today - fall 2008
DESCRIPTION
Magazine of DePelchin Children's CenterTRANSCRIPT
Fall
2008
School-based Programs Inform, Educate and Give Students a Healthy Dose of Reality RepoRt to the
Community
A Path For Success:Ashley Woodall’s Story
what our children and families need us to be
4950 Memorial DriveHouston, Texas 77007
713-730-2335www.depelchin.org
Today is published quarterly by DePelchin Children’s Center.
© 2008 DePelchin Children’s Center. All rights reserved.
DePelchin Children’s Center is a non-profit organization providing comprehensive counseling and parent-education programs to children, adolescents and families, as well as adoption, foster care and residential treatment services. The agency has served the Houston-area community since 1892.
DePelchin Children’s Center receives funding from the United Way, the Texas Department of Protective and Family Services, other government agencies, program fees, community support and investment income.
For more information about services, call 713-730-2335, toll-free at 1-888-730-2335 or visit www.depelchin.org
M. James Henderson Board Chair
Curtis C. Mooney, Ph.D. President and CEO
Ronald L. McDaniel Vice President Marketing
Jerry Heinold Manager Marketing and Communications
Jessica Rush Writer
Lora Poe - Lavandula Design Design
Troy Fields Photography
“DePelchin,” “DePelchin Children’s Center” and the window/sun logo are registered trademarks of DePelchin Children’s Center.
In This Issue
Fall 2008
President’s Corner
The last several weeks have been extremely challenging for
DePelchin and for all residents of the Texas Gulf Coast. With the
landfall of Hurricane Ike, many in our community experienced for
the first time what it is like to face a traumatic event, lose a home,
and to live without electricity, clean water and food.
Sadly, these are the realities faced by thousands of children every
day. Despite challenges presented by Hurricane Ike, an uncertain
economy and an ever increasing demand for our services,
DePelchin will continue working to create a stronger, healthier
community of children. Because this commitment is the driving
force behind all we do, we incorporated it into our new mission and
vision statements, which now read as follows:
We strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.
- Our Mission
We envision a world where every child is safe and healthy.
- Our Vision
The new mission and vision statements
are the product of an in-depth, multi-
committee planning process that also yielded a long-range
strategic plan. The plan has many facets, but one of the most vital
elements includes not only doing more to help families identify
their children’s specific needs but also to ensure that the needs are
addressed. Through expanded services, we will offer the most
comprehensive treatments available, referring to other providers
should it be required.
One of the service areas that is most woefully lacking in our city
and state is help for the mentally ill. DePelchin will attack this
deficiency more aggressively through a four-pronged approach:
• increase advocacy efforts on the local, state and federal level
• create a medical entity that is focused on bringing more child psychiatry professionals to our community
• continue to train child psychiatrists, child psychologists, social workers, licensed counselors and others to meet the special needs of children and families
• strengthen our partnerships with other institutions to develop specializations, conduct research and provide expertise for today’s most pervasive psychiatric disorders.
The genesis for these expanded initiatives is the realization that
more and more families are dealing with mental health issues in
their children. Understandably, the popu-
lation whom we currently serve – children
in crisis who are in the state’s welfare sys-
tem – are among those who suffer the most.
Besides providing a safe haven for these
children through well-trained foster and
adoptive parents, we will also work with
those birth families that can be salvaged by
counseling both them and the child. Doing
so will not only help prevent the need for
government intervention in the first place,
but also, when feasible, help parents gain
the skills needed to make reunification of
the family possible. These services also
extend to families of children and teens
in DePelchin’s residential treatment pro-
grams.
Achieving the goals in our strategic plan
will require a renewed commitment from our staff, board and
community. It will also require generous financial, in-kind and
volunteer support from friends such as you. As we band together
in our recovery from a vicious hurricane, please remember the
children and families whose nightmarish existence began long
before Ike blew ashore. Though we cannot turn on the power in
devastated homes, we can bring light into the lives of children and
families who face darkness of a different kind. It is our mission and
vision to do so.
1
1 President’s Corner
23 Volunteer aPPreCiation — HelPing in sPeCial Ways
22 Most Valuable Volunteer — bertHa sturgeon-Cabello
15 rePort to tHe CoMMunity
14 aboVe and beyond tHe Call oF duty aWard
12 MystiC dayne noMinated For FeMale Foster CHild oF tHe year
8 sCHool-based PrograMs inForM, eduCate and giVe students a HealtHy dose oF reality
7 in tHe neWs
6 tandelyn WeaVer — dePelCHin board MeMber
2 Feature story: CHoosing a PatH For suCCess
28 Kezia dePelCHin soCiety
26 CoMMunity Contributions
25 ‘tis tHe season — dePelCHin’s 2008 Holiday ProjeCt
24 youtH in PHilantHroPy
29 texas boWl
11 dePelCHin WelCoMes Peggy roe as senior ViCe President For adVanCeMent
XX%
Cert no. XXX-XXX-000
FSC certification ensures that the paper in our magazine contains fiber from well-managed and responsibly harvested forests that
meet strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.
Becoming
Curtis C. Mooney, Ph.d.President and Ceo
Cover Photo: Transitional Living Program graduate Ashley Woodall and daughter Angelina
2 3
Choosing a Path for SuccessNot long after graduating from high school, 18-year-old Ashley Woodall
found herself with some important decisions to make. Pregnant, with
no means of support, Woodall knew that her future and that of her
unborn child hinged on making responsible choices.
Woodall, herself an adopted child, considered adoption, but prayed
that God would give her the means to provide a stable home for her
daughter. She believes her prayers were answered with the help of
DePelchin Children’s Center’s Transitional Living Program, a program
that helps homeless mothers ages 18-23 become self-supporting in
two years or less.
54
Choosing to Succeed The Transitional Living Program addresses issues that prevent young mothers from being independent and successful, such as lack of education, job training and parenting skills. With mentoring and support, program participants learn to meet their basic needs and make good choices.
Families are provided an apartment, complete with basic necessities such as food, clothing and furniture.
“I never would have imagined that someone would help me in this way,” Woodall said. “This program is the most wonderful gift from God. It gives women who’ve made mistakes a chance to change their lives and make a good home for their children.”
DePelchin clinicians help single-parent families set goals for the future, creating a path for success. Through indi-vidual and group counseling, young parents learn coping skills and receive support to help them meet the challenges of independent living and parenthood. They develop edu-cation and career goals that will enable them to support their families. Basic life-skills training—such as budget-
ing, nutrition and sexual health—plus parenting classes help them create a healthy and nurturing home environ-ment. The participants receive tips on résumé writing and interviewing techniques to help them find perma-nent, stable jobs. As they take these important steps, they become less dependent on the program and can eventually make their own way in the world.
While in the program, Woodall trained to work in the dental field and is now a full-time dental assistant. She graduated from the Transitional Living Program in May and is successfully living on her own with her 18-month-old daughter, Angelina. Woodall is also enrolled in a two-year program to become a dental hygienist.
In addition to her job training, Woodall is very grateful for the parenting skills she learned at DePelchin. She received training in first-aid and CPR, child safety, nutrition, and positive discipline and communication methods. She also learned to care for her own physical and mental health and to model healthy behaviors for her child.
Counseling also played a major role in her progress. “My counselors were truly wonderful, and I learned so much from them,” she said. “I learned to look at situations
and weigh the pros and cons before making important decisions.” Woodall still uses the skills she learned in counseling, including goal-setting and how to ease daily stress through relaxation and deep breathing.
“I am a much better person and parent because of this pro-gram,” Woodall said. “I can provide for my child all on my own. She is happy and has so much self-esteem. And it’s all because of the love, care and stability she receives from me.”
Woodall feels she owes her success to DePelchin, saying, “I didn’t have the know-how to help myself. I didn’t know what to do to care for my baby or where to look for help. DePelchin gave me all the tools to do this and helped me stay focused so I could meet my goals. For women like me who have no other options or support, this program is just amazing.”
Woodall recently shared her experience and offered some sound advice to others going through the program. “I told them they are all special and beautiful,” she said. “I just encouraged them to stay focused and take advantage of all that DePelchin offers. If they do that, they will succeed. I am proof of that.”
Breaking the Cycle“With the second highest rate of teen pregnancy in the nation, Texas desperately needs innovative programs like DePelchin’s Transitional Living Program in our commu-nities,” said Julie Crowe, Manager, Prevention and Early Intervention Services.
Crowe adds that women who give birth in their teens are far more likely to rely on public assistance and be at risk for homelessness while raising their children. Their chil-dren are more likely to suffer abuse, neglect and poverty, and far too many will enter the foster care system.
Started in 1996, the Transitional Living Program has an unusually high success rate, measured in part by the number of graduates who are living independently one year after completing the program.
“I truly believe that this is one of the best things we do at DePelchin,” Crowe said. “It really changes lives and helps to break the cycle of poverty, dependence and abuse that exists among so many of our community’s families.”
For more information about DePelchin’s Transitional Living
Program, visit www.depelchin.org.
A graduate of DePelchin’s Transitional Living Program, Ashley Woodall is now physically and financially independent and able to be a better parent to her daughter Angelina.
7
MMany people go through life without ever discovering their true calling. Fortunately, Tandelyn Weaver is not one of them.
Weaver discovered her calling in 2003 after a friend mentioned “life coaching,” an unfamiliar term that, according to Weaver, sounded interesting and prompted further investigation. She soon discovered that she already had many of the skills of a good life coach. She was a good listener. She had a way of motivating others to take action. And she enjoyed inspiring people to set and achieve their goals.
Until that point, Weaver, who holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania- Wharton School of Business, had devoted most of her career to working in the high profile worlds of bank-ing, finance and marketing. She worked for Fortune 500 companies such as Merrill Lynch, Citibank and IBM. She later worked alongside her husband of 23 years, managing his dermatology practice in Houston.
The concept of motivational coaching intrigued Weaver so much that she earned a life coach certification and launched a new career. Today, she is one of Houston’s most respected life coaches and motivational speakers whose inspiring sessions embody one central theme: The Power of Positive Action.
Weaver’s ability to help others discover their inner great-
ness and power is a skill that serves her well as a member of DePelchin’s board of directors. Now in her sixth year on the board, Weaver is a seasoned leader whose contri-butions range from service on the Marketing Committee to a role on the Strategic Planning Committee.
Marketing, Weaver explained, is vital because it increases awareness and support for DePelchin and its programs. She added that strategic planning is also crucial because, in order to be successful, DePelchin must carefully map out its future by setting goals, priorities and strategies for achieving them.
Weaver predicts that DePelchin will continue to be suc-cessful on all fronts. Its leadership and staff, she says, are knowledgeable, dedicated to their mission and genu-inely concerned about the future of Houston’s children and families. This combination, she believes, is what gives DePelchin its far-reaching impact and inspires its own brand of positive action.
“DePelchin touches people in a special way,” she explained. “For me, it’s a constant reminder of how blessed I am, and it encourages me to find ways that I can be a blessing to others.”
Although Weaver’s term on the board ends this year, she plans to stay involved with DePelchin. “It’s a privilege to help, and I’ll continue to do that to the best of my ability.”
6
AdoptUsKids Names Joni DeSoto October 2008 Caseworker of the Month
Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services Honors Larry Misiak
In The newsFALL 2008 Serving the DePeLchin community
DePelchin Children’s Center congratulates Joni DeSoto for being named October 2008 Case-worker of the Month by The Collaboration to AdoptUsKids, a five-year project that recruits and connects foster and adoptive families with waiting children throughout the United States.
DeSoto, who has worked in the family services field for 17 years, is a clinician with DePelchin’s Post Adoption program. She serves as an advo-cate for adoptive families, identifying their needs and providing them with knowledge and resources to help them succeed.
“Joni has been a tremendous supporter,” said LaDona Landry, the adoptive parent who nominated DeSoto for the award. “She stays in touch and keeps us updated on all the latest changes in the laws, resources that are available and services that we should uti-lize. She is truly a blessing to all she serves and deserves to be recognized for her dedication, commitment and professionalism.”
After being nominated for the award, DeSoto said, “I am the one who is blessed with the work that I do. In this job, I am constantly amazed by the huge hearts and selfless devotion of our adoptive parents.”
Larry Misiak, Foster Care Coordinator for DePelchin’s Angleton office, has been named 2008 Child Placing Agency Staff of the Year by The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services. The Alliance is a nonprofit association of private child and family welfare agencies in Texas that is dedicated to strengthening services to children through quality care and advocacy.
Each year during its annual conference, the Alli-ance hosts an awards ceremony to recognize exemplary professionals in the child and family service field. Misiak, employed by DePelchin for nearly 25 years, is the first person to receive the Child Placing Agency Staff of the Year award.
During his years at DePelchin, Misiak has served families in many capaci-ties. In his current role, he works closely with foster care staff, placing and maintaining children in foster care.
“It is an honor to be chosen as the first recipient of this award,” Misiak said. “I feel that I’m being awarded for something I do in partnership with many others — foster parents, clinicians, supervisors and management. If it weren’t for all of those good people standing shoulder-to-shoulder and work-ing together, I couldn’t do my job.”
DePelchin Children’s Center mourns the passing of Jane Kalie, a dear friend and devoted colleague. Jane, a mail room distribution clerk and DePelchin employee for more than nine years, passed away suddenly on July 18, 2008.
She leaves behind her son John, daughter Zenaida, a large extended family and a host of friends. Jane will be sadly missed and long remembered at DePelchin for her warm smile, friendly demeanor and dedicated service.
DePelchin Children’s Center mourns the passing of former board member and longtime supporter, Mrs. Lullelia Walker Harrison. In 1939, Harrison was instrumental in the development of The Negro Child Center, a shelter and foster care program established by DePelchin to assist needy black chil-dren in then racially segregated Houston, where resources for this population were virtually nonexistent.
As president of The Negro Child Center, and later as the first black board member of DePelchin Faith Home—as it was then called—Harrison worked diligently to stamp out racial barriers, equalize reimbursements for black fos-ter parents and improve services for minority children in foster care.
Known for her organizational skills and dynamic and eloquent speaking abil-ity, Harrison garnered support for her cause from all segments of society and
eventually helped end the segregation of programs and facilities for Black children. She and her group helped dissolve the Negro Child Center in the 1960s, and services at DePelchin were integrated.
Never wavering in her commitment to improve the lives of children, Har-rison served as a teacher and guidance counselor in the Houston Independent School District for 46 years. Retirement afforded her the opportunity to fur-ther serve her community through volunteerism and involvement in a number of diverse organizations. Her enthusiasm and dedication to serving others resulted in numerous community service awards and honors.
Harrison passed away on October 11, 2008, leaving behind a host of family, friends and admirers.
Tandelyn Weaver DePelchin Board Member
A Board Member Who Embodies the Power of Positive Action
In Memoriam:“Jane” Juanita Hernandez Kalie
Lullelia Walker Harrison (1913-2008)
leaders
8 9
reading, writing and arithmetic are often waylaid by serious issues such as school violence, teen pregnancy, substance abuse and juvenile delin-quency. Recent studies show, for instance, that nearly 40 percent of students nationwide feel unsafe at school due to increases in school vio-lence. The state of Texas is ranked the second highest in the nation for teen pregnancy, and Harris County has some of the highest rates in the state of births to young women under the age of 19. Truancy and drop out rates also continue to mount in the Texas school system.
Schools are working harder than ever to provide social and emotional support and education to prevent these problems, but they can not do it alone. Working in partnership with area school districts, DePelchin Children’s Center’s Prevention Department extends its reach into the schools by offering an array of school-based programs that help students and families cope with difficult issues that interfere with learning.
Programs provide counseling, education and support services that focus on improving coping skills and family relationships while reducing vio-lent and risky behaviors. DePelchin clinicians educate, counsel, guide and support students, parents and school staff in order to help students be successful both in and out of the classroom.
While some school-based programs work to prevent adolescent preg-nancy, others provide education and support to pregnant teens to help ensure good prenatal care and healthy pregnancies. Other programs teach parenting teens how to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children while completing their education and working toward a stable future. Still others work to prevent school violence, including gang involvement, bullying and abuse among peers.
“Schools are already committed to helping students achieve academic success,” said Julie Crowe, Manager, Prevention and Early Intervention Services. “But many children—and especially teens—need more, and DePelchin is working to fill this gap.”
School-based Programs Inform, Educate and Give Students a Healthy Dose of Reality
In today’s schools,
10 11
DePelchin Welcomes Peggy Roe as
Senior Vice President for Advancement
A wise friend once told Peggy Roe that if you love an organization, you’ll raise money for it. At the time, Roe was a community volunteer who devoted much of her service to her church, her children’s school and other organizations that were dear to her heart.
Now, almost two decades later, Roe has an exceptional track record of fundraising, strengthening board and volunteer com-mittees and inspiring organizations to maximize their potential. In July, DePelchin welcomed Roe as its Senior Vice President for Advancement, a key leadership role charged with directing the agency’s strategic fundraising and volunteer initiatives.
Roe began her development career in 1990, serving at such notable organizations as Neuhaus Education Center, The Center for Hearing and Speech and Houston Annenberg Challenge. For the last several years, she worked as a consultant—often as an executive director or director of development—at a number of leading nonprofit organizations. Camp Allen, The Seniors Place, The Junior League of Houston, Inc., Denver Harbor Clinic and The Briarwood School are among the many organizations that benefited from Roe’s expertise. Her efforts, which included coordinating campaigns for capital, endowment, planned giving, major gifts, annual funds and operating budgets, have raised approximately $20 million to date.
“I have never worked for an organization whose mission I could not fully support,” Roe said. “DePelchin is held in such high regard; it is humbling and exciting to have the opportunity to work with an agency whose mission is so clear and so vital.”
Roe, who describes herself as “very goal oriented,” will work closely with DePelchin’s board and staff on a strategic plan for fundraising. Her plan, she says, includes cultivating and expand-ing the agency’s donor and volunteer base. Eventually, she will also lead a capital campaign to raise funds for facility expan-sions and improvements.
“We are thrilled to have Peggy on our staff to lead and strengthen our fundraising efforts,” said Curtis C. Mooney, Ph.D., DePelchin president and CEO. “She is one of our com-munity’s best and most experienced development professionals, and she will be a tremendous asset as we grow and expand our programs and facilities.”
Roe completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Oklahoma and holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and Literature from The University of Houston. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) who currently serves on the boards of Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and Bo’s Place, and who formerly served on the boards of Covenant House Texas and The Park People.
After living in Houston for nearly 40 years and working with the philanthropic community most of that time, Roe feels well prepared to tackle the challenges of her new position. “I love the people of Houston,” she said. “This is a wonderful, faithful community with a can-do spirit that always rises to help those in need. It is this spirit of philanthropy that has been and will con-tinue to be the foundation for DePelchin’s success.”
The birth rate for teenagers aged 15 to 17 rose by three percent in 2006, the first
increase since 1991, according to data released in December by the National Center for
Health Statistics.
Prevention Program Spotlight:
Baby Think It OverIt’s Friday night, a time when 14-year-old Courtney normally meets friends at a nearby mall or movie theater. On this night, however, Courtney is home-bound, ground-ed by a demanding infant needing her constant attention. At 2:00 a.m., the infant wakes, crying for food and in need of a diaper change. Tired and frustrated, Courtney does her best to soothe him, but her impatience gets the best of her. Unable to quiet the child, she picks him up and shakes him a few times before finally leaving him to wail, hungry and alone, for the next sev-eral hours.
Fortunately, this infant is not real. It is a computer-ized infant simulator—part of the Baby Think It Over pregnancy prevention pro-gram offered by DePelchin. The simulator needs realis-tic care, including feeding, diapering, rocking and burping. A monitor on the doll gives a detailed report on the care it received—including the type of behavior that could result in Shaken Baby Syndrome.
The birth rate for teens, ages 15 to 17, rose by three percent in 2006, the first increase since 1991, according to data released in December by the National Center for Health Statistics. Baby Think It Over is an abstinence-based pregnancy prevention program designed to inform adolescents about the consequences of engaging in sexual activity. The program curriculum consists of six sessions delivered by a Family Resource Specialist from DePelchin Children’s Center. Through Baby Think It Over and other
school and community-based programs, DePelchin is working to combat the rising rate of teen pregnancies. The agency also hopes to change the careless attitudes many youths have toward teen parenting.
“Many teens at this age think babies are cute and that it would be fun to have one of their own,” said Julie Crowe, manager, Prevention and Early Intervention Services, at DePelchin. “The infant simulators give them powerful,
hands-on experiences at crit-ical stages in their sexual development. After having the ‘infant’ for the weekend, most kids return with a new outlook and admit how dif-ficult a job parenting is. It’s an effective reality check for them.”
DePelchin implemented Baby Think It Over eight years ago in the Houston Independent School District and has had notable success with prevent-ing initial sexual activity for one to two years in children in sixth through ninth grades. The agency has expanded the program to serve more schools in the Houston com-
munity, including private and charter schools, as well as after-school and neighborhood programs interested in offering the curriculum.
To request more information or find out how you can bring Baby Think It Over to your school, organization or com-munity, call (713) 730-2335 or email [email protected].
integrity. S e r v i c e before self. excellence in all we do.integrity. S e r v i c e before self. excellence in all we do.12 13
Mystic Dayne proudly displays her many academic awards.
Integrity. Service before self. Excellence in all we
do. As a member of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer
Training Corps (JROTC), Mystic Dayne has not only
committed these words to memory, she has also adopted
them as words to live by.
Dayne’s maturity, accomplish-
ments and positive attitude
prompted DePelchin to nom-
inate her for a distinguished
honor: the Regional Council
of Child Welfare Board’s 2008
Female Foster Child of the
Year. Although the winner will
not be announced until later this
year, those closest to Dayne,
including DePelchin clinician
Bevin Barrett, already consider
her a champion.
“Mystic had a tough childhood,
but she is focused on the future
and wants to make the most of
her life,” Barrett said. “She’s
wise beyond her years.”
Before entering foster care,
Dayne, the oldest of eight chil-
dren, was the primary caregiver
for her younger siblings. Although that time in her life was
extremely difficult, Dayne says that good teachers, friends
and counselors at DePelchin helped her overcome it.
“Until recently, no one ever pushed me to do anything,”
she said. “So I pushed myself. I think my experiences
taught me to be more responsible and independent, and
that’s helped me to do well in school.”
Dayne, an honor student,
recently earned several
awards, including a certificate
for Outstanding Achievement
in Integrated Physics and
Chemistry and trophies for
superior performance on a
national Latin exam. She
also earned a certificate for
Educational Achievement in
the Air Force JROTC pro-
gram, where she is a member
of the drill team, physical
training team and rocketry
team.
For Dayne, academics are
easy, but it’s the fun stuff that
presents a challenge.
“I’ve always had to be the
responsible one,” she said.
“Sometimes people tell me
that it’s time for me to be a kid. I just don’t know how to
do that, but I’m working on it.”
Mystic Dayne Nominated for Female Foster Child of the Year
ABCDabove and beyond the call of duty AwardT o m B e l l o w s
Keeping DePelchin’s facilities in pristine condition is no easy task, but it is one that Robert Barnes does very well. Barnes has worked at DePelchin for two years and is a member of the Facility and Plant Management Department. He is held in the highest regard by his co-workers, who enjoy his sense of humor, kind nature and willingness to accomplish whatever is asked of him. Barnes recently worked on his day off to assist with an important DePelchin function, setting up and staying until the event was over. When asked what he most enjoys about working at DePelchin, Barnes answered, “working with the children and helping people.”
Robert BarnesOne of the perks of being a DePelchin employee, according to Roosevelt Stacy, is working with “some of the best people in the world.” The feeling is obviously mutual, as Stacy’s co-workers consider him “the epitome of a valued colleague and employee.” Stacy, a staff clinician and intern recruiter and supervisor for the Home-Based Therapy Program, has worked at DePelchin for five years. He is known for being ethical and a strong advocate for clients and their families. A skilled clinician who is always willing to share his knowledge and lend an ear to a fellow coworker, Stacy does so with amazing patience and grace.
Roosevelt StacyThe staff of DePelchin’s Family Adoption Connections and Enrichment Services (FACES) Program is proud to call Susie Robinson one of its own. As a staff clinician II with FACES, Robinson provides counseling and support to adoptive families, often putting in many extra hours to ensure that her clients receive the services they need. Her colleagues refer to her as “a gift to her field,” and praise Robinson for meeting with families whenever they have a crisis and need a friendly face.
Susie Robinson
The Tom Bellows ABCD Award at DePelchin Children’s Center is named in honor of the agency’s former Board chairman and longtime supporter, Tom Bellows, who passed away in the fall of 2007. The award recognizes employees who excel in their jobs by putting forth extra effort for the agency and those it serves. The three individuals listed below are recent recipients of the award.
14 15
Report to the CommunityYear Ended December 31, 2007
16 17
We envision a world in which every child is safe and healthy.
— Our Vision
DePelchin Children’s Center is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children (COA).
DePelchin Children’s Center had another year of growth and opportunity in 2007. We continued our strategic planning with the Board of Directors and adopted a new vision and mission statement. The strategic planning efforts will provide us a roadmap that will direct DePelchin for many years to come.
We continue to be the leader of children’s behavioral health and child welfare services in the Houston area.
Our work continues to help those who were touched by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Although more than two years have passed since the hurricanes, the effects on the children displaced by these catastrophic storms continue. We have been working with schools in the area to teach school personnel how to identify the signs of trauma with these children.
It was also another year of growth in foster care. Our nationally recognized post-adoption programs simultaneously realized an increase in the people they serve.
A major accomplishment was the formation of a new legal entity that will ultimately expand children’s psychiatric services to our community. We are excited about the potential to improve and expand mental health services for children who need them the most.
The year brought sorrow to DePelchin with the sudden passing of Tom Bellows, our chair and devoted board member for more than 10 years. It was quite a shock to all of us and touched us deeply.
Each year brings new challenges to DePelchin Children’s Center. We never know what those challenges will be, but we know that we have to be ready for them and continue to meet the needs of our citizens of tomorrow.
Curtis C. Mooney, Ph.D.
President and CEO
DePelchin Children’s Center
Male42.3%
Female57.7%
Hispanic 38%
Other 3%
Asian 2%
Caucasian 28%
African-American 29%
22 Yrs and Over 39%
0-6 Yrs 10%
7-12 Yrs 22%
13-21 Yrs 29%
Gender
ethnicity AGe
We strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.
— Our Mission
those We served
18 19
ProGrAms Provided by dePelchin children’s center - 2007
behAviorAl heAlth servicesCounSElInG SERvICES
• Individual, family and group therapy for children experiencing emotional, behavioral or adjustment difficulties
• Specialized therapies for children with trauma-related problems
• Psychological assessments of intellectual, personality and psychosocial functioning
• 2,655 clients were helped in DePelchin’s office-based counseling program
• 91% of children and teens seen in office-based counseling demonstrated progress in meeting behavioral treatment objectives
• 90% of parents whose child attended multiple sessions of office-based counseling reported a decrease in problem behavior
HomE anD CommunIty BaSED tHERaPy
• Intensive individualized family therapy for children and families in their own home, school or community
• Focus on resolving parent and child conflicts, predelinquent behavior, school problems and truancy
• 1,295 clients were seen in the home-based counseling program
• 97% of family members indicated they were better equipped to deal with family problems after home-based therapy services
• 69% of youths showed meaningful reduction in problem behavior at the end of their home-based therapy services
CHIlD PSyCHIatRy SERvICES
• Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
• Specialization in diagnosis and treatment of childhood disorders
• Psychiatric residency program for Baylor College of Medicine
Prevention And educAtion servicesat RISk youtH SERvICES
• Services provided to students, families and teachers to assure that children function in a socially, emotionally and academically successful manner
• Focus on preventing violence, substance abuse, truancy and dropouts, delinquency, gang involvement and child abuse
• 1,423 children and teens were helped in the Services to At Risk Youth programs
• 100% of families participating in services avoided removal of their children by Child Protective Services
• 94% reported that therapy helped with family problems
tEEn PaREnt SERvICES
• Services for prevention of adolescent pregnancy
• Support for pregnant and parenting adolescents to ensure healthy development of the parent and child relationship and prevent school dropout
• Services provided in many Houston-area schools
• Transitional living services for young homeless families
• 1,160 teenagers participated in the teen parent services program
• 67% of teens in school-based pregnancy prevention services demonstrated healthier and more realistic attitudes towards teenage parenthood
• 84% of teenage clients in school-based pregnancy prevention services demonstrated improved knowledge of reproductive health issues
EDuCatIonal SERvICES
• Parent education classes in English and Spanish focused on building effective parenting skills and enhancing the relationship between the parent and the child
• Co-parenting and “Helping Children Cope with the Effects of Divorce” classes
• 2,905 clients participated in the parent education and family support group programs
• 94% of participants completing parenting skills classes reported improved relationships with their children
• 91% of parents participating in the “Helping Children Cope with the Effects of Divorce” classes expressed attitudes that promoted healthy parent-child relationships
child WelfAre services residentiAl servicesFamIly RECRuItmEnt
• Recruitment and training of potential foster and adoptive parents
• 1,153 people attended a meeting to learn about foster care and adoption
• 323 people attended training to become foster or adoptive parents
• 168 new foster homes were opened in 2007
FoStER CaRE SERvICES
• Therapeutic care and treatment for children ages 0 to 17 who need developmental, emotional or medical support
• Recruitment, training and support of foster parents
• 1,052 children and teens were cared for in DePelchin’s foster care program
• 78% of severely impaired children entering the therapeutic foster care program saw significant improvement in their behavior
• 84% of children in foster homes had stable placements (did not require a move)
aDoPtIon
• Focus on finding permanent homes for children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds
• Recruitment and training of adoptive parents
• Counseling for birthparents
• 100 children were adopted into permanent, loving homes. Ninety of those children were in the custody of the State of Texas; ten were infant adoptions
• 100% of the families who adopted children from DePelchin were still together two years after the adoption finalizations
PoSt aDoPtIon SERvICES
• Individual, family and group counseling for adopted children, adoptive parents, adult adoptees and birthparents, regardless of the original placement agency
• Case management/coordination of services
• Background information and birth relative contact for DePelchin families
• 525 clients received services in the post adoption program
• 94% of the families receiving post adoption services reported that the services helped the family stay together
ElkInS RESIDEntIal tREatmEnt CEntER RICHmonD RESIDEntIal tREatmEnt CEntER
• 24-hour intensive residential care services for children ages five to 17 who have severe emotional and behavioral problems
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Complete educational services provided by The University of Texas - University Charter School
• 176 children and teens were helped in the residential treatment program
• 50% of the youths who left residential treatment remained in a stable home environment
• 83% of the youths said that they were better at expressing their feelings than before they came to the center
21
Statement of Financial Position (in 000’s)
2007 2006Assets
Cash and Money Market Investments $ 3,511 $ 2,575
Accounts Receivable 2,377 2,333
Property, Plant and Equipment 2,504 2,644
Temporarily & Board Restricted Investments 4,400 4,243
Other Assets 1,090 1,278
Total Assets $ 13,882 $ 13,073
Liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities $ 3,362 $ 2,587
Net Assets
Unrestricted 8,728 8,304
Temporarily Restricted 1,792 2,182
Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 13,882 $ 13,073
Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets (in 000’s)
2007 2006Revenue and Support
Program Service fees $ 20,911 $ 19,651
United Way 4,718 4,564
Foundation for DePelchin Children’s Center 2,995 2,687
Contributions 2,261 1,677
Investment income and miscellaneous income 553 540
Total Revenue and Support $ 31,438 $ 29,119
Expenses
Foster Care $ 12,387 $ 10,376
Behavioral Health Services 5,866 5,730
Residential Treatment Services 5,515 5,364
Prevention and Education Services 2,529 2,778
Adoption and Post Adoption Services 1,701 1,703
Administration and Fundraising 3,405 2,985
Total Expenses $ 31,403 $ 28,936
Change in Net Assets $ 35 $ 183
DePelchin Children’s Center receives funding from the United Way, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, other governmental agencies, program fees, community support and investment income.
summArized finAnciAl rePortfor the yeAr ended december 31
dePelchin children’s center(713) 730-2335 • (888) 730-2335 Toll Free • www.depelchin.org
Main Campus - Houston
4950 Memorial drive
Houston, texas 77007
Baytown Center
1610 james bowie drive
suite a-111
baytown, texas 77520
Youth Services Center
6300 Chimney rock
Houston, texas 77081
Clear Lake Center
1300-a bay area boulevard
Houston, texas 77058
Families Count
205 W. Crosstimbers
Houston, texas 77018
DePelchin School
4815 dickson street
Houston, texas 77007
Family Connections
1700 FM 517 east
dickinson, texas 77539
Isabel Elkins Residential
Treatment Center
201 shepherd drive
Houston, texas 77007
Ft. Bend Co. Center
10435 greenbough, suite 101
stafford, texas 77477
Montgomery Co. Center
(the Woodlands)
1600 lake Front Circle
the Woodlands, texas 77380
Richmond Campus
(residential treatment Center)
710 south 7th street
richmond, texas 77469
Waller Co. Center
531 FM 359 south
brookshire, texas 77423
2008 leadership
BoaRD oF DIRECToRS
M. james Henderson, Chairmandebbi M. johnstone, Vice Chairman Flo Mcgee, Past Chairman anne s. duncan, Secretary
nancy abendshein
arthur baird
john C. bass
Valerie bergeron
efrain bleiberg, M.d.
jay allen Chaffee
steve Cherek
nancy i. Cook, Ph.d.
susan distefano
Karey dubiel dye
stephen t. dyer
Kathy C. Flanagan, M.d.
Henry Florsheim
stephen M. Fraga
the rev. b. Massey gentry
Miles d. Harper iii
Peggy Heeg
nancy g. Kinder
Pamela lovett
john s. Moody, jr.
roxann s. neumann
Carolyn j. Pope
Charles d. Powell
Pat Powers
leslie Prokop teel
leslie sprague
ellie sweeney
Harper b. trammell
H. richard Walton
tandelyn atkinson Weaver
janeana White, M.d.
geraldina interiano Wise
don Woo
Frank M. Wozencraft, jr.
SEnIoR STaFF
Curtis C. Mooney, Ph.D. President/CEO
robert l. Hartman Executive Vice President/COO
Peggy s. Pugh Senior Vice President/CFO
Peggy r. roe Senior Vice President/Advancement
e. lane Coco, Ph.D. Vice President/Planning, Evaluation & Quality Systems
ronald l. Mcdaniel Vice President/Marketing
Wanda Woody-roberts Vice President/Human Resources
Constance H. barker, j.d. Director, Government Affairs
FounDaTIon FoR DEPELCHIn CHILDREn’S CEnTER
jesse H. jones ii, Chairman and Trusteesusan light lawhon, Director and Trusteerobert W. Paddock, Director and TrusteePaul j. sarvadi, Director and Trusteejohn e. stokes, Director and Trusteerahul Mehta, DirectorCharles szalkowski, Director
DEPELCHIn PSYCHIaTRIC SERvICES
Manuel C. ramirez, M.d., ChairmanWarren s. bellows, M.d.efrain bleiberg, M.d.Matthew n. brams, M.d.Frank d. Hill, M.d.Peter K. thompson, M.d.
20
BERtHa StuRGEon-CaBElloMost Valuable Volunteer
TThe adoptive families who benefit from DePelchin’s FACES program may never see Bertha Sturgeon-Cabello, but she is an important part of the program’s dedicated team.
FACES (Family Adoption Connections and Enrichment Services), a program under DePelchin’s Post-Adoption Services, provides counseling, support groups and family fun days that enrich the lives of adoptive families. Over the last year, Sturgeon-Cabello has worked behind the scenes as an administrative volunteer, helping plan events and developing databases for use by the FACES staff.
“Bertha comes to DePelchin each week and devotes at least two hours of her valuable time to computer projects and other important duties that otherwise might not be completed in a timely manner,” said Jenny Reid, placement coordinator with FACES. “I can’t thank her enough. We truly value her work and appreciate every minute of time she gives to our program and to DePelchin.”
Sturgeon-Cabello is a busy graduate student who also volunteers as a Guardian ad Litum for children in CPS custody. She makes time for volunteering because she believes that children deserve a sound family structure. Her support of DePelchin’s mis-sion was what first led her to seek a short-term volunteer opportunity with the agency’s Holiday Project. But it was DePelchin’s professionalism that cemented her commitment and has kept her coming back.
“From the very first day, I was impressed by what I saw,” said Sturgeon-Cabello. “The work is always rewarding and productive. In just a few hours a week, I can contribute to a program that helps so many families succeed. A little goes a long way.”
22 23
Afripro - dance and soccer event
Alexandria Catholic Church - game day and lunch
Arabia Shrine - circus festival tickets
ARt volunteers - Continental Airport tour and weekly activities
ArtBridge Houston – weekly play and art therapy
Bury + partners - bowling
Children Are First network - fashion show
Dogs Disaster - pet therapy
express theatre - play tickets
Ge infra energy - bowling
Houston Astros - game tickets
Houston Comets - game tickets
inRoADS - arts and crafts
Lakewood Church - play group activity and other volunteer support
mama mia support group - arts and crafts
marathon oil - Diversity Field Day
Courtney mielke and Friends - Bible study
omron - kickball game and dinner
St. michael’s Catholic Church - enrichment activity and lunch
the Children’s Film Group - festival tickets
the Children’s museum - museum tickets
the Houston Zoo - zoo tickets
the Junior League of Houston - field day, movie and pizza night, career day, game night, etiquette lunch and pet therapy
the orange Show - car show
Reliant energy - High School Musical tickets
Rice university students - Spring Fling, sports day and arts and crafts
tribute - arena football tickets
Wells Fargo - kickball tournament
Wells Fargo Asian Connection - sports and fun day
Wortham theatre - theatre tickets
Every week, caring groups visit DePelchin to volunteer in various capacities and brighten the lives of residents by providing fun and enriching outings and activities. DePelchin thanks the following groups for their volunteerism and support during the months of April through July, 2008. For more information on sponsoring a group activity, visit www.depelchin.org or e-mail [email protected].
Helping in Special Ways
Community Event Tickets Appreciated
DePelchin welcomes the donation of tickets
to community events and outings, including
museums, sporting events and age appropri-
ate music and theatrical performances. These
activities provide enriching experiences in
a secure environment and give the children
an opportunity to learn social skills that are
important to their development. To donate or
help sponsor ticket purchases, contact us at
713-802-7792 or [email protected] C. Mooney, Ph.D., president and CEO of DePelchin (right), gratefully accepted a $50,000 contribution from Amherst Securities Group LP in July. Reba Trawick (left), Amherst vice president, presented the gift to DePelchin on behalf of her firm.
Roni Kloss leads a group of younger Girl Scouts in making fleece blankets to donate to children in DePelchin’s care.
24 25
‘Tis the Season to Support DePelchin’s 2008 HO
HO HOLIDAYPROJECT
The holiday season is a time of giving, and with the help of generous donors and volunteers, DePelchin’s annual Holiday Project brightens the season for hundreds of children in the agency’s care. This year, DePelchin hopes to provide gifts to more than 1,200 children and families and once again is asking local businesses, community groups and individuals to donate new, unwrapped toys, clothing and other items to help fill the children’s wish lists. Gift suggestions for the Holiday Project are located on the Web at www.depelchin.org.
The success of the Holiday Project depends not just on material gifts but also on gifts of time and talent. More than 200 volunteers are needed December 9-13 and December 16-18 to sort and bag gifts. Several shifts are available and any amount of time donated makes a difference.
To volunteer, to sponsor a child or family, or to receive an information packet explaining how to take part in this year’s project, please e-mail [email protected] or call 713-802-7740.
Note: DePelchin gratefully accepts safe, fun and educational toys but cannot accept toy guns or other toys that imply violence, including water pistols, toy bombs, military action figures or military toys, wrestler action figures, toys that are made to punch (such as a punching bag clown) or toys made to strike others (such as boxing gloves).
The Holiday Project welcomes large, unused trash bags or packing boxes of any size. Donations of giftwrap, gift tags, bows, ribbon, tape and batteries also are appreciated.
Youth inhilANThRoPY
WWhen you think of Girl Scouts, it is natural to think of kids, cookies and camping. But for 17-year-old Roni Kloss, a Girl Scout for 12 years, scouting represents much more. It is an opportunity to build friendships, leadership skills and values that will remain with her throughout her life.
Kloss joined Girls Scouts at age five and has risen through the ranks to the level of Senior, serving as a leader and role model for younger scouts. as a Senior Girl Scout, Kloss is eligible to earn the Gold award, the highest award available to Girl Scouts ages 14-17. Seniors earn the award by com-pleting an in-depth project using organizational, leadership and networking skills. the project must fulfill a need within the girl’s community, create positive change and empower others.
Kloss selected DePelchin as the beneficiary of her project, which included creating and donating welcome kits and fleece blankets to children in residential care. “It broke my heart to learn that many children arrive at DePelchin with only the clothes on their backs,” Kloss explained. “I wanted to provide them with a few helpful items to call their own.”
With the help of younger Girl Scouts, family, friends and local retailers, Kloss collected donations of toiletries, clothing and other needed items. Her efforts resulted in a contribution of 120 welcome kits and 150 fleece blankets.
Her project will also include building and donating a large display case to exhibit children’s artwork at the Memorial campus. Kloss started her Gold award project in early March and has devoted more than 50 hours to it.
“We congratulate Roni on earning her Gold award and are grateful to her and all who contributed to this project,” said Za’ndra Jackson, manager of Volunteer and Community outreach at DePelchin. “Roni is an exceptional young woman whose longtime commitment to Girl Scouts will no doubt serve her well as she enters adulthood.”
P
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil G. Mangum
Mr. and Mrs. Earle P. Martin, Jr.
Mr. Daniel McElyea
Mr. and Mrs. John T. McMahan
Mr. and Mrs. H. Palmer Melton
Microsoft Giving Campaign
Mr. and Mrs. Alan A. Millard
Ms. Wendy Moses
Mr. John A. Murry, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Brent Nelson
Network for Good
Mrs. Kathryn Neuhaus
Dr. and Mrs. Jay C. Oates
Mr. Silas A. Ogbuefi
Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Oney
Mr. Scott Patterson
Mr. Trey Pinner
The Honorable and Mrs. Ronald R. Pope
Ms. Lauren A. Powell
Ms. Imelda Pradia
Ms. Elizabeth P. Rauschuber
Ms. Kimberly Reed
Mr. Randy L. Richey
Ms. Eloise F. Rowan
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Royce
S.P.J.S.T Lodge #88, Houston
Mr. and Mrs. James F. Shear
Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Smith
Dr. Jackie St. Cyr
Standard Publishing Corporation
Mr. and Mrs. David H. Stone
Mr. and Mrs. Russell U. Streiffert
Cristin Swope, M.D.
The T.E.A.M. Approach, Inc.
Mr. Paul Taparauskas
The Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Society
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Thompson
Dr. and Mrs. Peter K. Thompson
Ms. Kathleen C. Tillman
United Way of Greater Cincinnati
United Way of Greater Union County
United Way of Greater Waterbury
United Way of Los Angeles
Mr. Oliver VanDierdonck
Mr. Paul Vangrienken
Ms. Beth Villalpando
Ms. Emily Walker
Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign
Ms. Debbie W. Wetmore
Mr. Connie B. Williams
Ms. Jennifer Wilson
Mr. Larry Yaffa
Ms. Phyllis A. Zendejas
27
Mrs. Mark B. abendshein Sterling-Turner Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Blanton, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Alexander
Mr. Rick L. Burdick Mr. Elliot M. Bossin
The Honorable John E. Davis Amerigroup Charitable Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Donovan Mr. Jason N. Donovan
Ms. Ella Felch Mr. and Mrs. Ed Barron
Mr. and Mrs. Jarrold Glazer Mr. Elliot M. Bossin
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey C. Hines Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Alexander Dr. and Mrs. Jay C. Oates
Mr. Carlos Holguin and Mrs. Debbi M. Johnstone Ms. Denise Marks
Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel McGinnis Mr. Michael J. McGinnis
Mr. James D. Penny Mr. Elliot M. Bossin
Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Powell Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Lehrer
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Sebesta Mr. and Mrs. Joe V. Salvaggio
Leslie and abbot Sprague Sterling-Turner Foundation
Ms. olivia M. Steele Shreves Insurance Agency
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Szalkowski Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Geary
In Honor of...
Mr. John S. Bace Mr. Oliver VanDierdonck
Mr. Thomas F. Bellows Mr. B. Riney Green Mr. and Mrs. Cadell S. Liedtke
Ms. Mary E. Cenatiempo Amegy Bank of Texas Angel of Care Staffing Co. Ms. Patrice M. Barron Benson & Anderson, L.L.P Mr. and Mrs. Tom Conner Crain, Caton & James P.C. Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Daugherty Frost National Bank Mr. Bernard L. Hebinck Mr. Chris Hilliard Interactive Capital Management Mr. and Mrs. Steven Kamel Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. Kesterson Mr. Frank E. Maguire Mr. Michael Maguire Ms. Mary E. Mason Mr. Paul Reimann Ms. Eloise F. Rowan Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Royce Mr. and Mrs. Jacob J. Short Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Stamos Mr. Paul Taparauskas
Ms. Mary L. Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Calvin A. Polk
Mr. Bill Cooksey Dobson Construction Services, Inc.
Ms. Melissa Suzanne Harper Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Allen Brotherhood of the Coast Mr. Mark H. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Max Bryant Mr. and Mrs. John H. Byrne Mr. and Mrs. Darin Darby Mr. and Mrs. Sidney M. Dean Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Fulton Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hadley Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Hamrick Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Mr. and Ms. Martin H. Hoffman Mr. Dan Jaeger Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kusick Ms. Peggy Rohrer Mr. and Mrs. Clifford L. Steffen Mr. Connie B. Williams Mr. Larry Yaffa
Mr. Edwin W. Hornberger Mr. Earle S. Alexander, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Leon Davis Ms. Barbara V. Fosdick Mr. James T. Fox Mr. and Mrs. William H. Frey Mr. and Mrs. Harry B. Hackethorn Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Knowlton Ms. Betty Medlenka Ms. Mary L. Nommensen Mr. and Mrs. James L. Smith
Standard Publishing Corporation Mr. Nicholas C. Stephens Mr. and Mrs. James E. Thompson Ms. Marjorie M. Walk Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Wood
Mr. Percy Imbody Ms. Patricia Mounce
Mrs. Jane Kalie Mrs. Loretta Barber Mrs. Rose Hurwitz
Mr. James Patrick Lee Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Beard Mr. and Mrs. Will Botts Ms. Pauline M. Delaney Mr. and Mrs. Barry Donovan Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Dunlop Hines Interests Mr. Baine P. Kerr, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. C. Robert Mace Mr. and Mrs. Trey Malechek Mrs. Kristi S. Martin Mr. and Mrs. Randall D. McDougal Mr. John A. Murry, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Szalkowski Mr. Paul Vangrienken
Mr. George B. Lindler George B. & Irene Lindler Foundation
Ms. Ruth Mobley Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson
Ms. Laura Lou odom Mr. and Mrs. Fred Broughton, Jr.
Ms. Irene Perrin Mr. Scott Patterson
Ms. Lori Bruecher Haveman Purcell Anonymous Ms. Susan Abbott Ms. Elizabeth Angelos Mr. and Mrs. William H. Bruecher III Mr. and Mrs. David H. Fritz Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Haveman Ms. Linda Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Vance B. Hinson Network for Good Ms. Kathleen C. Tillman Ms. Mabel Wong Ms. Phyllis A. Zendejas
Mr. and J. Dale Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. George F. Bobbitt
Ms. Claire Belle Socier Houston Baptist University Mr. and Mrs. Brent Nelson
Mr. Jeb Stuart Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson
Ms. Shelley G. Terry Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Gray
Mr. Mack R. Wetmore Ms. Debbie W. Wetmore
Mr. James L. Williams Linda W. Ware
In Memory of...
$50,000+
Amherst Securities Group, L.P.
Baylor Methodist Community Health Fund
Beaumont Foundation of America
The Brown Foundation, Inc.
The William Stamps Farish Fund
The Hamill Foundation
$25,000 - $49,999
Bridgeway Capital Management
First Clearing, LLC
$10,000 - $24,999
ExxonMobil Foundation
George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Mrs. Susan Light Lawhon/Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable Trust
George B. & Irene Lindler Foundation
The Powell Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. J. Abbott Sprague / The Abbott and Leslie Sprague Family Foundation
Sterling-Turner Foundation
$1,000 - $9,999
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Alexander
American Express Foundation
Amerigroup Charitable Foundation
Dr. Sean G. Boutros
BP Fabric of America Fund
Chevron Employees
Corvette Owners Club of Houston
Ms. Pauline M. Delaney
Dell Direct Giving Campaign
El Paso Corporation
Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Evans
Fluor Corporation
Global Impact
Goldman, Sachs & Company
Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Gray
Greater Houston Community Foundation
The Ed and Barbara Hess Gift Foundation
Ms. Johnnie Johnson
JPMorgan Chase
KPMG LLP
Mainland Communities United Way
Ms. Patricia Mounce
Occidental Petroleum Corporation
Ms. Maria Paez
Sherman Foundation
Sterling Bank
Taub Foundation
Mr. Henry J. N. Taub II
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Teel
Mrs. Ann G. Trammell and Dr. C. Eugene Carlton, Jr.
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Don M. Woo
$500 - $999
Kristin and David Anthony Charitable Gift Fund
Conni and Ron Barker
BP Foundation, Inc.
Charitable Gift Fund
Christ Church Cathedral
Mr. Guy G. Depaolis
Mr. Jason N. Donovan
Edelweiss-Magnolia Lodge No. 47
Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P.
Mr. Richard A. Hamilton
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hartman
Mr. Frank J. Hevrdejs
Hewlett-Packard
Ms. Ann G. Hollenbeck
Ms. Gwendolyn A. Huskey
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Jamail
Mr. Jason A. Kaniss
Ms. Paige H. Kovar
Mr. and Mrs. David N. Langham
Mr. Neal McKim
Mr. Michael T. McQueen
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Miller
Ms. Jeri Neely
Ms. Valerie F. Pina
Planet Hope Houston
Rosenberg Lions Club Charities, Inc.
Mr. Damian G. Sanchez
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schapiro
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon C. Therence
Mrs. Evelyn Thomas
Mr. James Vandevere
$100 - $499
Abt Associates Inc.
Access Mediquip LLC
Aetna Giving Campaign
Allstate Giving Campaign
Ms. Carol K. Alvarado
Angel of Care Staffing Co.
Mr. and Mrs. David W. Barret
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Barron
Benson & Anderson, L.L.P
Ms. Kim P. Blackerby
Mr. and Mrs. George F. Bobbitt
Ms. Mary B. Bonds
Mr. Elliot M. Bossin
Mr. and Mrs. Will Botts
Mr. Jack F. Browder
Mr. and Mrs. Max Bryant
Ms. Eloisa M. Bunch
Ms. Jennifer A. Buzbee
Carnival
Children Are First Network
Cleaning Associates Services
Nancy Illback Cook, Ph.D.
Crain, Caton & James P.C.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Derouen
Mr. Thomas Devlin
Mr. and Mrs. Barry Donovan
Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Dunlop
Kathy C. Flanagan, M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. David H. Fritz
Frost National Bank
Mr. Amado Garza
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Geary
Give with Liberty Program
Ms. Debbie Goodykoontz
Mr. Eli Gorka, Jr.
Mr. B. Riney Green
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Haenel
Halliburton
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Haveman
Mr. Bernard L. Hebinck
Ms. Jamie D. Herl
Mr. Chris Hilliard
Hines Interests
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey C. Hines
Mrs. Kathy L. Hooks
Houston Baptist University
Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Hudspeth
Hummingbird Travel
Ms. Gail Hunter-Sanchez
Interactive Capital Management
Mr. Dan Jaeger
Mr. and Mrs. Calvin R. Johnson
Mr. Jesse H. Jones II
Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Joseph
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Kamel
Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund
Mrs. Mildred Kerr
Mr. and Mrs. H.R. Kessler
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. Kesterson
Ms. Supat Kiet
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Kral
Ms. Susan L. Kramer
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kusick
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Lehrer
Mr. Andrew Lewis
Mr. and Mrs. Cadell S. Liedtke
Ms. Suzanne Long
Mr. Frank E. Maguire
Mr. and Mrs. Trey Malechek
DePelchin gratefully acknowledges the foundations, corporations, civic and religious organizations and individuals whose generosity allows us to provide quality services for children and families. The following contributors gave $100 or more between April 1 and July 31, 2008.
DePelchin makes every effort to record and acknowledge all gifts correctly we receive. We apologize for any misspellings or incorrect acknowledgments and ask that donors contact us at 713-802-6292 or [email protected] to inform us of errors so that they can be promptly corrected.
gifts
26
gifts
Kezia DePelchin SocietyThe Power of Faith
IIn 1892, Kezia DePelchin was serving as a matron and
teacher for older orphaned children. When she learned of
three infants who had no place to go because they were
simply too young for any existing orphanages, Mrs.
DePelchin opened her heart and took the children herself.
Initially, she used two borrowed rooms and her personal
earnings to care for the young Houstonians, but she had faith
that the community would come through with support.
Her faith was rewarded as Houstonians did champion her
mission of providing a safe and loving home for these chil-
dren. After a few short weeks of taking the infants in, Mrs.
DePelchin was able to move the children into a small,
rented house on Washington Avenue, and “Faith Home”
had its first permanent residence.
Mrs. DePelchin’s determination to help these children was
unwavering, and many in the Houston community joined
in her early efforts. In January 1893, Mrs. DePelchin con-
tracted pneumonia and died from the illness. Though Faith
Home had only been open for one year, Houstonians had
already embraced her vision; the home not only stayed
open but grew to affect the entire community. Faith Home
is now DePelchin Children’s Center. Mrs. DePelchin’s
belief in the generosity of Houstonians is seen with every
child and family DePelchin Children’s Center is able to
serve.
The Kezia DePelchin Society is a group of individuals
who are committed to the mission of DePelchin Children’s
Center and have faith in the future of children and families
who currently are at risk. Through membership in KDS,
donors help insure that Houston’s most comprehensive
children’s social service agency can continue to meet its
constituents’ needs.
Friends - $1,250 annuallyBenefits for Friends include recognition in Today magazine and on the annual Spring Luncheon program.
Partners - $2,500 annuallyBenefits for Partners include all those listed above plus a set of postcards which, when put together, form the Discovery mural which is located in the Kinder Program Services Building at DePelchin.
Patrons - $5,000 annuallyBenefits for Patrons include all those listed above plus annual acknowledgment from DePelchin’s CEO and recognition on the Kezia DePelchin Plaque of Honor.
Lifetime Members - $25,000Benefits for Lifetime Members include all those listed above plus recognition at the Annual CEO Luncheon and a Kezia DePelchin Society Lifetime Member gift.
Lifetime membership may be paid over a period of one to five years. All other memberships must be paid within 12 months and are renewable in July of each year.
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DePelchin has received generous promotional value through the Texas Bowl, increasing public awareness
in the Houston community and beyond.
The Texas Bowl has donated $120,000 to DePelchin Children’s Centerover the past two years.
Fall 2008
4950 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77007
713-730-2335
www.depelchin.org