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Volume 5, Issue 2 | Summer 20 16
CASA CHILD ADVOCATES OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Our MissionTo provide and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused and neglected child can have the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing, permanent home.
At 14 years old, Ethan was alone, feeling abandoned in the foster care system. His mother had passed away. Ethan’s sister was only a few years older and was unable to care for him. Ethan’s father had never been a part of his life, and no one knew where to find him.
CASA volunteer Advocates, John and Christine, teamed up to work together on Ethan’s case. Determined to track down Ethan’s family, John and Christine gathered all of the information they could. They had the father’s name. It was thought that perhaps Ethan’s father was in prison, but after the Advocates investigated further, it turned out to be another individual with the same name.
Christine traveled a lot for work, but while out of town, she found she could be useful by turning the search for Ethan’s dad into relatively new territory…social media. She followed lead after lead to no avail.
One day, Christine discovered a photo posted by a woman with the same last name as Ethan’s dad. In the photo, there were other children with the woman who looked remarkably similar to Ethan. Fellow Advocate John also saw the resemblance and agreed that they should attempt to make contact with the woman.
Hopeful that this wasn’t just another dead end, Christine sent the woman, Rita, a message through social media to ask if she knew Ethan’s father. Rita replied that Ethan’s father was her own son. Rita was Ethan’s paternal grandmother!
Ethan’s dad was completely unaware that he had a 14 year old son. When he learned about Ethan, he was willing to do anything for Ethan to come home to him. Christine and John worked with CPS and through the court system to help make that happen.
Today, Ethan is happy and healthy, living at home with his dad, step-mother, and his new siblings…two brothers and a sister. John and Christine’s efforts to find family members are one example of the real, life-changing differences our Advocates make to help children like Ethan find a safe, permanent and loving home.
MeetETHANI N T H I SIssue
2 A Message from the Executive Director
3 Last Year in Montgomery County
4 Conversations with CASA
5 Upcoming Events
6 Welcome New Advocates
6 On-Site Training for New Volunteers
7 Northside Lexus: A Champion for Children
7 Board of Directors
8 CASA Fact and Impact
9 Advocates in the Community
9 Volunteer Appreciation Reception
10 Artemis Society
11 2017 Gala Sneak Peek
ConnectionCHILD ADVO CATES
CASAthe
PAGE 1
I’ve been gardening lately - I bet a lot of you have been also. My patio is full of bright flowers in shades of pink and purple, and I’ve given over my loquat tree to the birds, who are so happy eating my fruit it seems like the tree itself is singing. When I sit on the patio with the blue sky, the sun shining and a gentle breeze providing some relief from the heat, I can practically feel the
flowers growing. It’s easy to be happy.
We work with kids - kids who have not had sunny skies and cooling breezes. Kids who have not been taken care of, and who do not have the conditions they need to grow.
Growth is what we’re about at CASA Child Advocates. Making sure that while kids are in the care of the state (no one thinks that “the state” is a good parent), they have everything they need to grow. And that each child - each child! - gets a permanent home with a family who loves them and will nurture their growth in every way possible.
I’d like to mention a couple of things that we do at CASA to help the older kids grow. With a grant from the AAUW and an intern from ExxonMobil, this summer we will take youth on trips to our local college and vocational campuses so they can get a taste for what life can be for them. With grants from the Woodforest Foundation and the Junior League, we will teach classes in how to shop for groceries and cook a simple meal, how to balance a checkbook, and how to become a driver - from finding a birth certificate to getting insurance and shopping for a car.
We want to help our youth grow.
If you’d like to help, give us a call. It really does take a village.
And to all of you who have donated and volunteered, thank you for your part in helping our kids grow. You are magnificent, and all of us at CASA feel very grateful to work with you to make a difference for kids in our community.
Ann McAlpinExecutive Director
Help ing Youth Grow
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PAGE 2
While the numbers are shocking, at CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County, we believe that nothing is impossible and that we are all an essential part of the solution. Together, we can help break the cycle of abuse and neglect.
CASA volunteers speak up for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. In June of 2015, we reached a milestone - our Advocates were able to serve every child in need in Montgomery County. 233 volunteer Advocates served 560 abused and neglected children - that’s 100% of new abuse/neglect cases in our county.
Although CASA was able to provide an Advocate for every abused and neglected child in need in 2015, Executive Director, Ann McAlpin, is quick to remind the community that this could change in an instant. “Of course, we are grateful to have reached this achievement, but our need to recruit and train Advocates is greater than ever. Children are coming into the foster care system in Montgomery County at a rate of almost 4 each week, and we want to maintain our ability to accept every single case and speak up for every child.”
It costs $1,500 per year to provide an Advocate for one child. We need your support to help ensure that no child slips through the cracks of an overburdened foster care system. Your gift DOES change lives.
Please join us and say, “I am for the child in Montgomery County…today.”
Thank you for your support for our county’s most vulnerable children.
Make a gift online: http://casaspeaks4kids.com/donate/
Mail a gift: Ann McAlpin, Executive DirectorCASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County Texas412 W. Phillips Street, Suite 107Conroe, TX 77301
Last year In Montg omery Count y
503
Confirmed victims of abuse or neglect
S T FM TW SX XX X
Nearly 4 children each week entered foster care
who were victims of abuse or neglect
44% of child abuse or neglect victims were
under the age of 5
PAGE 3
Advo c ates S hare Experiences, Encour ag e and Recrui t New Volunteers
CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County offers two informational events each month, specifically designed to give anyone who is considering becoming an Advocate a chance to gain insight into this unique and rewarding role. Hosted by the Advocate Recruitment Committee, guests can sit down, one-on-one, with current CASA volunteers to discuss their questions and concerns, and hear first-hand the difference Advocates make in children’s lives.
Conversations WITH CASA
SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH (Evening Event)(Next Events: Aug. 10 & Sept. 14, 2016)
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Refuge Bar & Bistro24 Waterway AvenueThe Woodlands, Texas
Wind down your day with us whileenjoying The Refuge’s happy hour specials.
THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH (Morning Event)(Next Events: Aug. 17 & Sept. 21, 2016)
9:00 am - 11:00 am
La Madeleine Country French Café Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Dr., Ste. 100The Woodlands, Texas
Come as you are, and enjoy complimentary coffee and light breakfast with us.
For more information, please contact Judi Foster: [email protected].
NEW ADVOCATE TRAINING CLASSES:August Class (Monday - Thursday)Mon. (Aug. 1) 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Tues. (Aug. 2) 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Wed. (Aug. 3) 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Thurs. (Aug. 4) 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Swearing In & Celebration: Monday, August 8 at 9:00 a.m.
September Class(Tuesdays & Thursdays)Tues. (Sept. 13) 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Thurs. (Sept. 15) 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Tues. (Sept. 20) 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Thurs. (Sept. 22) 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Swearing In & Celebration: Monday, September 26 at 9:00 a.m.
QUALIFICATIONSA CASA Volunteer must:
• Be 21 years of age or older.• Successfully pass screening and background check requirements.• Successfully complete initial training provided by the CASA Child Advocates
of Montgomery County program. (30 hours of initial training plus 3 hours of courtroom observation)
• Be able to make a 12-month minimum commitment to a case. (An average of 10-15 hours per month)
• Be able to keep information confidential and work within established program guidelines.
To enroll in a training class, please contact Judi Foster, Director of Recruiting, at 936-441-5437, ext. 209 or email: [email protected]. Training dates and times are subject to change.
PAGE 4
JULY 201618 Fostering Futures Campus Tour:
University of Houston 11:00 am
19 Fostering Futures Campus Tour: Lone Star College - Kingwood 9:00 am
20 Conversations with CASA (morning event) at La Madeleine Country French Café 9:00-11:00 am
21 Fostering Futures Learning Series - How to Rent an Apartment
25 Fostering Futures Learning Series - Cooking Class for Beginners
27 Fostering Futures Learning Series - Cooking Class for Beginners
28 Fostering Futures Learning Series - Cooking Class for Beginners
28 Advocate In-Service: CASA Refresher Course at Christ United Methodist Church
11:00 am-1:00 pm31 Final Day! Early Registration
Pricing Discount for the 2016 CASA Superhero Run: casaspeaks4kids.com/newsandevents/superherorun/
AUGUST 201601 New Advocate Training Class Begins
(Monday-Thursday)08 New Advocate Swearing In &
Celebration 9:00 am
10 Conversations with CASA (evening event) at The Refuge Bar & Bistro 5:00 -7:00 pm
17 Conversations with CASA (morning event) at La Madeleine Country French Café 9:00-11:00 am
18 Advocate In-Service: Testifying in Court at Christ United Methodist Church 6:00-8:00 pm
26 Sponsor/Underwriter Final Commitment Deadline: 2016 CASA Superhero Run
27 CASA Info Table at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Community Share Program (Sound of Music)
Gates open at 6:30 pm Concert begins at 8 pm
EventsUpcoming
2016-2017
SEPTEMBER 201609 Advocate In-Service: Mental Health First
Aid for Youth at TETRA Technologies, Inc., 8:00 am-4:00 pm
13 New Advocate Training Class Begins (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
14 Conversations with CASA (evening event) at The Refuge Bar & Bistro 5:00-7:00 pm
15 CASA Board Meeting21 Conversations with CASA (morning
event) at La Madeleine Country French Café 9:00-11:00 am
26 New Advocate Swearing In & Celebration 9:00 am
29 & 30 2016 CASA Superhero Run Packet Pick-up: Fleet Feet - The Woodlands Hours TBD
OCTOBER 201601 7th Annual CASA Superhero Run:
Start/Finish at The Woodlands Christian Academy with race courses through W.G. Jones State Forest. Race Day Registration opens at 7:00 am Races begin at 8:00 am.
12 Conversations with CASA (evening event) at The Refuge Bar & Bistro 5:00-7:00 pm
19 Conversations with CASA (morning event) at La Madeleine Country French Café 9:00-11:00 am
NOVEMBER 201603-05 Texas CASA Conference: Westin
Dallas Park Central, Dallas05 New Advocate Training Class Begins
(Nights & Weekends)09 Conversations with CASA (evening
event) at The Refuge Bar & Bistro 5:00-7:00 pm
14 New Advocate Swearing In & Celebration 9:00 am
16 Conversations with CASA (morning event) at La Madeleine Country French Café 9:00-11:00 am
17 CASA Board Meeting
JANUARY 2017 19 CASA Board Meeting21 2017 CASA Speaks for Kids
“Evening at the Museum” Gala: The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center 6:00 pm - Midnight
PAGE 5
JANUARY TRAINING CLASSChristine Davis, Megan Mitchell,
John O’Malley, Judy Regil, Connie Taylor, Kiyah Michelle White
JANUARY/FEBRUARY TRAINING CLASSNancy Brown, Tarah Cambron, Ron Carroll,
Evelyn Cuellar, Belinda Douglas, William Douglas, Mark Fincher, Minh Mai, Christine McCreary, Greg Orr, Jenny Orr,
Fran Querio, Amanda Richards, Sonya Rikhy, Lisa Smith, Susan Use
MARCH/APRIL TRAINING CLASSRhonda Clauss, Yamini Datta, Jennifer Engel, Taylor Hamm,
Madge Hollinger, Ron Kloster, Tim Lee, Samina Mahesri, Kashonna McHenry,
Matt Sanders, Kim Taylor, Debbie Weakley
MAY TRAINING CLASSBobbie Amend, Debra Chapman, Jennifer Gallup, Samantha Hunt,
Sholpan Jukatayeva, Sandra Mahler, Andy Persson, Donna Summers,
Meredith Watts
JUNE TRAINING CLASSJulie Davis, Donna Horton, Teresa Kenney,
Pamela Rall, Miriam Reed
CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County held its first in-office corporate training for volunteers last month at the new ExxonMobil – Houston Campus in Spring. Eight ExxonMobil employees completed the required 30-hour course and were sworn in as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers on Monday, May 9, 2016.
Robert W. Johnson, Assistant General Counsel – Legal Services for ExxonMobil and Celeste Quiralte, Litigation Counsel for ExxonMobil were instrumental in facilitating staff involvement and the coordination of the training to be held at the campus. ExxonMobil employees Pat Conlon, Renee Gonzales, Michele Lewis, Philecia Moore, Karen Moreno, Ree-C Murphey, Shannon Russell, and John Wright fulfilled the training requirements to become volunteer CASA Advocates.
Ann McAlpin, CASA Child Advocates Executive Director, explains that this on-site corporate education module marks an exciting expansion to the organization’s volunteer training capabilities. “In the past, we have held trainings at our CASA office in Conroe or arranged for alternate meeting rooms if the class was particularly large,” McAlpin continues, “Those interested in volunteering would sign up for a class and come to us. ExxonMobil was interested in making the training convenient and accessible for staff, so it just made sense for us to bring the training directly to them.”
For more information about becoming an Advocate, contact Judi Foster at [email protected]. To inquire about an on-site training for your organization, contact Wanda Smith at [email protected] or call (936) 441-5437.
Exxon Mobil Employees Left to Right: Advocate Shannon Russell, Advocate Ree-C Murphey, Robert Johnson, Advocate Michele Lewis, Celeste Quiralte, Advocate Pat Conlon, Advocate Philecia Moore and Advocate Renee Gonzales. Not pictured are new Advocates John Wright and Karen Moreno.
Welcome New 20 16 Advo c ates !
CASA CH ILD ADVO CATES L AUNCHES FIRST ON-SITE, CORPORATE TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS
ExxonMobil Employees Complete 30 Hours of CASA Training to Speak Up for Abused and Neglected Children in Montgomery County
PAGE 6
When David Trice, General Manager of Northside Lexus, transferred to the North Houston dealership in 2009, he brought a lifetime of experience with him. Certainly, this included his previous 15 years at sister dealership, Westside Lexus, but also tremendous expertise in the world of hosting successful golf tournaments.
In 2009, the Annual Northside Lexus Golf Tournament benefiting CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County
was in its 7th year, and by David’s account, the tournament was “pretty standard” for the area. For David, “standard” wasn’t good enough, and he immediately set out to make the annual Northside Lexus tournament as close to perfect as possible.
The same aim for excellence that has driven Northside Lexus to become one of the top 25 dealerships in the country is paralleled by the efforts that have made the invitation-only Northside Lexus golf tournament one of the most desirable events in the greater Houston area. David says the keys to the tournament’s success include finding a true partner in Carlton Woods, adjusting the start of the tournament to an earlier time, and, as is true for the Northside Lexus dealership, knowing that there are no limitations when it comes to their customers’ satisfaction.
The 14th Annual Northside Lexus Golf Tournament was held on May 12, 2016 at the Carlton Woods Fazio Course, and by all accounts, it was a truly enjoyable day for all involved. Although the total tournament fundraising amounts have not yet been finalized by the publication of this newsletter, it is estimated that this year’s event will have raised more than $40,000 to benefit CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County and the abused and neglected children our volunteers serve. Sincere appreciation to David Trice and Northside Lexus for 14 outstanding years as a champion for children!
Board of D irec tors
2016
Northside Lexus : Tr ied and True
Champion ChildrenFOR
JIM FUNKEBoard Chair; Chair – Executive Committee
JUDY LARSON OLSONBoard Vice Chair; Chair – Governance,
Planning & Policy Committee; Development Committee
SCOTT CREASMANTreasurer; Finance & Compliance Committee
STEVEN C. EARLSecretary; Governance,
Planning & Policy Committee
BOB EVANSFinance & Compliance Committee
SHARON GEIBFinance & Compliance Committee
RICHARD LANEDevelopment Committee
CLAY MCCOLLORChair – Legislative Committee;
Development Committee
JAMES E. PUNGDevelopment Committee
SABINA RAHMAN-GARCIADevelopment Committee; Governance,
Planning & Policy Committee
MONICA VILS-BRAWNERDevelopment Committee
ROBYN WESTCommunity Youth Outreach Liaison;
Governance, Planning & Policy Committee
PAGE 7
C H I L D R E N B Y A G EC H I L D R E N B Y G E N D E R
V O L U N T E E R S B Y G E N D E R
C H I L D R E N B Y E T H N I C I T Y
V O L U N T E E R S B Y E T H N I C I T Y
P L A C E M E N T O F C H I L DA T C L O S E O F C A S E
560 SERVEDChildren
233 Volunteers
49% FEMALE
51% MALE44%
<5
6% OTHER
8% AFRICANAMERICAN
19% HISPANIC
67% ANGLO
1% OTHER
5% AFRICANAMERICAN
6% HISPANIC
88% ANGLO
28%
6-12
23%
13-17
5%
18+ 28% RELATIVE
36% ADOPTED
3% KINSHIP
6% OTHER
9% AGED OUT
18% OWN HOME
81% FEMALE
19% MALE
V O L U N T E E R S B Y T E N U R E
13%
<1 YEAR
48%
1-2 YEARS
18%
3-4 YEARS
21%
5+ YEARS
V O L U N T E E R S B Y A G E
37% 60+
31% 50-59
18% 40-49
9% 30-395% 21-29
23318,000+560
Volunteers
Served
Changed
COURTAPPOINTED
HOURS
CHILDREN ’SL I VES
CASAFact AND Impact
PAGE 8
Pat Creighton celebrates Advocate Judy Niekerk’s 10-Year Service Award
CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands. The event provided CASA staff and case supervisors with the opportunity to say “thank you,” not only to the fantastic volunteer Advocates at the heart of our organization, but also the valuable volunteers who plan and coordinate the annual Gala and Superhero Run, as well as office volunteers and other temporary volunteers. CASA simply couldn’t exist without each and every one of you. Thank you!
CASA Ch ild Advo c ates
CommunityIN THE
CASA Annual Advocate
Recruitment Campaign Event
at Pallotta’s Italian Grill, May 3, 2016
Cut-N-Shoot Charities Grant Presentation, May 2016
2nd Annual Couture for CASA Fundraiser was held March 29, 2016 at Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands and was presented by XCEL Realty, Avalon Insurance and Nations Lending
Crawfish for CASA Fundraiser Check Presentation. The event was held March 19-20, 2016 at Bareback Bar & Icehouse, Sponsored by Spring/Woodlands Foodie Tasting and Deals, For The Love of Food Trucks Festival, Public News Online and featuring the best Cajun crawfish by BeBe’s Crav’n Cajun.
2015 Advocate of the Year, Susan Ballette, with Fawn Dennis, Case Supervisor, and Pat Creighton, Program Director
INAprilVolunteer Apprec i at ion
Recep t ion helD
PAGE 9
Reception Kicks Off Annual Giving Campaign in Support of CASA
CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County introduced the Artemis Society and welcomed its founding members at an invitation-only reception. The event was held at the Nicklaus Club at Carlton Woods on Thursday, May 5, 2016.
The exclusive reception was hosted by Artemis Society chairpersons, Richard and Sherry Lane. Sherry, a volunteer Advocate for CASA, and her husband, Richard, who serves on the Board of Directors for CASA, have experienced first-hand the difference CASA Advocates can make in a child’s life. “As the spouse of an Advocate, I know abuse happens to children right here in our community, and CASA Advocates bring them hope for a better tomorrow.” Richard explains, “As a Board member, I know that contributions that are pledged year after year help the organization’s consistency and ability to train and recruit volunteers to serve these kids. The Artemis Society will hopefully drive support for CASA during this year’s annual giving campaign and raise more than $100,000 to benefit the children CASA volunteers serve.”
In Montgomery County, it costs $1,500 to provide an Advocate for one child for one year. The CASA Artemis Society was launched to pull together community leaders and their networks in support of CASA’s Annual Giving Campaign. The Society’s goal is to increase multi-year giving among donors to help CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County continue to provide an Advocate for every abused child in need.
For more information about the CASA Artemis Society, please call (936) 441-5437.
CASA CH ILD ADVO CATES ANNOUNCES
Artemis Society FOUNDING MEMBERS
PAGE 10
Sneak Peek : 2017 CASA SPEAKS FOR KIDS
“ Evening at the Museum ” G al a
You are invited to be a part of the 2017 CASA Speaks for Kids, “Evening at the Museum” Gala on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This year’s Gala Committee is in the process of planning a memorable event, and your involvement in this important fundraiser is the key to our success. We’ll bring history to life at our event, where stellar entertainment and exclusive auction items are part of this evening filled with unique experiences!
Our Gala cannot succeed without our Sponsors and Underwriters. Please consider playing a special role this January by committing to one of our Sponsorship or Underwriting opportunities. With your early commitment, we guarantee recognition in print according to your chosen level. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Gala webpage: http://casaspeaks4kids.com/gala/.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children whose future is uncertain, and help provide them with a safe, permanent home.
Thank you,
Joni M. Barker, Gala Chair2017 CASA Speaks for Kids Gala
PAGE 11
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