros game, and $500 to split with each family for activity incidentals.

Ground-breaking will begin soon on CAFB’s new Wellness Park of which the CEO Foundation has naming rights to three (3) trees, in remembrance of Colette, Edison and Olivia, planned for the space. This new wellness park will provide a retreat for clients in an adjacent parcel and include an outdoor sodded activity space to engage children in

L to R: Anne Marie Ponce de Leon Jackie Pham Ruthanne Mefford Nancy Olson Kelly Goff and Charlene Sabonghy

exercise, group and sports activities for their mental and physical health Features of the Wellness Park will incorporate the five senses to create an environment that nourishes, relaxes, refreshes, and provides a retreat for self-care, away from the very demanding trauma services where staff can engage with children and families throughout the day or use as a respite space for their own wellness The features planned begin with a cedar archway entrance to serve as a threshold as one enters the park, a healing circle for meditation and breathing, water feature for sound and soothing, herb garden for growth, smell and taste, flowering and aromatic plants for smell, flagstone sitting walls and retaining wall for relaxation, and a cedar pergola to provide shade and a space for yoga. The entire park will be gated and surrounded by 8’ fencing for security and privacy.

Thank you to Jackie and all supporters of the CEO Foundation for the mark they are making in our community in helping vulnerable children and families.

L to R: Robert Le , Ruthanne Mefford and Cecile Cao

Thank you to Southwest Airlines! Southwest has partnered with Texas CASA to provide 50 roundtrip airline tickets for our Courtesy CASA program to visit children who are placed far away from home. Recently, Courtesy CASA Louanne Munden visited three siblings in their adoptive placement in Portland, OR.

Did you know that Child Advocates of Fort Bend runs the Courtesy CASA program for the entire state of Texas?

That’s right - our team of three Courtesy CASA’s – Stevie Irby (Lead), Makayleigh Adams and Louanne Munden handle all of the courtesy CASA visits.

Thank You Southwest Airlines

About the program: Courtesy CASA visits give local programs who have children placed outside of their region the unique benefit of still having a trained CASA visit their child face-to-face. Local CASA programs can request Courtesy CASA visits for children who are in urgent need of an in-person visit that their volunteer or program cannot currently provide.

Once a visit has been made, the Courtesy CASA reports their findings and provides pictures of the children and their placement directly to the local CASA program. The information gathered during the visit allows the primary CASA and their supervisor to make informed recommendations to the judge and ensure the child’s needs are being met.

Won't you join us?

Gather your friends and join us for a sweet, magical evening that will make a HUGE difference for children in Fort Bend!

To sponsor or for tickets go to www.cafb.org or contact Tarina at TSheridan@cafb.org or 281-344-5109.

We need your help! We need your help!

Will you donate to our auction? Will you donate to our auction?

Gift Cards ($25+ value)

Wine/Spirits ($35 minimum value)

Vouchers for travel + experiences

Sports tickets

Themed baskets (pets, crafts, teens, sports, etc.)

Home decor, women, children's items

Melissa Johnson Shares Her Why

I retired after 30 years of teaching and was volunteering several places but it wasn’t filling enough of my time and I wanted to do more. Juli (Johnson) recommended that I volunteer at Child Advocates of Fort Bend. I completed volunteer training, accepted a CASA case and started volunteering in the Children’s Advocacy Center in August of 2016.

I really wasn’t looking to return to work but a few months after I started volunteering, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Program Assistant position became available. As a teacher, I taught at title one schools and had made several CPS reports, but I never knew the outcome. Often, those kids were placed in foster care, and they would leave the school and I’d never see them again. It bothered me not knowing if they were okay. The more I

thought about that and about the mission and work that CAFB does, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

As the Program Assistant, I supervise the volunteers, make sure we have volunteer coverage in the waiting rooms and the front desk, prepare the folders and make sure that families get the paperwork and fill it out correctly, monitor what is going on the playrooms and sign out copies of the interviews to partners when they leave. I am also responsible for feeding Lizzy (our therapy dragon) and getting her out when the kids want to see her. I feel so blessed to work with this great staff and the amazing volunteers who do such a wonderful job.

I love my job! I love being able to have a part in helping children and families by

Hear in their own words why these staff in their words why these staff members are a part of our team members are a part of our team.

making them feel safe and comfortable when they walk through the door I see children who come in stressed out but are like a different child after their interview They go from not making eye contact to smiling, talking, and playing a game or coloring I get to watch children who come in weekly for therapy and see their transformation first-hand As they get more

comfortable, they make themselves at home and look forward to coming to see their therapist and the volunteers I love watching them progress to graduating from therapy, knowing that they have learned and acquired the tools that they need to helpfully live a safe life

(click the link and watch the video)

Lindsey Castellanos Shares Her Why

This month, we have immediate need for:

Gift Cards with a value of $35 or more (including gift card to Specs and Total Wine) for the Gala gift card pull

Wine & Spirits valued at $35 or greater (or gift cards to Total Wine or Specs) for our Gala wine & spirit pull

Blankets, stuffed animals and pop-its

sAdditional items can be found on our WISH LIST

Join

Legacy Society

Planned Giving is simply another way to meet your philanthropic goals in a thoughtfully planned, high impact way. Planned Giving is a way for you to integrate your personal, financial and estate planning by making lifetime or testamentary gifts There are a variety of ways to do this - including retirement assets, stocks and bonds, cash, insurance policies, and property When the time is right for you, we would love to visit to discuss the values closest to your heart and explore how your different gift options could benefit vulnerable children for years to come, while also benefitting you and your family

Help Give Back in April

We are happy to announce that Touchstone Crystal and Dutch Bros are giving back to Child Advocates of Fort Bend this April!

Touchstone Crystal is going to donate 100% of proceeds from the April FUNdraiser Order anytime between April 1st and April 30th on this link

Buy yourself or a friend something fun and feel good about giving back!

Dutch Bros will be donating $1 for every drink sold at their 3 Fort Bend locations on April 14 to us Mark your calendar and make sure to stop by that day

save these dates

April 7

CAFB Office Closed

April 11

TBRI Overview

10am - 4pm More info

April 13

Darkness to Light Training

6pm - 8pm Get details

April 14

Trauma Informed Care Conference

9am - 2pm Get details

April 19

Sip & Stroll

9:30am - 11am

Contact Suzanne at SSlavin@cafb.org to reserve your spot

April 25

TBRI Connecting Principles

10am - 4pm More info

April 29

Charlie's Chocolate Factory Gala More info

May 9

TBRI Overview

10am - 4pm

More info

“It is such a relief to have told this secret that “It is such a relief to have told this secret that I've keep inside for years and for someone to I've keep inside for years and for someone to believe me and want to help me." believe me and want to help me."

- Deanna (child) - Deanna (child)