2018 Community Newsletter

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Page

What’s inside?

Pages 2 & 3 A Word from the Executive Director Pages 4 & 5 Thank You to Our Friends & Donors Page 6 Alumna Spotlight Page 7 Volunteer Spotlights

Fall 2018

The

Page 8 Home Happenings Page 9 Ways to Make a Difference Page 10 Volunteers in Action Page 11 Volunteering at The Home

The Settlement Home for Children

Pages 12 & 13 Foster & Adoption Program Update Pages 14 & 15 43rd Annual Garage & Estate Sale

A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

This time of year at The Settlement Home is filled with excitement! In this edition of The Home Page, you will learn about the events and activities happening across our campus and throughout our programs. Whether you’ve been involved with The Settlement Home for years or you just recently learned about us, I’ll begin by sharing some big picture information so that you have a clear framework and context of what we do and who we are.

At The Settlement Home for Children (The Home), we believe that when we support all children as a community, together we can create a healthier future for Texas. The Home is a licensed nonprofit organization that serves individuals who have experienced severe emotional trauma, abuse and neglect. 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 wellbeing. Our mission is to promote healing and growth in children, young adults and families by providing a continuum of care, support and resources.

Each of our programs builds a foundation for children so that they can develop a set of skills and values that lead to self-efficacy. The support we provide includes taking care of our children’s therapeutic counseling, emotional needs and physical health, providing nourishing meals and opportunities for exercise, helping them develop healthy relationships and supporting their academic growth. We know that child well-being is strengthened over time with resources like a safe, structured, caring environment and the life skills that allow individuals to live healthy, productive lives. By helping those we serve learn to trust themselves and others, as well as gain a sense of self-worth, we work to ultimately end the cycle of abuse.

One of the unique things about The Settlement Home is its ownership by The Settlement Club, a group of 490 women who are committed to supporting The Home. The Settlement Home’s Board of Directors is made up of Settlement Club members who provide leadership and oversight to the organization.

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There are many ways that Settlement Club members are involved with promoting the mission of The Home. They organize large-scale fundraising events like the Annual Garage & Estate Sale to provide financial stability to the operations of The Home.

They also provide ongoing support and encouragement to our employees and our residents by hosting parties, delivering goodies, writing thoughtful notes and being there for whatever we need, whenever we need it. It is truly extraordinary!

Our primary contract is with the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services. Last year, The Settlement Home provided 19,806 days of care for children in our Residential Treatment Center, Group Home Program and Transitional Living Program.

These programs, along with a University of Texas Charter School, are administered on our 10-acre campus in North Central Austin with capacity for 60 residents. We also have a Foster & Adoption Program that prepares Austin-area families to provide a safe and therapeutic family setting for boys and girls. Last year, we served a total of 242 children and young adults at The Home, which includes 113 residents, 68 former residents and 61 children through our Foster & Adoption Program.

“Our community benefits when we come together to support our children, young adults and families.

Thank you for your interest and investment in this worthy cause. I am forever grateful for the privilege to lead this effort and to work alongside such qualified, bright and dedicated colleagues.”

We receive a fee for service from Child Protective Services for those served in our residential programs, which is based on a daily reimbursement rate determined by the individual’s level of care and service needs. Funding received from this contract does not cover the full cost of care.

To give you an idea of this disparity, in our fiscal year ending in 2017 our residential programs faced a financial gap of $938,312, between funding from the state and our true program costs. Despite this, we remain committed to providing the individuals we serve with a continuum of care that helps them heal while developing the skills and relationships necessary to live healthy, independent lives.

This funding gap is the reason we rely on funding through grants and fundraising events like our Annual Garage & Estate Sale (The Sale). The funds raised from The Sale make it possible for us to provide the highest quality of care for our residents. I’ve written before about “normalcy” and our commitment to providing the same experiences that a child who is not in foster care would experience, such as getting a driver’s license, having a friend from school over and going back-t0-school shopping. The Sale is an incredible way that The Settlement Club is able to provide the financial support we need to continue with these normalizing experiences.

I hope you enjoy reading through The Home Page and catching up with us. I encourage you to attend an upcoming Century of Caring Tour so you can see our campus and learn more about our programs. There is a link to RSVP for a tour on our website under the “Tours” tab. You can also stay informed by subscribing to eNews, which is a monthly email newsletter with brief updates from The Home.

Our team members often hear from former residents, whether they are asking for help accessing resources or bragging about how well they are doing. In this edition of The Home Page, you will read a moving story about one of our alumna. We will inspire you by sharing about the great community partners who supported us, both during the summer and throughout the fall.

Learn about our devoted volunteers who selflessly give their time to work with the children and young adults in our care. You can see a note one of them wrote to me below praising the team of the young woman she mentors. You will also learn about some of our recent foster and adoptive families and their take on National Adoption Month, which is celebrated in November.

We could not do this important work without your help. Our community benefits when we come together to support our children, young adults and families.

Thank you for your interest and investment in this worthy cause. I am forever grateful for the privilege to lead this effort and to work alongside such qualified, bright and dedicated colleagues.

As we enter the holiday season, please remember The Settlement Home. We have opportunities for involvement at all levels, and we invite you to participate however you are able. You can view our Amazon Wish List, which makes it convenient for you rd It might surprise you to know that our 43 Annual to purchase items to be sent directly to The Home; Garage & Estate Sale netted $1,041,587 this year. It is you can volunteer your time in a variety of ways; or definitely not your ordinary garage sale! you can make an end-of-year financial contribution.

All my best to you as we approach the holiday season, Darcie DeShazo

Darcie, I just wanted to send you an email to let you know how much The Settlement Home staff and operation as a whole impresses me! I was talking with Becca (the therapist for the resident I mentor) today and shared with her how this has been such an incredible experience so far. I have more engagement with your team as just a mentor than I did with the organization I worked with when I was a foste r parent in Chicago. Being invited to and asked for feedb ack for [her] 90 day check is just one of many examples of how I continue to see the holistic approach and feel part of [my mentee’s] team. Everyone I have connected with is genui nely supportive of each child in their healing and growth. It really is such an incredible place! And Becca - just wow. Every one needs someone with that level of contagious kindness in their lives! Those girls are so blessed to have her pouring into them!

So I just wanted to drop you a note with some positive feedback and gratitude for the impact I see your team making! - Erin

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Thanks to our generous friends and donors!

The following list reflects gifts made to The Home between March 2 and October 15, 2018.

Under $50 Jamie Akenhead Betty Andrews Debra and Bruce Aupperle Brant Bingamon Bright Funds Foundation Joyce Chaney Teresa and Dave Clark Ms. Cecelia Small Cook Ellen and Lester Ducote Barbara Gaines Anne Heather Glass Troy Gully Rose Marie and Randy Hagman Betty Jo Harris Lt. Col. and Elizabeth Heath Cathy Small Horn Lisa Jencsok Libby and Dr. Bruce Malone Terri and David Morrison Elyse Munselle Sandra and John Perkins Ari Pettigrew Margaret Putman Elisbeth Roberts Josephine Roche Janet Sawyer Blondell Smith Michelle Spikes United Way for Greater Austin Beth and Dr. Fred Voorhees Jill Zamen $50-$99 Charlotte and Joseph Andrezik Alix Bahler Damron Sallie Berry Cynthia Bowen Paula Chaney Allan Clark Anne Clemons

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Rebecca and Don Cox Martha Crockett Holly Decherd Ruth Bloom Doss Barbara Douglas Kenneth Elliott Cortney Ferris Peg and Bob Gerrie Gone for Good Fund Martha and Keith Griffith Joan King Holtzman Jack Howard Anne-Marie Hughes Linda Jacoby Jean Jarvis Wanda Johnson Janie Julian Theresa King Katherine Lee Sidney Lock and Bill Benham Eileen McKenney Sherry and Dr. Boyd Morgan Kathleen Davis Niendorff Frances Pearce Round Rock Baseball Club, LP Elaine Sedenberg Nancy and Dr. Don Spencer Bonnie Thompson Cards Kathy Warbelow $100-$249 Alpha Kappa Sigma Alumna Chapter Sigma Gamma Rho Society, Inc. Jannis and Robert Baldwin Dolly and John Barclay Robert Bass Elizabeth Bechtol Margene and Dr. Patrick Beckham Helen and Francis Bostick Shelley Botkin Ann and Truman Breed Gayle Bullock and Bill Wiman

Anita and Dr. Grover Bynum Betty and T.J. Chapman Margaret Cheu Carrielu Christensen Cowboy Harley-Davidson of Austin Margaret and Tom Cowden Carol and Weyman Crawford Ann Cunningham June and Morris Davis Lynn and Stephen Davis Mollie and C. Dean Davis Dripping Springs Bunko Stacey Drown Terri and Brett Dula Sharon Eisenberg Pat Ellison Clareve and WC Enmon Rosary Fabiano Becky Fain Judy and Tom Fairey Trenton and Sean Foster Beverly Gibbs Robert Godwin George Rian Grisemer Pat Harris Frances Henry Dealey Herndon Jaqueline Wheeler Milstead Fund Nancy and Terry Keith Hon. Sharon Keller Nancy Kenley Cindy and Carlos Klutts Cheryl and Steve Kuharski Penny Kusterer Patty and Ike Loose Judith G. Loredo Janet Maxon Ann Moody John Moragne Marion and George More Nancy and Dick Naylor Jodi Ondrusek Pedernales Electric Cooperative

United Charities Sara and Dick Rathgeber Charlie Sunwoo Kathy Rider Maxine Roberts Anne Robertson Harriet Rutland Mary Sample Karl M. Schmitt Jan Scurlock Albert Frank Seibert Kay and Bill Smith Diana and Charles A. Smith Bonita and Clay Speer Texas Lassos - University of Texas at Austin Caroline Tollefson Catherine Umstattd Bethany Weigl and Chris Padgett Jill Williams Gladys Womble Kris Wu Martha and Rev. Mike Wyckoff Helen Youngblood $250-$499 Care Works MCS Elaine and Don Carlton Alex Gregg Laura Gruber Kristine Holstine J.D. Rich Elsbeth and Tom Robinson Michelle V. Schumann Walmart $500-$999 ABLC Albertsons Safeway Linda Baker Bonnie Battle Ann and C. Spencer Brown Ann Showers Butler Edgar and Linda Perry Winifred and Frank E. Hall

Holt Atherton Educational Foundation, Inc. Keller Williams Realty - Cedar Park Leander Market Center Henry Meadows Kerry Merritt Bill Prothro Martha Schreffler In memory of Leon Simons Julie and Paul Yioutas $1,000-$4,999 The Conduent Foundation Mac and William Cromwell

AJ and Angela DelaCruz Frost Bank HPW Perkins Foundation Dr. William R. Hudson The Junior League of Austin Keating Family Foundation at the Greater Houston Community Foundation Local Independent Charities Tom Nelson III Texas Mutual Insurance Company

$5,000-$14,999 The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Covalent Foundation Donald D. Hammill Foundation Mary Pfluger and Gary Keller RWH Foundation - Gail Hughes Margaret Walker $15,000-$50,000 Patty Curtis Emma C. Browning Fund

Royce Faulkner LGR Foundation Community Fund No. 3 Lola Wright Foundation Katherine Nelson Reissa Foundation Rosenthal Foundation Topfer Family Foundation The Zeitgeist Foundation $150,000 + The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation

Thank you to the following people who generously supported our summer program:

Houda Abdalla Megan Abrameit Erin Arnheim Austin Botanical Garden, Roberta Austin School of Film Kathleen Ballee Ballet Austin Jessica Barton Boon-Chapman Salma Bora Buddhist Temple Bullock Texas State History Museum Camp Sandy Ashley Cherry Conduits of Change Kerry Craig Crossfit Renew, McKenzie Souther Dell Business Planning and Development

Dell Partner Marketing Group (Client Computing) Divine Canines Stacey Drown Ariana Eguia Colleen Everett Fresh Chefs Society Erin Garner Girls Rock Austin Heather Gressett Ashley Groke Olivia Guerrero Tracy Haywood Gina Harlow Hideout Theater Cleo Hodges Hopefully Sow Anna Jones Doreen and Ronald Kent Lillian Kilventon Sonya Knight

Noemi Madera Karen Manroe Mexic-Arte Museum Mo-Ranch National Instruments Off Center Teens One World Theater Josephine Orona Morgan Owens Pit Crew Planned Parenthood Suzanne Porch Sneha Prasankumar Real Life Real Music, Kyle Hutton Joy Right Cristina Sahoo Cynthia Sandall Chelsea Scharbach Emily Sheehan Cathy Shen Shrine Circus

Sky Candy Jo Ann Smith Jo Lynn Smith Hildy Soper Cassandra Stoklosa Tiffany Swineheart Paula Tarver Valerie Tavarez Texas Heat Wave Car Show Together We Rise VMware Jennifer Ward Women and Their Work YMCA of Austin YMSL- Westlake Chapter YMSL- Round Rock Chapter Solana Yung

SUMMER FUN

From sweet treats, photo booths, team building and dunking booths, we had a lot of fun this summer!

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ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT: COURTNEY What we know about youth who age out of foster care is that because they have less supports in place, they have a higher likelihood of ending up homeless, incarcerated or with addiction issues. Courtney is a former resident who overcame many obstacles to become the successful young woman she is today. She is determined to overcome the challenges that youth face in foster care.

a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She expects to graduate in the spring. Courtney is determined to work through the extensive and lengthy process of being accepted into a law enforcement agency.

“My calling is to serve and protect those who cannot protect themselves. This is a choice I have made and strongly believe it is what I am supposed to do.”

Courtney says she chose this career path because a law “The odds are against me: statistics say that I should enforcement agency saved her when they removed be homeless, incarcerated or on drugs. I am none her and her siblings from an unsafe situation. She of those. I refuse to become another statistic. We says the officers were courageous and made her (alumnae) are better than that. We CAN be successful! feel safe until Child Protective Services arrived. She I believe in leading by example.” acknowledges that youth in foster care often have negative associations with law enforcement officers Courtney was in foster care for 2,186 days. She moved because they are often the ones who make the initial to The Settlement Home in 2006 after spending five separation from family. Courtney hopes to change months in an emergency shelter. After a year at The that.

Home, she met her foster family and was able to experience living in a healthy family environment. Courtney is now a proud mother to her daughter She got back in touch with us when she started her and also provides care for her nephew. She says that post-secondary education. Through our Hope for the children are her inspiration and serve as a daily Tomorrow scholarship program, we were able to reminder of why she is working to reach her goals. She provide her with financial assistance while she went is dedicated to giving them a stable home and happy to school. childhood unlike her own. Courtney finds great joy in watching them learn and grow.

“My calling is to serve and protect those who cannot protect themselves. This is a choice I have made and strongly believe it is what I am supposed to do.”

After earning her associate degree in Criminal Justice, Courtney became certified as a Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. In addition to raising her daughter and working as a fitness trainer at a boxing gym, Courtney is working towards

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When asked if she had words of wisdom to impart to young women currently living at The Settlement Home, she said: “Never give up. You have been through so much; you have goals just like anyone else, and you can reach them just like they can! Take everything you are going through and learn from it because life has many lessons. The time will come when you are on your own, and you will not have a ‘chore list’ or a ‘bedtime,’ but I promise you will miss it.”

Courtney during her time as a resident Courtney’s graduation cap when she at The Settlement Home. graduated with her associate degree in Criminal Justice.

Courtney “on the job” during her recent Peace Officer certification.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS

Erin Arnheim: Individual Mentor Erin Arnheim joined our volunteer mentor team this year and immediately clicked with her mentee and cottage staff. Erin said that she came to the role with open eyes and an eagerness to absorb all the information and training that we provided to her. Erin has experience working with the population we serve as she was a previous foster parent. “I loved being a foster parent but don’t currently have the ability to foster. Being a volunteer mentor and having a teen in my life and sharing experiences with her really fills me up.”

Erin observed that her mentee hasn’t yet had the chance to be exposed to a variety of experiences in her young life. “I get a lot of joy out of seeing others get excited about new things. We got her first manicure/pedicure together, and she loves to try new food with me.” In addition to mentoring on a consistent basis, Erin goes above and beyond as a supporter of The Settlement Home by routinely donating household items and clothing for residents as well as textbooks that are utilized by our on-campus UT Charter School. “When you’re committed to your volunteer role there’s unlimited positive impact on the kids.” Erin is someone who lives for the experience and appreciates the season she’s in. Her spirit and joy is obvious through the impact she’s making at The Settlement Home.

“When you’re committed to your volunteer role there’s unlimited positive impact on the kids.” -Erin Jo Ann Smith: School Volunteer This year is Jo Ann Smith’s third year as a volunteer at our on-campus UT Charter School. After retiring as a school teacher, Jo Ann and her husband moved to Austin. Jo Ann states she’s known about The Settlement Home since the 1970s and thought that the school would be the perfect place to utilize her passion for teaching and her experience with teenagers. “I tutor the students in their upper level math courses, I help the students prepare for the SAT and work with them to recover school credits on the computer. As a volunteer, I feel closer with these students than I did as a teacher because we’re working toward a goal together. I get to know these girls on a more personal basis. It’s incredibly rewarding to be in this role because I can so easily see the progress each student is making. The students are so appreciative of my help.”

Jo Ann said she was impressed with how normal the environment of our UT Charter School feels compared to other schools. “I’ve had really positive experiences with the teachers and instructional aides. They’re both professional and caring in their interactions with the girls. I was surprised at how normal the classroom feels. I’m so pleased with how much learning goes on in the classroom and how engaged the students are in their work.” In addition to volunteering in the school, Jo Ann enjoys traveling and scuba diving with her husband and spending time with their grandchildren. Jo Ann’s commitment is obvious through her dedication to improving all of our students’ academic experiences.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to be in this role because I can so easily see the progress each student is making. The students are so appreciative of my help.” -Jo Ann

You can read more about the people making a difference at The Home and the lives that are being changed on any one of our online platforms: Blog: https://www.settlementhome.org/news-blog/ Facebook: fb.com/settlementhome

Twitter: @settlementhome Instagram: settlementhome

Do you have your own story? Share it with us: publicrelations@settlementhome.org

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HOME HAPPENINGS

Having teenagers in our care means keeping them active and busy. Below you will find updates on new clubs as well as ones that have been around for a while.

Cooking Club- A monthly collaboration with Hopefully Sow which gives residents the opportunity to share their own cooking traditions, learn new skills and share a meal with their peers.

Run Club- A partnership with the Junior League of Austin where Junior League volunteers and residents train for and run in 5K races. Each kiddo runs with a volunteer who provides support and encouragement during each race.

Dance Club- An opportunity for residents to balance discipline and fun while they learn different types of dance styles like jazz, ballet, tap, modern and hip hop.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at The Settlement Home www.settlementhome.org/volunteer

Yoga Club- A time for residents to learn relaxation techniques and yoga postures. Residents practice quiet mindfulness and deep breathing.

Gym Club- An opportunity for residents to be active and play sports. Volunteer Suzanne Porch helped facilitate soccer and flag football this fall.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

At The Settlement Home, we value diversity and inclusivity and we honor the differences of our staff, children and community. As a result, our staff developed a committee that meets each month to focus on diversity and inclusivity within our organization. They plan events for residents to celebrate and explore a variety of cultural traditions. Most recently, the committee hosted several events for National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated between September 15 and October 15 annually. It is a time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to their heritage and culture. The events included a folklĂłrico dance workshop and an event to decorate candy skulls for DĂ­a de los Muertos.

The diversity committee also works with our hiring team to ensure that we recruit employees from diverse backgrounds. This year, the committee prioritized and organized training sessions for all staff members on various topics involving diversity and inclusivity. Another tradition led by the diversity committee is an event called Taste of Home, where residents are encouraged to prepare a food dish that is popular in their family. Taste of Home is a great way to help our kids stay connected to their roots and family traditions, allow them to develop safe kitchen and cooking skills and also encourage them to try new things as they sample dishes that their peers make. We are grateful to continue learning and to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

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Senior Clinical Director Jessica McKay, Executive Director Darcie DeShazo, Residential Treatment Center Director Michelle Spikes getting into the holiday spirit at our holiday staff luncheon.

Accounting Director Cindy Naylor and Foster & Adoption Program Director Megan Avery-Zellner

Foster & Adoption Program staff members having a blast taking holiday pictures.

WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE COMMUNITY YOUTH COUNCIL

The Settlement Home for Children’s Community Youth Council (CYC) is a group of Austin-area juniors who volunteer their time to support the programs and services we offer. This inspiring group of young philanthropists provides much needed hands-on support to the daily operations of The Settlement Home.

Members of the CYC have a variety of extracurricular interests but come together with the common goal of service to others.

From serving a holiday dinner to their peers in foster care to helping with a booth at our annual Games Day to completing beautification projects around The Settlement Home’s campus, these bright youth are making The Settlement Home a better place, one volunteer hour at a time.

If you know outstanding high school juniors who would be great Community Youth Council members, please email their contact information to chenning@settlementhome.org so that we can extend an invitation to them to join.

CYC members serving Thanksgiving dinner

CYC members making holiday crafts

A CYC member writing encouraging notes to residents

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VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION It is a busy time at The Settlement Home! We benefit greatly from the work of volunteers who visit our campus and complete service projects. From laying mulch to beautify our campus to helping prepare for our Annual Garage & Estate Sale, volunteers complete projects of all types to support the work that we do. We appreciate all the volunteers and volunteer groups who have made a difference in the lives of the children and young adults that we serve.

The Westlake Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League built a dance floor in our gym to give residents a designated place to hold Dance Club and perform during special events.

The Round Rock Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League hosted a fall festival for our residents, complete with ghost bowling, a cake walk, corn hole, a ring toss, cookie decorating, bat necklaces, spider rings and a photobooth.

Employees from the Dell Partner Marketing Group (Client Computing) and Boon-Chapman volunteered in the warehouse and helped with Garage Sale preparations.

The Dell Business Planning and Development Department helped residents set goals and do some longterm thinking while making vision boards.

VMware employees were all hands on deck when they helped stuff envelopes for a large mailing the Development Team distributed.

National Instruments had a group of people from their Facilities and Finance teams who donated Halloween costumes for residents and carved pumpkins for the fall festival.

A Century of Caring Tour

Our Century of Caring Tours, hosted by Executive Director Darcie DeShazo, are a “lunch-and-learn” opportunity for community members and friends to get to know The Home. We take participants on a campus tour, serve lunch and provide a time for questions. We hope you will join us for one of our upcoming tours!

January 25, 2019: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

March 29, 2019: 12:30 p.m to 1:30 p.m May 17, 2019: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Please RSVP at: www.settlementhome.org/tour

VOLUNTEERING AT THE HOME There are many opportunities within our program to make a difference. Each of our volunteers comes from a unique background and has amazing skills and talents. If you have a particular skill or talent you would like to share, we can create a customized volunteer experience for you. We appreciate you, and are here to help you make a difference. Our volunteer program is designed to provide flexibility for every volunteer.

We believe that the most powerful influence in our lives is our relationship with others. It is through these relationships that we hope to motivate our children to become caring, responsible adults. Volunteers play an integral part in serving as role models to the children that live here.

If you or your group would like to volunteer, please email Catherine Henning at chenning@settlementhome.org.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP • Sort donations for our Annual Garage & Estate Sale every Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning in January.

• Help at The Sale with our moveout event, cashier or volunteer in a department.

• Help with an event: Quinceañera celebration (April), Thanksgiving Program (November), Holiday Program (December), Games Day (June).

• Be an event photographer at one of the events above.

• Become an intern and get hands-on experience in your field.

• Help the thousands of children in foster care find permanence by being a foster parent.

• Shop online and designate The Settlement Home as the beneficiary of your Give as You Get or Amazon Smile purchases.

Individual Mentor

School Volunteer

Build a healthy, positive relationship with one child through both on and off campus activities

Provide academic assistance as a tutor, participate in classroom group activities or field trips, provide additional support to help students achieve academic success

Group Volunteers

Recreation Volunteer

Assist with campus beautification, host a dinner or event, teach a vocational class, support fundraising events, assist with holiday activities

Lead a recreation or health and fitness class, teach music lessons, host a workshop

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FOSTER AND ADOPTION PROGRAM UPDATE Each November we celebrate National Adoption Month and bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in foster care. When placing a child with a family, we look at many characteristics of both the family and the child to ensure that it will be a successful match. We consider the cultural heritage of both the family and the child, whether other children are involved and what each likes to do for fun, to name a few. Children in foster care come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and our focus is on matching them with families who can identify with them.

Often when a child is placed with a family, our team has done extensive research to make sure it is a good

fit. We concentrate on this “permanency” because each time a child has to move, it is disruptive and can be traumatic. When we place children in a home, we hope that it is the last time they have to move. From there, they can begin building the strong support system that we know will continue to benefit them forever.

While National Adoption Month is celebrated only one month each year, there is a need for forever families every month of the year.

On pages 12 and 13, you can read the stories of two of our families doing just that.

FOSTER PARENT OF THE YEAR

In October the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS) named Laura Wells the Foster Parent of the Year.

Laura was trained and licensed through The Settlement Home’s Foster and Adoption Program.

We nominated Laura because of her unwavering commitment to providing the children she has fostered with all the necessities. Every child is unique and has a different set of needs. One size does not fit all when it comes to being a parent. Laura fostered an eight-year-old girl who needed help at school. Laura learned about the special education system and advocated for the child to receive extra services to help her succeed in school.

Laura’s experiences as a foster parent have helped her successfully parent a 16-year-old boy who was recently placed in her home. She has helped him learn valuable life lessons while providing him with a safe and nurturing home.

Texas Children in Foster Care

316 – The number of children waiting for their forever home in Williamson, Travis and Hays counties.

6,809 – The monthly average number of children in Texas Foster Care who were awaiting adoption last year. This was a 2% decline from the previous year.

6,332 – The number of children in foster care who were awaiting adoption as of August 2017 (latest data available).

5,413 – The number of children adopted from Texas foster care in fiscal year 2017.

Source: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Laura hosts families who are new to the foster and adoption process in her home to share her experiences and to offer guidance and support. For these reasons and more, Laura was named Foster Parent of the Year.

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Pictured left: The Settlement Home Foster & Adoption Program Director Megan Avery-Zellner, Laura Wells and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children CEO Tara Roussett

A STORY OF ADOPTION

The path to becoming a foster or adoptive parent is different for everyone.

There are times when parents come into this process with a certain expectation. Along the way, they are led to an unexpected place because of a special connection. Meet Jo-Hannah. Jo-Hannah originally sought out The Settlement Home to become licensed as a foster parent. Because she already raised two children, had been a foster parent in another state and she knew that there is always a need for foster parents for teens, Jo-Hannah was not considering becoming an adoptive parent. She simply wanted to be a foster mother. Yet when Jo-Hannah met Angel, who is 16, she quickly realized what a good match they were together. When Jo-Hannah learned that Angel’s long term plan was adoption, she decided that she wanted to give Angel a forever home. Their adoption was consummated this past September.

Teenagers are a demographic that people interested in fostering or adopting often overlook, though Jo-Hannah said she was drawn to having a teen. She Jo-Hannah and Angel on adoption says that teens are fun, independent and a great age to consider fostering or adopting. day Having both biological children and an adoptive child, Jo-Hannah says that one parenting difference is that since Angel did not grow up with her, the household rhythm is different. It took more time for the two of them to learn about each other and to develop new systems and expectations for each other. Jo-Hannah’s advice to people considering teenagers: it’s not too late. Teens need forever homes, too! Jo-Hannah encourages people to consider all children in foster care, regardless of their age or gender. Just as she went into the process not expecting to adopt, you could also go in with one expectation and have something completely different happen.

Every adoption is special. Angel’s adoption means that one more teen in foster care will get a driver’s license and have a network of family and friends to help guide her. Both of these milestones are considered to be indicators of success for teens in foster care.

Whether you are considering fostering, adopting or simply want to help a foster or adoptive parent, go into the process with an open mind and a willingness to learn. You might be surprised at the outcome.

This is just one story out of many of families we work with finding permanence through adoption.

How to Help Children in Foster Care:

• Follow us on social media and share our posts. The more people that know about foster care and adoption, the more support children and families will receive.

• Become a respite provider. Foster and adoptive parents need date nights and breaks just like any other parents do, but it’s a little trickier when you have foster children. The person who babysits has to have a criminal background check run and have fingerprinting done. It’s a simple process and does not take much time, but is a huge help to foster parents when they need someone to watch their children.

• Attend an information session to learn more about the process of fostering or adopting.

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43RD ANNUAL GARAGE & ESTATE SALE

Our 43rd Annual Garage & Estate Sale has come to an end. We went into The Sale with a record number of sponsorships and had a banner year!

Palmer Events Center was filled to the brim with incredible merchandise and unique finds. Thousands of shoppers purchased couches, formal dinnerware, sporting equipment and craft supplies. No one walked away empty handed! We appreciate the efforts of Settlement Club members and volunteers throughout the year to collect, sort, price and box up all the donated items that made this event possible. This year’s event raised $1,041,587 in net revenue! This financial support is an incredible help to the daily operating budget of The Settlement Home.

4 shopping days

10 months of collecting merchandise 70,000 square feet of shopping area 987 volunteers $1,041,587 raised for children in foster care

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Short Break!

The Settlement Club members are taking a short break from Garage & Estate Sale activities for the holidays. We will begin accepting donations in January for our 44th Annual Garage & Estate Sale!

Please check our website for more information.

Request a Pickup!

(512) 448-5302 settlementhome.org/ request_pickup

THE SAL E

THANK YOU, SPONSORS! Katherine Nelson Page Southerland Page Premiere Events Margaret & Richard Scott United Heritage Charity Foundation Grace & Kevin Windbigler

Melissa Jones James Avery Artisan Jewelry John Kilventon Ginger James Cheryl & Steve Kuharski Sharon Keller KaLyn Laney Nancy Kennamer Debbie Lauderdale & Danny Felps Betsy & Chris Kirksey Premier Sponsor Sue Littlefield & Joe DiQuinzio Johanna Large Edith & George Brown Kimberly & Wade Lombard Law Offices of Tom E. Robinson The Family of Britt Medford Judith Loredo PH.d Silver Sponsors Sharon & Marshall Meece Melisa & Craig Markman Champion Sponsors ABC Bank John Mendoza Ann McDonald In Honor Of Kitchen Korner Amity Worrel & Co. Interior Design Sherry & Boyd Morgan Jill & John McFarland Randalls Austin Trust Company Barbara & Bob Norwood Med Physique Jannis Baldwin J. B. Pace Nancy Merritt Carolyn & Bill Bingham Patron Sponsors Ann Phipps & Michael Cannatti Eva Michaels & Robert Stoltz Elaine & Don Carlton Kaye & David Berry Deborah & Kraege Polan Chyrisse Miller - REALTOR Pat Chandler, Cynthia & Steve and Corridor Title, Cheryl & Walt Penn Prosperity Bank J. C. Neil Milner - In Honor of Betty Jo Marcie & Ralph Sandall Kathy Rider Harris Meg & Paul Putman Judith & David Clark Jan Monson Reddy Ice Teresa & David Clark Marion & George More Colleen & James Reeves Martha & Richard Coons Benefactor Sponsors Jean Mueller Gayle Glass Roche Dean Johnston, Inc Donal Mullins 3M Janet Sawyer Terri & Brett Dula Carol Corley Nelson AMM Collision Center William Smith Bill & Lucy Ross Farland Janis & Joe Pinnelli CenterPoint Energy Patty & Clif Steed In Memory of Martha Greenhill Quality Living Services Air Jacoby Family Texas Civil Justice League Donna & Royce Faulkner Conditioning/Heating PlainsCapital Bank Texas Medical Association Beth & Tom Granger Jim Rebman Julia & Ross Rathgeber Nancy & Louis Wade Alex Gregg Rick, M&M Metals, Inc. Sara & Dick Rathgeber Kay & Leon Whitney Dell W. Gully Patricia Salcher Debbie & Larry Simons Sandra & Rogers Wilson Bettie & Doyle High Carol Ann Saxton Square Cow Moovers Anne Winn Connie & Steve Hudson Katharine Shields Strong Events Carolyn H. Womack Carrin & Jerry Katz Dana Singh Eva & Marvin Womack Terra & Kyle McDaniel Rachel Skewis Donna McQuillen Platinum Sponsors Aubrey Smith Mary B. Moody AFP, Inc. Jon St. Clair Phyllis & Jim Ronner Austin American-Statesman Copper Sponsors Jan & Fred Stidman Cynthia & Jack Selman Josette & Dave Bahler Connee & Kent Sullivan Emily & Michael Sheehan Julie & Michael Allen Capitol Chevrolet Susan & Dan Summers P. Simmons Family Apples the Clown The Davol Family Thank you volunteers!!

Titus Works LLC Arnold Foundation The Garage & Estate Sale Chairs: Jill, Lela Jane Tinstman Cynthia, Debbie and Kaye Tracy Coffin 504U College Admissions Austin’s Pizza Stephanie & Jim Todd Counseling Longhorn Car-Truck Rentals Marcia U. Bailey Kathie Tovo Tocker Foundation Maudie’s Tex-Mex Dolly & John Barclay Barbara Trainor Caroline Tollefson Tom Nelson III Rebecca & Ken Blaker George Vrba Cathy & Jay Willmann Spirit 105.9 Helen & Francis Bostick Pattie Cabrera Webster Blythe & Chris Wilson Texan Theater, Greenville Brown and Brown Insurance Sue & Bob Wernecke Martha Wallace Cynthia W. Brown & Robert C. Bass,Jr. Alan W. Wong Westminster Bronze Sponsors Janet & Burnie Burner Kathy & George Wortell Ann S. Butler Linda Addicks & John Hamer

Gold Sponsors

Chris & Bruce Byron Tracy & Rodger Anderson Drs. Kathy & Pat Chambers Cheryl Bakhtiari AMIGOS DE LA CASA Linda Church and Tom Dreher Bemis, Roach & Reed Austin Automobile Dealers Association Robin & Malcolm Cooper Dr. Carolyn Biebas Becky Jo Bonham Helen C. Covert Judy & Terry Bray Boon-Chapman Charlotte Dalbey & Patti Hirsh Susan Campbell & Bill Stutts The Broaddus Companies-Kay & Jim Davis Kaufman PLLC Teresa & Ralph Carter Broaddus Dr. Tushar Desai Mary K. Cloud Brown Distributing Rebecca & Mark Davis Continental Automotive Group Lynne & Harold Cline Darcie DeShazo Jill Crocker Patti Deaton, In Memoriam Alicia & Scott Dorf Patty Curtis DeShazo & Nesbitt, LLP Barbara & David Gamble Louise Daffron Dottie Duncan gigglebox June & Morris Davis The Richard Gruber Family Elaine Goessling Lynn & Steve Davis In Honor of The Garage Sale Chairs: Emily Green Debby Oatman Swimming Jill, Cynthia, Debbie and Kaye H2O Partners, Inc. Devenir Aesthetics Karen Kahan & MariBen Ramsey Tish Hall Lynne Dobson and Greg Wooldridge LandDev Consulting Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa Eels on Wheels Karen Leeke Gayle & Fred Hansen Sue & Woody Eichler Paul Leeke Joyce & John Harmon Carol Faget MD Maxwell Locke & Ritter Hawaiian Kona Isle Becky & Jerry Fain Ann McIver Marina Henderson Gwen & Davis Ford Henry E. Meadows Tori & Jimmy Hill Betty Jo Harris Carolyn & Steve Mobley The Hohmann Law Firm Diann James and Ed Carroll Bunny & Ted Neible Debra Ingersoll Katherine & Monte James

Underwriters Alexa James Baby Wondercide

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Board of Directors

Cheryl Kuharski, President Sharon Woodul, President-Elect Betty Jo Harris, Immediate Past President Joyce Black Ann Brown Jeri Campbell Susan Campbell Dell Gully Nancy Jennings Karen Kahan Kimberly Lombard Chyrisse Miller Sherry Morgan Bunny Neible Catherine Parks Cheryl Penn Emily Sheehan Shana Slaughter Blythe Wilson Darcie DeShazo, Executive Director

Advisory Board Mickey Atkins Lutie Butler Amber Carden Elizabeth Christian Ed Clements Malcolm Cooper Amy Felker Robert Godwin Ashley Goudeau Charles Granger Elizabeth Hadley Nancy Nash Harper Bill Hudspeth Hank Korman

Russell Korman Scott Kuharski Harry Mackey Keith Miller Jake Newman MariBen Ramsey Jessica Sacheck Steve Sandall Gissela SantaCruz John Specia Staci Sprayberry Kathie Tovo Philip Vescovo Darren Whitehurst

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