The Home Page Summer 2019 A FOCUS ON NORMALCY
At The Settlement Home for Children (The Home), we believe that child well-being is built and strengthened over time with resources like a safe, structured, caring environment and by teaching the life skills that lead to a healthy, productive adulthood. Each of our programs builds a foundation for children so they gain confidence, form healthy relationships and develop a set of skills and beliefs that help them thrive. We provide 24-hour care to help children in foster care access the materials and support they need to restore and preserve a permanent sense of well-being. For youth in foster care, normalcy means having opportunities to participate in age-appropriate experiences while they are growing up. This includes having sleepovers, getting a job, earning a driver’s license and participating in extracurricular activities. At The Home, we offer diverse activities to provide normalizing experiences to residents. In an effort to provide normalcy in a therapeutic setting, we offer the following to each child who lives at The Home: • Event celebrations: birthdays, • A caregiver who lives with • A safe and secure living Quinceañeras, high school them 24 hours a day environment proms and graduations • Professional staff who ensure • Counseling, including • Enriching field trips that all healthcare needs are individual, group and family • Access to summer camps met therapy • A one-on-one volunteer mentor • Assistance obtaining a driver’s • An individualized treatment license • Recreation and extracurricular plan • Support transitioning out of activities • An individualized academic foster care • Education on proper nutrition plan, tutoring and credit recovery
Residents organized a talent show to share their creativity with their peers.
Extracurricular activities, like participation in STEM Club, foster a sense of purpose and provide opportunities for exploration.
Creating chalk art is a therapeutic and creative way for children to express themselves.
A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I am often asked to share success stories about the impact The Settlement Home for Children (The Home) has on the lives of those we serve. In response, I comment that it depends on how you measure success. We recently had a former resident contact us to let us know she is graduating from law school this spring and is preparing for the bar exam. She is in the process of purchasing a home and is looking forward to providing a healthy and stable life for her two children. By most people’s standards, this positive outcome qualifies as a success. Would it surprise you to learn that this same woman experienced homelessness, incarceration and survived an abusive relationship before getting on her feet? Would that change your opinion about whether or not this person is a success story? This young lady’s road to success was not an easy one. Young adulthood can be a very trying time for any of us but especially for those with histories of emotional trauma. While some individuals are able to integrate what they learn from the deep therapeutic care they receive at The Home and immediately apply it, for others this can take time.
healing to occur. These three components are our houseparent model, our therapist model and our continuum of care, which includes aftercare services. Consistency and predictability are two vital factors in working with youth who have experienced trauma, so we designed our treatment model to ensure this.
Houseparent Model
Our residential program includes six homes for teenage girls; each home has a designated houseparent who lives with the girls and has her own separate bathroom and bedroom. One houseparent works from Wednesday morning until Saturday afternoon, and then she trades out with the other houseparent who works from Saturday afternoon until midday Wednesday. There is intentional overlap in their schedules on Wednesday and Saturday to allow for communication between the two houseparents so that we can ensure consistency of care. Each houseparent has a staff partner that we call a Youth Care Counselor who works alongside her throughout the waking hours when the kids are home.
This model provides consistency, promotes connection with a healthy adult and enhances the ability for a child to trust her caregiver. For many of the kids we serve, this is the first time they have experienced a relationship with a safe caregiver. Healing takes place when trust and connection are established. Our houseparent model provides the Since we know that often the unsafe behaviors we perfect opportunity for a child to connect to a safe see from our kids are actually symptoms of trauma, adult. The same person that wakes her up in the we do not measure an individual’s potential by her morning tucks her in at night. In other facilities, staff behavior. Instead, we view her by her story and members rotate on shifts, and relationships and trust her strengths. We believe in sticking with our kids can take longer to develop. through thick and thin, and they know that we are there for them, even after they leave our care. We “Healing takes place when trust and also know that for some individuals, the seeds that connection are established. Our houseparent are planted while they are in our care do not see full model provides the perfect opportunity for potential until later in their lives. a child to connect to a safe adult. The same person that wakes her up in the morning tucks “Since we know that often the unsafe behaviors her in at night.” we see from our kids are actually symptoms of trauma, we do not measure an individual’s potential by her behavior. Instead, we view her Therapist Model by her story and her strengths.” The Home’s therapist model is unique because each home in our residential program is overseen The Home has three unique characteristics that and guided by a licensed therapist. This therapist we believe are the keys to success for significant does not just meet one hour per week for therapy 2
with a resident as they do in some residential programs. Having the therapist in the residents’ living environment on a consistent basis provides opportunities for clinical observation, assessment and intervention. Imagine a teenager sitting with a therapist for 50 minutes a week in an office setting, in contrast to the daily interaction that occurs when the therapist is in the child’s home environment. The therapist has so much more information to work with in understanding the child, developing trust and providing consistent intervention and treatment.
“Having the therapist in the residents’ living environment on a consistent basis provides opportunities for clinical observation, assessment and intervention.”
The therapist provides individual, group and family therapy to each resident living in the home and also provides guidance to houseparents and Youth Care Counselors. These staff members learn from the therapist about clinical assessments and interventions, which is one of the many reasons we call ourselves a teaching facility. On-the-job training is one of the most powerful ways to learn.
Continuum of Care
At The Home, we provide a continuum of care, which means that as residents complete their goals for treatment, they have the opportunity to move to one of the other programs within our community. This significant next step motivates residents to complete their treatment goals. For example, a child admitted to one of our more structured homes can work towards moving to a home where she is able to be more independent. We often work with youth who do not have a reliable discharge plan in place, meaning that after they leave us, they have no idea where they will go. Our continuum of care allows them to move in either direction in the continuum based on their needs and creates stability so that residents do not have to move to another facility if their treatment goals change. When a resident moves across our continuum, she does so without having to change schools, doctors or
locations. The child knows us, knows our model and receives the predictability and consistency she needs to feel safe and connected. The Home’s continuum of care also includes aftercare services, which support residents and former residents in preparing for self-sufficiency, as well as educational and professional success. Our Aftercare Coordinator works with our young women to provide guidance and assistance as they navigate young adulthood, which may include connecting them with positive role models as mentors; assisting them in obtaining a driver’s license or helping them to obtain legal documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards and identification cards—documents that are required for job applications and college enrollment. We know that when residents leave our care with a supportive social network, a driver’s license and the documents necessary to further their educational and professional goals, we have set them up for success as best we can.
Stories of Success
These three unique characteristics set The Home apart from other programs. It is important to consider that healing takes time, and results do not happen overnight. On page four, you will meet Renee, who left our care in 2010 and was recently in touch with us. Renee needed time, consistency and connection in order to heal. She started in our residential programs in 2004 where she benefited from relationships with caregivers through our houseparent model, received comprehensive therapeutic care through our therapist model and was able to move through our continuum of care as her treatment needs changed. As you read through The Home Page, you will see how your support and involvement impact the deserving young people we serve. It is always my pleasure to share with you updates about the work we do to help individuals heal from trauma. Thank you for making this important work possible. All my best to you, Darcie DeShazo
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ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT: RENEE Renee moved to The Home in 2004 when she was 10 years old. She was scared and did not know anyone here. She says she had a hard time adjusting to the routine and structure. She did not trust staff members and wanted to leave. These are the same feelings many of our residents have when they first arrive at The Home. Our residential programs teach children like Renee coping skills, independent living habits and how to build healthy attachments. Renee says staff at The Home provided a consistent adult presence and showed her that they cared about her success. She made great progress in healing from her trauma. The therapy she received and the individual treatment plan that her therapist developed were keys to Renee’s success. Her favorite memories from her time living at The Home were the fun activities she participated in that she otherwise would never have been able to experience, such as attending University of Texas sporting events, seeing the circus, attending holiday parties at the homes of Settlement Club members and shopping at Korman Fine Jewelry each December with a gift certificate she earned from doing community service. Each of these activities was made possible by generous supporters of The Home. Renee recalls feeling special that someone she did not know would provide these unique experiences. It is this generosity that motivates Renee to donate her own time and resources. “I felt like I was loved,” she says. “I’m a giver now because it meant so much to me to come home from school and have something new that had been donated to me. That made a huge impact on how I live my life now.” In 2010, Renee was adopted by her grandfather and moved to Waco.
Aftercare Services
“I graduated from high school, which is something no one in my family had ever done,” she says of the accomplishment, unable to hide the pride in her voice.
“I’m a giver now because it meant so much
to me to come home from school and have something new that had been donated to me. That made a huge impact on how I live my life now.” “I have my own apartment and a good job working for an insurance company. At The Home, I learned how important it is to have a strong work ethic to reach my goals.” Renee says she would like to go back to school and study social work. She dreams of making a difference in the lives of other women by sharing the hope that there is opportunity in the world and that, like her, all women can be successful despite the challenges they may have faced. At The Home, our ultimate vision is to end the cycle of child abuse. We do that by helping children in foster care heal from their trauma, learn healthy coping skills and establish lasting habits that lead to success in adulthood. Learning these things impacts their own parenting skills to help break the cycle of abuse. “I apply the coping skills I learned at The Home all the time. I am able to use my voice and not lash out,” she says. We are proud of Renee and will continue to be a resource and support to her and to other alumnae through our aftercare services.
Transitioning to adulthood is a time of uncertainty for most young people, and that uncertainty is often exacerbated for young adults who have gaps in their experience, knowledge and coping abilities because of their history of severe emotional trauma, abuse and neglect. When we give residents the advantage of establishing a healthy social network, support them with getting a driver’s license and assist them with obtaining the legal documents needed to enroll in college or obtain a job, we have set them up for success as best we can. 4
FOSTERING MY WHY by Julie Smith
Julie was licensed as a foster parent through The Settlement Home’s Foster & Adoption Program. We hope you enjoy this note she shared with us about her journey as a foster parent and the impact it has had on her life.
I don’t remember a time in life when I wasn’t searching for purpose and meaning. As a five year old I survived a fatal car accident, experienced the loss of a sibling and became the miracle child in my family. For as long as I can remember I’ve been looking for ways to grow from this loss and maximize the time I have on this planet. This purpose-seeking journey has led me to amazing places, including an incredibly meaningful career. The thing I love most about my role at Leadership Austin is helping other people connect with their “why.” Why are you here? What is most important to you? How do you follow your passion, create purpose and foster things you want to see in the world? For the last seven years, this job has brought significant purpose into my life, and the people I have gotten to meet have impacted me in ways they may never know. I also don’t remember a time when I didn’t dream of being a mom. As I approached my mid-thirties, I recognized how many things I loved about my life, and I also knew there was something missing. It was my deep desire for purpose and parenthood combined with my experience with loss and grief that led me to foster parenting. When the day arrived that I officially became a mom, everything I knew about how profoundly people can make an impact on one another intensified beyond my expectations. A feisty and courageous little human being came into my home, and my whole world changed. I have never felt more connected to my “why” than when I took my first placement. It was around 1:00 a.m. on a Friday in September 2017 when she arrived. She was 4 years old and sleeping on the caseworker’s shoulder when they brought her to me. Several hours later she woke up in a place she’d never been before, and so did I. We were both terrified but there was an immediate love between us that I will never forget. As I’m sure is the case with any new parent, there have been so many terrifying “I’ve never been here before” moments for me along the way. Many of them stick in my mind because I either handled them beautifully or horribly,
and I’m sure there are even more that I’ve already forgotten. Hearing her sweet little voice call out when she woke up - “Hello?” - is certainly a moment I can’t imagine ever forgetting. “Amazing A” was only with me for a couple of weeks (17 days to be exact), but that little girl made me a mom, and she will be in my heart forever. A couple of months later I answered the call for my second placement. Again, I was abruptly awoken to a new reality. It was 3:00 a.m., and they needed a home for an 18 month old boy. With emergency placements, that is often about all of the information you get: age and gender. The rest of the call remains a little fuzzy as I was still half asleep, but I do remember them telling me he had very young parents. Within about an hour he was in my home, neither of us having any idea what to think of each other or any idea of how important we would become in each other’s lives. So many people tell me “I could never do that. I would get too attached.” My response to this is always, “That’s exactly what these children need.” I made a promise that I would love every child that comes into my home as if they were my own for as long as they need me. I want them to have someone who is heartbroken to think of life without them. The ability to do this—to love and to lose—was something I knew I had the capacity to do.
“I made a promise that I would love every child that comes into my home as if they were my own for as long as they need me.” Finish reading about Julie’s experience with “Little J” on blog at settlementhome.org/fostering-my-why NOTE: To protect the privacy and to adhere to confidentiality requirements, we do not show faces of children in the foster care system. 5
THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS FRIENDS AND DONORS! The following list reflects gifts made to The Home between October 16, 2018 and March 31, 2019.
Under $50 Jamie Akenhead Dr. Barbara Shaw Alford Nancy C. Alliegro Betty Andrews Maneka and Carlos Anguiano Daniel A. Armendariz Debra and Bruce Aupperle Susan Balagia Kay and Jerry Ballard Valerie Barron Annie Bocanegra Susan Campbell and William F. Stutts, Jr. Joyce Chaney Jane and William Daniel Amanda Davis Lynn Davis John Denton Mary Jane and James DiSorbo Sally Finklea Gwen and Davis Ford Glenda and Robert Grant Jean and Gary Hanson Mayrene Henderson Sherry and Thomas H. Hill Carol and Kim Johnson Mary Jordan Katherine Lee Lloyd Lochridge Meier Family Suzanne Mitchell and Richard Zansitis Sharon Mosley Susan Nold Elena Ramirez Mary Jane Randolph Kathleen Resnick Richard Salinas Janet Sawyer Patricia Cabrera Schieck Suzanne Scruggs Susan Sitton Patrick Slevin Kristy Sorensen Susan and Dan Summers Tackett Family Patricia Tamminga Telco Data Ellen C. Wavro Blythe and Chris Wilson $50-$99 Charlotte and Joseph Andrezik
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Marcia Bailey Karol Bauman Terrell Blodgett Elizabeth Carlton Allison and David Cline Marybeth Delphia Judith J. Dill George Douglas Ellen and Lester Ducote Clareve and WC Enmon Cortney Ferris Lucie Fontaine Andrew Heller Will High Alison and Jeff Huxel Mary Jordan and Bill McGrath Betty Knight Penny Kusterer Ike and Patty Loose Russell N. Miller Barbara Minton Nella and Lonny Montgomery Debbie A. Oatman Joanne Ragle Sandra Saldana Debbie and Larry Simons Nancy Jo and George Spaulding Janet and Fred Stidman Jan Stokes Janet Strahan Kim Weatherby Sharon and Frank Woodul Kris Wu $100-$249 Apothecary Fantasy League Jannis and Robert Baldwin Dolly and John Barclay Margene and Dr. Patrick Beckham Sallie Berry Dr. Carolyn Biebas Kimberley Bollinger Helen and Francis Bostick Cynthia Bowen Lynn and Dr. Richard Box Betty Ann and Larry Boyd Judy and Terry Bray Ann and Truman Breed Bright Funds Foundation Ann Callaway
Karen and Dr. Lou Cannatti Betty Chapman Carrielu and Chuck Christensen Cecelia Small Cook Maddie Cook Margaret and Tom Cowden Stacia Crescenzi Nina and Jack Crier Ann Cunningham Bess and Bob Dennison Susan Dorsey Ruth Doss Jean Doughtie Stacey Drown Margaret and Gordon Dykes Pat and Tom Ellison F. Dudley and Connie W. Fulton Nancy and Dr. William Gamel Robert Godwin Good Shepherd Church Kate and Louis Granger Patsy D. Green Linda Kay Guleke Troy Gully Gayle and Dr. Fred Hansen Karon and Richard Harris Paul Hermesmeyer Victoria and Jimmy Hill Chelsea Holden Tina Holldobler Linda Jacoby Mr. Richard Janson Karen and Lance Jones Just Give Phani Karne Laura Kennedy James Kincl Ann Koby Cheryl and Steve Kuharski Barbara Laing Becky B. Liljenwall James Lockart Mary Luther Sue McClain Suzanne McFarlane Joan and Dan McNamara Jackie Milstead Julie Minnis Mrs. Dan Moody Marion and George More Judith and Thomas Morris Elliott Naishtat
Katherine Nelson Barbara and Robert Norwood Cecilia Obilom Dorothy Penn Margaret Phillips Ann Phipps and Michael Cannatti Deborah and Kraege Polan Hilary and Dr. Jaime Ramirez Sara and Dick Rathgeber Elisabeth Roberts Anne and Harold Robertson Harriet Rutland Grace and Karl Schmitt JoAnn Gray Smith Laura Ann Smith Sandra Smith Sara and Gary Snodgrass Suzy Snyder Spec’s Family Partners, LTD Staci Sprayberry Myra Straub Ten at a Time The Power of 4 Team THE SALT LICK Elizabeth Turner Jeanne and Jim Vier Nancy and Louis Wade Jill Williams Larry Willmann Joyce and John Wilson Jeanne Youngblood $250-$499 (un)Common Logic Rodger Anderson Cheryl Bartlett Martha Bauman F J Becraft Brad Boyett Matt Buford Jan M. Burnight Carrabba Conservation, Inc. Jeanne Crosno Jeffrey Denton Terri and Brett Dula Trenton and Sean Foster Beverly Gibbs Frances Henry Bettie and Doyle High Merri and Kathyrn Holden Margaret Hooper Cindy and Carlos Klutts Sue B. Littlefield Modern Rebel and Co.
Nancy and Dick Naylor David Perez, Sr. Kathy T. Rider Cynthia and Steve Sandall Michelle V. Schumann Shiner’s Saloon The Benevity Community Impact Fund Karen Vaughn $500-$999 Albertsons Safeway James Leavell Bayless Boller Thomas Foundation Grant Julie Boxberger Anne Brennan and Greg Hooser Carol Cox Burdette Mary Butchofsky Dr. Kelly Cunningham John W. Elliott Ruben Fernandez Alex Gregg Tish Hall Andrea Jean Handy Clarke Heidrick Mary Lou Houston Anne Jarvis Kiwanis Club of Northwest Austin Jennifer Kuvlesky Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Lewis Local Independent Charities Mary Marinelli Kathy W. McCall Mr. and Mrs. James Montgomery Nightingale Poker Runners Linda Perry Scholarship America Emily Sheehan Mr. and Mrs. Greg Shields Elise Sillers State Comptroller Innovation and Technology Division employees $1,000-$4,999 Austin Chronicle Austin Golden K Club of Kiwanis International Austin Sertoma Club Lorraine Ball Mr. Jerry Bell Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bingham
Cynthia Brown and Robert Bass Jeffrey A. Brown William Burke Gene Burrus Capstar Lending, LLC Kimberly J. Clemens Erin Collier Thomas Dawson James Edsel Scott Ferguson Lynn and Bill Fowler John Funkhouser
William Glasgow Douglas Hartman Robert Kay Margy Kennedy Karen and Paul Leeke Jeanne and Lewis Little Sarah Loyd Morse Family Foundation Northrop Grumman Jeffrey Pace Leslie Pohl Bill Prothro
William Puckett Denise Ray and Anthony Iannitelli Julie Schechter Albert Frank Seibert Patti and Jim Stone Texas Pearls The Dunagan Foundation The Junior League of Austin Topfer Family Foundation
US Energy Services Inc. Webber Family Foundation Cathy and Jay Willmann
$10,000-$25,000 Direct Propane Services Terry Felker Ruth and Paul Connor Foundation
$5,000-$9,999 Jim Arnold ECG Foundation Lonestar Legacy Tom Nelson III Mrs. Jack Ritter, Jr. Workhorse Marketing
$30,000+ Emma Browning Donna and Royce Faulkner IM H and E Montandon Charitable Trust
PLANNED GIVING
Did you know that you can leave a legacy and make an impact on The Home through planned giving? This particular type of gift is not transactional but rather a long-term investment to ensure the financial sustainability of our organization. The Mildred Gregg Wendlandt Legacy Society (MGW Legacy Society) was created in the spirit of a woman who believed in continuing to give to The Home beyond her lifetime. Each gift left to The Home in a will or estate plan speaks to the commitment and deep connection donors have to our mission. As we plan for the future and continue to build towards a long history of success, please consider planned giving. If you are interested in learning more about this type of support, please contact Trenton Foster, Development Director at tfoster@settlementhome.org or (512) 836-2150 ext. 145.
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M G Legacy Society MEMBERS Linda Addicks Josephine Dunlop Akin Carol Akkerman & Weyman Wakefield Crawford Clemmie Barclay Dolly & John Barclay Dianne & Doug Becker Betsy Hall Bender and Blaine Hollub Rhoda Benson Kaye & David Berry Helen & Francis Bostick Judy & Terry Bray Joyce Chaney Paula Chaney Eleanor & Dick Chote Jill Crocker Mac & William Cromwell Patty Curtis Darcie DeShazo Terri & Brett Dula Louise Eckhardt
Donna & T.F. Edgar Sue & Woody Eichler Terry Lehr Felker Betsy & John Giles Hilda Griffith Dell Gully Jane & Don Hammond Joyce & John Harmon Betty Jo Harris Bettie & Doyle High Connie & Steve Hudson Katherine & Monte James Brenda & Jonny Jones Kay Keesee Nancy & Raymond Kenley Russell Korman James Lockart Janet Masters Ann McIver Sue Milburn Jackie & Bill Milstead
Helen Mohrmann Marion & George More Sherry & Boyd Morgan Katherine Nelson Rebecca & Tom Nelson Barbara & Robert Norwood Sara & Dick Rathgeber Kathy Rider Ben Robertson Janet Sawyer Deborah & Larry Simons Lela Jane Tinstman Mrs. Hays Von Kemmeritz Nancy & Louis Wade Mildred Gregg Wendlandt Sue & Bob Wernecke Jackie Williamson Cathy & Jay Willmann Marilyn & Matthew Willson Paul Woodul Sharon & Frank Woodul 7
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The Settlement Home 1600 Payton Gin Road Austin, TX 78758 (512) 836-2150 settlementhome.org info@settlementhome.org
44TH ANNUAL GARAGE & ESTATE SALE
THE S
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SAVE THE DATE! PREVIEW PARTY Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. *Sponsor shopping hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. We are excited to announce a new way to enter Palmer Events Center, which will get you in the doors and shopping faster! GENERAL SALE DAYS Friday, November 1, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. *Tickets will be available for purchase in October Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. *Free admission Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. *Free admission BOX SALE Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. *Purchase a box and take home whatever fits inside Find out more about The Sale by visiting settlementhome.org/garage-sale Thank you to Keller Williams Realty for their ongoing support of our Annual Garage & Estate Sale! Keller Williams is not just about selling real estate – it’s about giving back to those in need. Finding and serving the higher purpose of business through charitable giving is something that is fostered in the Keller Williams offices, both in Austin and across the globe in the communities where Keller Williams associates live and work. “Money is only good for the good it can do.” Gary Keller, Co-Founder and CEO, Keller Williams This simple statement has fostered a culture that not only ensures that Keller Williams takes care of their agents, it spurred the creation of RED Day, their annual worldwide day of service. Each year, millions of dollars and countless hours of service are donated by Keller Williams agents to the communities where 180,000 associates work and live. We appreciate the partnership we have with Keller Williams!