”“A good coach listens. The most effective coaches tailor their coaching to the unique goals expressed by each player.

DePelchin Children’s CenterSPRING 2013

Coaching for Parents: New Program Delivers Winning Game Plan for Parents

“Raising my eight-year-old is both my most rewarding and my most difficult challenge,” she says. “As

my son grows older, I’m constantly facing new parenting situations I’m unsure how to handle.”

Having a go-to playbook—or coach—to help navigate parenting issues is critical, she adds. For her, that source of guidance is DePelchin Children’s Center.

Sideline SupportBosker, who serves as the director of major gifts at DePelchin, says she has often sought counsel from DePelchin’s in-house experts on how to handle her own parenting challenges. This unique advantage, which has aided her greatly, is one she has often wished she could share with other parents. Fortunately, she will now have the chance to do so.

This spring, DePelchin Children’s Center launched Coaching for Parents, a new program designed to support parents through every stage of parenting—from parenting toddlers to parenting teenagers. Drawing upon the expertise of DePelchin parenting professionals, the program offers parents personalized, one-hour coaching sessions aimed at helping them address their unique parenting concerns.As Vanessa Austin, coordinator for Coaching for Parents, explains—today’s parents must navigate a broad range of issues, from everyday to more complex challenges. Whether it’s determining how to discipline effectively, how to deal with issues such as school bullying or “sex-ting” or how to interpret behavioral warning

inside2 From the President

3 Grant Expands DePelchin’s Services to At-risk Youths

3 Go Green and Wear Orange

4 Kezia’s Kids: Women on a Mission

4 DePelchin Supporters Show True Holiday Spirit

5 Our Sincere Appreciation

6 Spindletop International: Big Oil, Even Bigger Hearts

6 Program Knits Special Gifts for Special Kids

7 What’s Happening at DePelchin

8 Go Green and Wear Orange

Mari Bosker—a mom, business professional and athlete—knows the importance of a good game plan. Whether she’s whipping up meals for her family, tackling new initiatives at work or competing on the tennis court—having a go-to strategy in place makes all the difference. Of the many pivotal roles she fills, however, Bosker says the role she plays as a parent proves to be the most challenging.

signs, Coaching for Parents, Austin says, can give parents the tools they need to face these challenges head-on.

“Parenting in today’s world takes real courage. You have to make a lot of courageous decisions—including the decision to ask for guidance sometimes.”

A Tailored ApproachWhile the parenting help Bosker has received from DePelchin has proved invaluable, she acknowledges that some parents may be unsure of what to expect from a “parenting coach.” Reflecting on her background as a tennis player and her experiences with different instructors, Bosker says there is one trait that everyone—including parents—should look for in a coach.

“A good coach listens,” she says. “The most effective coaches tailor their coaching to the unique goals expressed by each player.”

Austin, coordinator for Coaching for Parents, says this same approach is mirrored in DePelchin’s program.

“Before we offer parents any advice, we work to understand the uniqueness of each family, including the family’s needs, goals and values.”

Veteran ExperienceBeyond the benefit of its personalized approach, the Coaching for Parents program draws strength from its most important asset: a seasoned coaching staff. This spring,

cOnTInuED On PAGE 2

2 | today

From the President

As I look out my office window at DePelchin, I can see that spring has clearly sprung! The tree limbs that have stood bare for much of winter are now

showing signs of new growth. The hillside is bright green, and the flowers along our walkways are alive with color. The bees are buzzing with activity—everything is fresh and new.

Spring has sprung at our campus in more ways than one. I am very excited about the new initiatives that this year is bringing forth, many of which you will read about in this issue of Today. One of these initiatives is DePelchin’s new Coaching for Parents program, a unique service designed to support parents through every stage of parenting. This one-on-one consultation program is a result of looking at our community with fresh eyes and thinking about how we can better meet the needs of children and families in today’s world. Another new initiative is the Services to At-risk Youth program, or STAR program. Through a four-year, $4,000,000 grant from DFPS, DePelchin will be able to provide expanded counseling, education and crisis intervention services to at-risk youths and their families to help them pursue a more successful future.

Spring brings a renewed sense of energy and purpose. In addition to new programs and services, we will continue to ask ourselves how we can work better—and smarter—to fulfill our founder’s mission of helping children in need. This includes implementing new tools and technologies, and the Today is one example. I am pleased to let you know that this is the last printed issue of the Today, as we are going green! We hope you will stay connected with us and sign up for the new DePelchin e-newsletter. See Page 3 for details.

Thank you for your ongoing support of DePelchin, and if you happen to be in the neighborhood, please stop by and visit our beautiful campus, which is at its peak during this time of year. Yes, spring has sprung!

Sincerely,

Jenifer JarrielPresident and CEO

DEPElchin chilDrEn’S cEnTEr BoArD of DirEcTorS Officers of the BoardPamela Lovett, Chairmancharles D. Powell, Chairman-electJaneana White-Lewis, SecretaryDebbi M. Johnstone, Past Chairman Board MembersJohn c. Bass Efrain Bleiberg, M.D. Sean G. Boutros, M.D. Pam Brasseux Steve cherek nancy I. cook, Ph.D. Sue nan cutsinger Susan Distefano Laurie Dorfman Anne S. Duncan Stephen Dyer Henry S. Florsheim Kay Forbes Terry Gebert Gerald Gehm M. James HendersonRobbie Lowrey connelly McGreevy Hannah McnairGinni MithoffStewart Pisecco, Ph.D.carolyn Pope

Pat G. PowersMary Eliza ShaperLisa StoneTim SurrattH. Richard WaltonGeraldina Interiano WiseDon M. Woo

founDATion AnD TruST for DEPElchin chilDrEn’S cEnTEr BoArD Jesse H. Jones II, Chairmannancy KinderSusan L. LawhonRahul MehtaBob PaddockJohn E. Stokescharles SzalkowskiHarper B. Trammell

DEPElchin PSychiATric SErVicES BoArD Albert c. Hergenroeder, M.D., ChairmanEfrain Bleiberg, M.D.Matthew Brams, M.D.James S. Ezelle, Jr., M.D.Sanjay J. Mathew, M.D.Lindy upton McGee, M.D.Manuel Ramirez, M.D.

cOAcHInG FOR PAREnTS: nEW PROGRAM DELIvERS WInnInG GAME PLAn FOR PAREnTS cOnTInuED

the program will feature two veteran coaches—Margaret Greene and Jennifer Hendricks—both of whom are parents and have clinical experience in the field of children’s mental health.

Greene’s expertise derives from years of both professional and personal experience. For almost three decades, she has worked with children and families at DePelchin as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Along with her years as a therapist, she has also gleaned much wisdom from her own role as a mom to four children, including one adopted child.

Greene, who now has five grandchildren, smiles as she reflects on parenthood. “There is a lot I know now that I wish I’d known in my younger years,” she says.

Greene adds that she believes a program such as Coaching for Parents can help parents be confident in the decisions they make about what is best for their families.

Hendricks, DePelchin’s other parenting coach, is likewise eager to help parents find the guidance and resources they need. A Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist at DePelchin, Hendricks possesses a keen knowledge of children’s behavioral and developmental issues. She holds specialized training in the areas of trauma, grief and bereavement, and autism spectrum disorders, having completed research stints at a number of institutions, including Texas Children’s Hospital and The University of Texas Health Science Center. She is also a mom to two young children.

Austin, coordinator for Coaching for Parents, says that while Greene and Hendricks combine to make a dynamic duo, their relationship to DePelchin’s larger team of mental health experts—including counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists—is what makes Coaching for Parents such an effective program.

“If we determine that parents’ concerns about their child fall outside the scope of basic consultation, we can refer parents to the appropriate expert here at DePelchin, or if need be, direct them to resources elsewhere.”

A Winning ScoreBosker, whose son enters the fourth grade next fall, says having Team DePelchin as a go-to resource has given her greater confidence as a parent. She says she knows she will have good days and bad days, but ultimately, her resolve—coupled with the support she receives from DePelchin—will yield winning results.

“The better parents we are, the better we prepare our children for life,” she says. “As parents, that should be our ultimate game plan.”

For more information on Coaching for Parents, visit www.depelchin.org/coachingforparents or call 713-80-coach.

spring 2013 | 3

Have you heard? DePelchin’s Today newsletter is going green! This summer Today will be moving online, and we want you to move with us! To begin receiving the Today e-newsletter via your inbox, please sign up at depelchin.org/gogreen, or mail us your information in the enclosed envelope. As a thank-you for staying in touch with us, we’ll send you a pair of our limited-edition DePelchin sunshades. Wear them and remind everyone you meet that DePelchin’s future is bright!

Go Green and Wear Orange

Grant Expands DePelchin’s Services to At-risk YouthsDePelchin’s Services to At-risk Youth program (STAR program) is expanding its impact among troubled youths and families thanks to a new grant from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The new funding, which will award DePelchin $1,000,000 per year over four years, aims to bolster the STAR program’s counseling, education and crisis intervention services, which it provides to families living in Harris, Fort Bend and Waller Counties.

Amie Winn-Houston, coordinator for the STAR program, says the new grant uniquely positions DePelchin to provide much-needed support to families in the tri-county area.

“This grant not only equips us to help more families; it equips us to serve those families even better,” she says.

Currently, the STAR program supports families through office- and school-based counseling, classes for parents and youths on topics ranging from positive parenting to anger management, crisis intervention and community outreach related to preventing child abuse. Through the new funding, the STAR program will continue to offer its services at no charge to families, with reimbursement being provided to DePelchin by the State.

Winn-Houston, who has been serving with the STAR program for 14 years, says she is excited about the program’s growth and renewed focus.

“I’m excited about the future of our program,” she says. “We have a clear purpose, a dedicated staff and a new energy—all of which will help our program continue to make an impact in the community.”

“ ”This grant not only equips us to help more families; it equips us to serve those families even better.

4 | today

Kezia’s Kids: Women on a Mission

DePelchin Supporters Show True Holiday SpiritDePelchin’s 2012 Holiday Project spotlighted once again the generous hearts of the Greater Houston community. Thanks to an overwhelming response from DePelchin supporters, the Holiday Project brightened the season for nearly 1,500 children and their families. More than 370 sponsors and donors made dreams come true for DePelchin kids by sponsoring wish lists, organizing toy drives and donating nearly $50,000. Additionally, more than 180 volunteers generously gave of their time to receive and sort gifts as well as assist with other Holiday Project operations.

Along with its sincere gratitude toward the community, DePelchin would like to express special thanks to Lea Cherek and Janice Johnson, Holiday Project chairs, and Jenifer Hankins, Holiday Project coordinator, whose dedication helped make the Holiday

Project possible.

The difference DePelchin supporters make through their involvement in the Holiday Project shows in the grateful response of the many children and families whose lives the Holiday Project touches. This year, one particular child, Caeden, expressed his gratitude for the Holiday Project in a card to his “Secret Santa.” Volunteers, donors and good-hearted people across the community have brightened lives such as Caeden’s with the true gifts of faith, hope and love.

Kezia’s Kids Members: Susan Barnes; lea cherek; hope Morales; Jenifer Jarriel, President and cEo of DePelchin; Allison Brooks; Janice Johnson; Kathryn Principe

Dear Secret Santa,

Thank you very much for the gifts. I really needed the chapstick and carmex. I already opened the Legos and started to play with them. I was very surprised when my mom walked in with the gifts. I will play with all the presents. Once again, thank you very, very much and I am very happy with the gifts.

Thanks,Caeden

through the challenges of childhood and adolescence. Membership dues help fund the Parenting with the Pros educational series with topics ranging from improving family communication in a digital age, to talking about bullying, to recognizing the signs of stress and more. We also help promote resources such as Coaching for Parents, connecting families with DePelchin’s parenting experts and programs.

Supporting Our CommunityWe advocate for children’s mental health in our community. One in five children will struggle at some point with a behavioral or emotional issue, ranging from ADHD and anxiety to depression and other mood disorders. Oftentimes mental

health issues are not openly discussed, and many families do not know where to turn. We let our friends and family know that children do not have to suffer needlessly, and DePelchin’s expert psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors are available to help all children.

Join usFor information on how to join Kezia’s Kids, please visit www.depelchin.org/keziaskids or email keziaskids@depelchin.org.

our PurposeKezia’s Kids is an organization of women who are committed to improving the lives of children and families in our community through volunteerism, education and advocacy. Our collective efforts help DePelchin turn lives around and enable children to live happier, healthier lives.

our inspirationKezia’s Kids is inspired by DePelchin’s founder, Kezia Payne DePelchin, who brought hope and healing to our community’s children. A pioneering teacher, nurse and social worker, Kezia took a leap of faith and accepted into her care three orphaned infants. What she began in 1892 as an humble orphanage for abandoned children has grown over the years into Houston’s largest provider of children’s mental health, foster care and adoption services.

our ActivitiesSupporting ChildrenWe brighten the lives of children in foster care through unique volunteer opportunities, including making and delivering Thanksgiving and Easter baskets, hosting clothing and toy drives and fulfilling the Christmas wish lists of children in need through DePelchin’s annual Holiday Project. Members of Kezia’s Kids are an integral part of the project’s success by volunteering at the Holiday Project headquarters and sorting and wrapping gifts for nearly 1,500 children.

Supporting ParentsWe help moms and dads improve their parenting skills so they can build healthy relationships with their children and work

spring 2013 | 5

Our Sincere AppreciationDePelchin would like to thank the following individuals, foundations, organizations and corporations for helping make the 2012 Holiday Project such a tremendous success:

WISH LIST SPONSORS

individual SponsorsAnita AlbergerLetha Allen Christina and Matthew Almy Jocelyn Ansley Kelly Apple Kelly ArrendondoMolly and Scott Atlas Jila BakkerSusan Barnes Ellen BassElizabeth and Jason BernalLisa Bludau Peggy and Allen Borchers Victoria Borchers Heather Boyce Lynda Boydstun-NielsenKatie BoylesPam BrasseuxJoan BrittonMerritt BrittonLesley BrotamonteChad Bullard Ulises BurgosShirley Burnett-Greggs Christa Bynam Courtney Callison Debra Cantu Kristin Chapman Kristin Chenoweth Martha ChowChristine Ciro Joanna ClodfelterCatherine Codispoti Matthew Cohen Gloria CollinsTasha Coney Danielle CraigAbby Cua Anna CuevasZuri Dale Jeanne Davis Aryn De Lisi Maureen Deegan Laura Dethlefsen Jessica Dirks Emma Doss Robyn Drago Tina Edwards Truda Esslemont Natalie Eugene Alicia Falcon Nyree Faleski Terry Faleye Christina Farrens Becky Fellows Heather Fife Kay Forbes Mary Foster Jason Fowler Hilary Frisbie Ken Geodeke Patricia Georgandis Amy Gerdeman William Getschow Laura Glaab Trista Gleason Suzanne Goins Paula Goodhart Rosie and Kris Granat Dalvin Green Debbie and Mark Gregg Trudee GuevarraRobyn Guillen LaTaurus Hall Rebecca Hamilton Laura Hannusch Karen Hardin Jean Harding Jana Hargrave Niki Hayden Jerry HeinoldMelodye HodgesMandy Holland Colin Holmes Wendi Holmes Casey Houghton Dan Hudson Robert Hutson Angela IbarraLynda IsenseeVickie Jetelina Christina Johnson

Crystal Johnson Brent Johnston Ana JonesMr. and Mrs. Randolph JonesStanley JonesDonna KainerStephanie Karathanos Gary KarterLynn Kimball Felecia KingLydia Kline Tracy Koumonduros Meredith Krimmel Hui-Ching KuoAdam Lacy Jennifer Lamb Jessica LaneRegina Lane Jennifer LaporteChristy Lewis Karen Lindley Katy Livingston Christopher Lovely Mary LovelyJason Luong Maddux Family Idanis MaldonadoJenna Manges Jennifer MarloweKasey Marsh Allison MartenakColleen Martenak Lindsay MartenakMarilyn MartenakLarry Martin Daisy Martinez Cara Matocha Laura McAdams Shannon McAdamsRebecca McAnallyJennifer McClure Conrad McCutcheon Chrissy McDonaldLindy McGee Kasey McGuigan Ryan McKnight Hannah McNairRahul Mehta Diana Mercado Shauna MeyerSharon Migl Timothy Miller Norma Mills Rachel and Bryan Milton Christina Mize Kendall Montgomery Lindsay Moore Tray Mounce Belinda Munsell Charles MurrahJames Neill Jemimah NooNoo Lauren Norris Christina NunezBrynne Olsen Elaine Opper Michelle Parcell Melissa Pate Taru Patel Sarah Paul Rachael PearsonGregory Penn Danny PerezStephanie Petersen Michelle Pierce Tricia Plemons Lora PoeVictoria Pons Karen PrunesLouis PrunesPeggy and Jeff Pugh Cati Quisenberry Shuwen Reger Leslie Richardson Gail Roberts Casey Jo Robertson Tracy Robinson Jillian Rodgers Jessica Rodriguez Jordan Rodriguez Julianne Rodriguez Peggy RoeKarina RomeroChristi RuffingRoger Russell

Shannon Saegart Melanie Scalley Lauren Schild Jerry SchillaciSarah Sensat Wendy Sicola Jaclyn Smith Kai Smith Miles Smith Tawana Smith Aja Speights Virginia StautingerAmanda StevensStacy StevensWendy Stewart Lisa Stone Robert Storm April Stowers Tracey Strother Kristine Sullivan Scott Takacs Kendall Talbot Amanda and Rodney Thorin Gavan Tinsley Carly TrevinoKatie Trevino Renee Triggs Erica TrivetteRobin Tucker Stephanie TurnerTim Turner Ruben Vasquez Luis VelezElizabeth Vrettos Katie Walker Sannam WarrenderJennifer Watson Rebecca Weldon Laura Wells Dawn Wesneski Kenny White Shelley White Alison Wilhite Kristi WilliamsLaTonya Williams Bill Wilson Aimee Wood Bridget Wright Chareece Wyatt

organization & corporate SponsorsAmegy BankCamden Property TrustCardinal Health Champion Energy ServicesChevron Community Baptist ChurchConoco Phillips Cox Media Group EDF Trading Famcor Oil, Inc. HCA Healthcare Kinder Morgan KRBE RadioParkway Realty ServicesPhillips 66 Rectorseal Corp.Small Ventures USASt. Martin’s Episcopal Church Sutherland GlobalTechnetics Group Houston (Plastomer Technologies)Texas Capital Bank WeatherfordWestLake Child Development CenterWildcatter Square Dance ClubW-Industries

HOLIDAY PROjECT CONTRIbuTORS

individual contributorsKim and Marshall AdkinsJudy and Jeffrey AllenRyan AntkowiakJulie and Christopher BarnesKerry BonnerRachel and Sean BoutrosPam and Mark CarmainReggie ClarksonNancy CookCindy and Sean Cooper

Letha and Terry CopeDenise DennyRachel DilickJennifer and Alejandro DuharteLinda and Donald DunhamKenneth DurhamKatie FleckJohn FranceChristine FranksJasmine GalalDebra and Steve GilbreathVictoria and Royston GuidryBrooke HawleyJean Ann and Robert HardestyJanice Stooksberry and Jack HardinJamie HartzKaren and Paul HessonDonna and David JacksonElizabeth JenningsAndrew and Marianna JohnsonColey and Douglas JonesCarolyn JuddHelen and Lawrence KaiserJaneana White-Lewis and Kacy LewisElizabeth LesenskiMarcela LozanoKelley and Steve LubankoSanJuanita and Joel MaldonadoLinda Tompkins and Dominic MatonAlanna and Warren McCallJessica McClintockJoe McKeeMichelle and Kenneth MensioMarilyn MyersChristina NalderEva P. PaekMercy and Matthew ParishBrandi and Don PaulloMatthew PierceBetsy and Chuck PowellSarah and Ben PowellPat and Tom PowersAlice RamosBecky and Joseph RiceSusan RicePatricia and James RigamontiMary Lou and Earl RowlandPriscilla Cumberland SantosBrenda SchkadeColette and Frederick SchneiderBrenda ShortSue and Kenneth SmithVanina SotoBethany SpurrierCarla and Danny St. AndrieTrina and John StanfieldJudy and Lamar StricklandSusan and Todd TalbotElisabeth and William TalbotKaren and Mike TerrellSasha and Nehemiah ThomasKasey ThompsonJulie and Brett TreadwellCarol and John TrebleMaggie and Micheal TurnerTanya and Frank VenutoEmily and Daniel WalkerVirginia and Chip WattAnna WingfieldSuzanne WomackJacqueline and Raymond YeeHope Young

organization & corporate contributorsBP America Inc.CAPCommunity FoundationRusty Carlson & AssociatesDalton Air Conditioning and Heating LLCDoggett Heavy Machinery ServicesGDF Suez Energy North America, Inc.ICISBhupat & Jyoti Mehta Family Foundation

Pillsbury Law FirmReed Business InformationTexas Capital Bank

HOLIDAY PROjECT IN-KIND DONORS

individual DonorsW.R. AltonAna Bennett Jonathan BibbyEmma Bloor Christi BruecherRicardo CabreraMr. and Mrs. Christopher CanadaMichael ChmielBrian CoxAdrien Daniel Alex De SouzaManuel Del RioLunetta Erwin Sheila FisherCarla Gamboa Kevin GaudetDavid and Lindsay GiesyJudge Dale Gorczynski Robert and Edith Hernandez Marilyn JeppesenTroy LougonPhilip Marantiza Dharmesh Mehta Yamelys Nava Connie NobleMr. and Mrs. PaulDon and Brandi Paullo Mr. and Mrs. Larry Preston Heather RaynerSuzanne Ron Allan RossKurt Schottleutner Terry ShearerVanina SotoDenise TaliaferroJane Turner Olivia VillacortaMichelle Wagner Zhu Wang Deborah Williams

organization & corporate DonorsAccess Data Adeline Ray Design StudioBurning Flower Foundation Camden Property Trust Direct Energy Doggett Heavy MachineryDominion Christian Centre Donna’s Party Angels Eli Henry, LLCElizabeth Cole, LLC ESIS Proclaim Exxon Mobil Exxon Mobil EMPC SSH&E Exxon Mobil Project ServicesGraybar Hope Church PearlandHouston Christian High School Houston Heights Women’s ClubIAGC John Eagle Honda Jones Memorial UMC Judwin Properties Kingsland Baptist Church Little J’s Bar Madison High School Pampered Lawns, Inc. Phillips 66 Pre Cash Inc Protocol Realty Redstone Golf Club Region 4 ESC Rice Military ClubSherwood Forest Montessori School St. Mary and Archangel Michael Orthodox ChurchSt. Peters ECDC Sugar Hill Gang TDCJ Parole Division

The Terrace of Spring Shadows Tilson Home Corporation TMK IPSCO University of Texas School of Dentistry Varnett Charter School Northeast

HOLIDAY PROjECT VOLuNTEERS

individual VolunteersSusan and John Barnes Ellen and John BassKristin Chenoweth Lea CherekSydney Cherek Nancy and Joe DeLorenzo Martha Denham Brad Elledge Brandon Elledge Jennifer Ellefson Cynthia FelixShaan Gandhi Katherine Garza Diana Gongora Mark GreggMarci and Carlos HamiltonFrances Hamilton Grace Hamilton Madeline Hamilton Jessica Hinojosa Karen Johnson Janice Johnson Lynn and Bill Kimball Emily LanderJean Lander Sara Litton Scott Martinez Dinah McClymonds Lindy McGeeClare McLeroy Tara Merla Karen Minich Miryam Nessim Luong Nguyen Epiphany Palmer Yady Reyes Kathy Savall Julie Scharnberg Rhonda Sedrak Wendy Sicola Demi Strawman Carloyn and Ernie Trozzo Erin Vaughan Ashley Villacorta Emily VillacortaErin VillacortaCindy Vo Jill Young

organization & corporate VolunteersAGIBain & Company BPCamden Property Trust ChevronFilipino Young ProfessionalsFriends of DePelchinJunior League of Houston Kezia’s KidsNew Hope Baptist Church Pillsbury Law Firm TMK-IPSCO

We have done our best to list the names of all who participated in the 2012 Holiday Project. To notify us of any inaccuracies or omissions, please contact Peggy Roe at proe@depelchin.org or 713-802-6292.

6 | today

Spindletop International: big Oil, Even bigger Hearts Constance White, executive director of Spindletop International (Spindletop Charities, Inc.), uses one word to characterize Houston’s oil and gas industry: “generous.” For more than 30 years, she has witnessed the industry’s commitment to bettering the community through its benevolent support of Spindletop International. Founded in 1966 by a young oilman, Spindletop aims to promote goodwill and fellowship within the oil and gas sector while benefiting children in need.

For White, Spindletop’s mission to better the lives of children is particularly meaningful. This year, she celebrates her 31st year with Spindletop.

“Over the years, I have been privileged to see so many children receive the help they need thanks to Spindletop. It has been so rewarding.”

White believes Spindletop’s impact in the community will continue to grow given the big hearts of its supporters from the oil and gas industry.

“From our board of trustees to our dedicated volunteers, we’re all committed to carrying on the mission.”

“Spindletop is a unique charity organization,” White says. “Along with the rich history represented

by our name, Spindletop is distinguished by its close tie to the oil and gas industry.”

Since its founding, Spindletop International has contributed more than $16 million to youth-oriented organizations, funding a range of program areas including child abuse prevention, pediatric medical research, drug and alcohol prevention and rehabilitation, residential and educational centers, and after-school programs.

Over the last three decades, Spindletop has also been a supporter of DePelchin Children’s Center, with donations to DePelchin totaling more than $120,000. Most recently, Spindletop gave a gift of $10,000 toward DePelchin’s residential treatment program.

“DePelchin has a reputation in our community for providing high-quality services,” White says. “The organization also represents what Spindletop is all about: helping kids succeed in life.”

”“DePelchin also represents what Spindletop is all about: helping kids succeed in life.

Program Knits Special Gifts for Special Kids

Shortly after launching his idea in March 2012, Bird invited a number of his knitting friends to join in his endeavor. Word spread. Soon, knitters from across Texas, the U.S. and beyond

began sending him hand-made hats plus other winter accessories to give to CFN kids.

Last December, Bird got to see his dream come to fruition. At its annual foster care Christmas party, CFN gave each child the opportunity to pick out his or her own winter hat, scarf or pair of gloves or mittens.

“Many of these kids had never experienced the joy of receiving a special, only-for-you gift,” he says. “Giving them this opportunity was truly rewarding.”

Bird says that while 100 Hats for 100 Kids has already made a tremendous impact, he knows the initiative can accomplish even more. His goal for 2013 is to obtain 800 knitted items, which will then be

given to CFN children as well as children served by DePelchin, CFN’s parent affiliate.

“It’s a big goal, but I’m confident that we can meet it,” he says. “There are plenty of folks who are more than willing to help us ensure that the kids from CFN and DePelchin know they are special.”

Will Bird, an adoptive parent with DePelchin affiliate Caring Family Network (CFN), believes every child deserves to feel uniquely loved and valued. Last year, Bird channeled this belief—along with his knack for knitting—into a creative cause: knit 100 special hats for the 100 special kids in the care of CFN’s foster families. He named his initiative “100 Hats for 100 Kids.”

“ ”Many of these kids had never experienced the joy of receiving a special, only-for-you gift.

What’s Happening at DePelchin

ThAnKSgiVing DriVE chAngES liVES

Last November, more than 25 DePelchin families benefited from “Change for Children,” a Thanksgiving food drive sponsored by Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. For the second consecutive year, the drive—coordinated by Memorial Hermann’s Chaplaincy Services and Partners in Caring—raised funds and food donations that enabled the preparation of meal baskets for DePelchin families.

In total, participating parties—including Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, TIRR Memorial Hermann and volunteers from Sodexo—gave more than $3,800 and donated more than 135 pounds of food to DePelchin.

“The drive really highlighted the giving hearts of our staff,” says Joel Blest, a chaplain at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital who helped coordinate the drive. “We came together to help families in need, and it’s a cause we hope to continue supporting.”

The Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas yielded plenty of excitement for football fans and DePelchin in 2012 thanks to big-time plays both on and off the field. In a bowl game for the highlight reels, the Texas Tech Red Raiders rallied past the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 34-31, scoring a game-clinching field goal as time expired. Thanks to ticket donations from ExxonMobil, children and families from DePelchin got to experience the thrilling action up close.

In addition to providing tickets, ExxonMobil demonstrated its generous support for

DePelchin at the bowl game by presenting a donation of $10,000 to DePelchin’s president and CEO, Jenifer Jarriel.

“We are enormously grateful to ExxonMobil for its generosity,” Jarriel says. “DePelchin would not be able to help all the children we do without the support of ExxonMobil.”

Beyond the experience of the bowl game, children and families from DePelchin likewise enjoyed a special, pre-game-day tradition: a visit from the bowl teams. The day prior to kickoff, children from DePelchin had the

opportunity to interact with the players, cheerleaders and mascots of both teams at DePelchin’s main campus.

DePelchin is honored to be the official charitable beneficiary of the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, which has donated more than $600,000 in charitable proceeds from the game since 2006.

friEnDS Mix iT uP for gooD cAuSE on VAlEnTinE’S DAy

More than 60 members of Friends of DePelchin gathered in February for a Valentine’s Day mixer blending fun with a bit of do-gooding. Young professionals who attended the event mingled over drinks while preparing Valentine’s Day goodie bags for the children served by DePelchin’s Services to At-risk Youth program.

“We just wanted to put a little happiness in their holiday,” says Julia Taliaferro, who leads DePelchin’s young professionals group. “Of course, having the chance to help kids made our holiday happier, too.”

Taliaferro adds that Friends will be hosting more do-good events similar to the Valentine’s Day mixer later this year. The next major event for Friends will be its signature Cinco de Mayo event held on May 2. For more information, visit www.depelchin.org/friends.

spring 2013 | 7

BoWl gAME yiElDS Big ThrillS

Have you heard? DePelchin’s Today newsletter is going green! This summer Today will be moving online, and we want you to move with us! To begin receiving the Today e-newsletter via your inbox, please sign up at depelchin.org/gogreen, or mail us your information in the enclosed envelope. As a thank-you for staying in touch with us, we’ll send you a pair of our limited-edition DePelchin sunshades. Wear them and remind everyone you meet that DePelchin’s future is bright!

Go Green and Wear Orange

4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDHouston, TX

Permit No. 3601DePelchin Children’s Center

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our ViSionWe envision a world in which every child is safe and healthy. our MiSSionWe strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.

DePelchin children’s center is committed to meeting the needs of children as one of the largest providers of mental health, foster care and adoption services in Texas. Through its clinical expertise and special brand of caring, DePelchin turns lives around, providing a full continuum of care including psychiatric services, counseling, residential treatment, programs for at-risk youths, parent education, foster care and adoption. DePelchin is a not-for-profit organization and gratefully receives its support from individuals, foundations and corporations; government grants and fees; and united Way agencies. visit www.depelchin.org to learn more.

Today is published by DePelchin children’s center. copyright 2013 DePelchin children’s center. All rights reserved.

Peggy Roe – Senior vice President, AdvancementMary Kristen Valentine – Director, Marketing and Public Relationsjoshua Di Napoli – Writer, Photography

ROOMS TO GOfor your

generous support of DePelchin