FALL 2015 DePelchin Children’s Center
Thinking About Adoption? Ask a DePelchin Family! At this year’s Back to School Field Day event, we sat down with a few of our families to learn more about their experiences with adoption.
Meet Scott and Jennifer Lester Donnie and Barbara Holiday Carolyn and Larry Hughes Tell us about the children in your family? Tell us about the children in your family? Tell us about the children in your family? Mya is 13, and we adopted her when she was We have adopted siblings—Jermaine who is We have adopted five children—Raquan who is 1½ years old. DeRenee is 10, and we adopted 6 years old and Mikeen who is 4 years old. 18 years old, Kiarra who is 17 years old, Sabin her when she was 3. Owen is our biological who is 16 years old, Alexis who is 14 years old What was your family like before kids, son, and he is 5 years old. and Shakasih who is 10 years old. and how have these two boys changed your How has adoption changed your family? lives now? What would you say about how adoption has impacted your lives? Before we had these kids, our lives felt very Before it was quiet and still but now full of love We have been foster parents for 25 years, and empty. Now we can say our lives are anything and chaos! We are busy constantly—especially deciding to adopt these children is the best but empty. Our family is full of life and energy— with baseball activities. there is truly never a dull moment! We have had decision we have ever made. It has been very What would you tell other families fulfilling—we all feel needed and loved together. great opportunities along with our challenges, beginning the process of adopting? and we are overwhelmed and amazed to see Kids have an amazing way of getting you You definitely need to take your time and be how each of our children has grown. We are through the tough parts in life, and they have realistic that it is a process of matching kids blessed and grateful to be able to raise these taken care of us as much as we have taken with families. Sometimes it is not easy, but in children. care of them. the end, the waiting is so worth it. These are What would you tell other families What would you tell other families our kids, and we know that with every ounce about adopting? about adopting? of our heart. Do it! Everyone emphasizes what parents bring If you really want to help children then you to adopted children, but our kids have brought should adopt. We have seen sides of life we so much more to us. never would have experienced. Our children Opening your all came into foster care for various reasons, and they need to see us as parents in a loving home will enrich family. It is our job to reinforce for them that we are not going to break as a family, but instead and enhance we are together forever. your life. “ ” CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 inside 2 From the President 6 Meet Sunny the Bear 3 Student with a Passion for Art 6 DePelchin Holiday Project and a Lot of Heart 7 Saturday Night Lights 3 125th Anniversary Spotlight 7 Gallery Furniture Teams Up with DePelchin 4 Back to School with DePelchin 7 Back the Bowl, Back DePelchin
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From the President
always look forward to the holiday season at DePelchin Children’s Center! It’s a time when I see the community rally around our kids and the support of our mission in so many ways. I also see lots of big smiles on little faces, Ithanks in part to generous donors and volunteers such as you. The months of October, November and December offer many opportunities for you to get involved and help us turn lives around. The annual Holiday Project is one way you can make a difference in a child’s life by sponsoring his or her holiday wish list. This is a great activity to do with your own child or your co-workers, signing up online at http://holidayproject.depelchin.org and dropping off gifts in early December.
November 22 marks our annual fall event, Saturday Night Lights, which will take place at the Houston Methodist Training Center. You can still buy a ticket at www.depelchin.org/saturday to be part of the football-themed fun! Make sure you also get your ticket to this year’s AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl, featuring a Big 12 and SEC match- up, of which proceeds will benefit DePelchin kids and families directly. November is also National Adoption Month, a time when we celebrate families who have adopted in the past and those who have finalized their forever families this year. You can read about some of these wonderful families in our cover story, and how adoption has made their families complete.
From our roots as an orphanage in 1892, we believe Kezia DePelchin would be proud to see how many children have found loving homes and how many lives we have been turned around because of DePelchin. We are approaching our 125th Anniversary in 2017, and we will begin featuring stories from our rich history, like the spotlight on Connie Wallace in this issue, which reflect Kezia’s legacy.
It was true in 1892 and is still true today—we would not be able to do our important work without the support of this wonderful community. On behalf of our children, our families and the DePelchin staff, I thank you.
Sincerely,
Jenifer Jarriel President and CEO
THINKING ABOUT ADOPTION? ASK A DEPELCHIN FAMILY!, CONTINUED Ray and Sally Griffiths Tell us about the children in your family? We adopted two girls who are actually siblings. We adopted Leanne who is now 10 years old when she was 11 months old and Summer who is now 9 years old when she was 5 days old. After we went through the process of adopting Leanne, we got a call the next day that her biological mom was pregnant with a second child, and they wanted to know if we would like her sister Summer too. What was your family like before kids and what is it like now? Our girls have enriched our lives. We still do a lot of the same activities, but everything we do now is more child- focused. We really feel like we are giving back to others now instead of just living for ourselves. What would you tell other families about adopting? It is the best way to change someone else’s life.
Marvin Carter Tell me about the children in your family. I have adopted Zoe who is 13 and Madison who is 10. What made you want to adopt as a single dad? I have always wanted to adopt and have a lot of kids. At the beginning, I was a foster parent but knew in my heart I wanted to adopt. I have a lot of family support, and DePelchin has helped make arrangements and provides assistance when needed. What would you tell other families about adopting? Opening your home will enrich and enhance your life. If you want kids, I would say go for it!
DEPELCHIN CHILDREN’S CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOUNDATION AND DEPELCHIN PSYCHIATRIC TRUST FOR DEPELCHIN SERVICES BOARD Officers of the Board Nancy I. Cook, Ph.D. Ginni Mithoff CHILDREN’S CENTER BOARD Charles D. Powell, Chairman Sue Nan Cutsinger John S. Moody, Jr. Albert C. Hergenroeder, M.D., Chairman John C. Bass, Chairman-elect Susan Distefano Stewart Pisecco, Ph.D. Bob Paddock, Chairman Efrain Bleiberg, M.D. Pamela Lovett, Past Chairman Stephen Dyer Carolyn Pope Charles Szalkowski, Vice Chair Matthew Brams, M.D. Anne Duncan, Secretary Henry S. Florsheim Mary Eliza Shaper Karey Dye James S. Ezelle, Jr., M.D. Russell Hawkins Sanjay J. Mathew, M.D. Kay Forbes Lisa Stone Terry Gebert Tim Surratt Flo McGee Lindy Upton McGee, M.D. Board Members Rahul Mehta Laura Bellows Gerald Gehm H. Richard Walton M. James Henderson W. Temple Webber III John E. Stokes Efrain Bleiberg, M.D. Harper B. Trammell Sean G. Boutros, M.D. Debbi M. Johnstone Janeana White-Lewis, M.D. Pam Brasseux Robbie Lowrey Don M. Woo Steve Cherek Connelly McGreevy Geraldina Interiano Wise Hannah McNair fall 2015 | 3
Student with a Passion for Art and a Lot of Heart Han Wen Zhang, a senior at Clements High School, has a passion for art and a passion for kids. She recently completed a mural at DePelchin’s Richmond Residential Treatment Center, which provides 24-hour care and temporary residence for children ages 5-12, many of whom are suffering from trauma.
What is the inspiration behind the mural? I wanted to do something inspired by Chinese shadow puppets — but taking that a step further and making it more colorful for kids. The shapes represent kids playing and jumping. My hope is that they will see this in the gym, and it will inspire them to bring the mural to life through their activity. What did you learn about DePelchin spending your days painting at the Residential Treatment Center? I have never been in an environment like a residential treatment center, and the biggest take away for me was how compassionate the staff is to the kids — they are truly like parents Han Wen Zhang and Eva Armstrong, Residential Treatment Coordinator at Richmond Residential Treatment Center to them. One memory I’ll always have is seeing a little girl who told me how a staff member had Arts Scholastic Event) competition, basically Do you plan to do more with DePelchin helped braid her hair one morning. You can see the state UIL Art Competition. Last year one in the future? the love the staff has for the kids. of my art pieces was selected as part of the My hope is that next summer I can go back What is your interest in art? Houston Mayor’s Art Scholarship. I recently and expand the mural across all the walls I have been in my school’s art program since started teaching a pastel painting class at of the gym. my freshman year. During my sophomore year, Sugarland Senior Center, and during the month one of my art pieces was selected as the Top of October my art pieces will be on exhibition at 1% in the State through the VASE (Visual the University Library in Sugar Land.
125th Anniversary Spotlight
In 1892, a woman named Kezia Payne DePelchin relied only on her pioneering spirit and faith in humanity when she accepted three orphaned children into her care. Today, DePelchin Children’s Center is the leading center in Texas for children’s well-being, with a focus on mental health, foster care and adoption services. Our history is rich in the Houston community, now expanding across Texas, and we are excited to celebrate our 125th Anniversary in 2017.
ne story from that rich history is DePelchin, eventually being raised in the loving the story of Connie Wallace who home of her foster mom. Connie stopped Connie Wallace and her brother at Olived at DePelchin Faith Home with by this summer to visit with DePelchin CEO DePelchin Faith Home in the 1930s her brother in the 1930’s. It was during the Jenifer Jarriel and take a tour of today’s facility. Depression, and after her father moved across With a twinkle in her eye, Connie reflected the country in search of a job, her mother was warmly on her time at DePelchin—she even unable to care for them after an accident. remembered the bedtime prayer sung by the Connie and her brothers were sent to live at children each night: DEPELCHIN PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES BOARD Father we thank you for the night and for the pleasant morning light, Albert C. Hergenroeder, M.D., Chairman Efrain Bleiberg, M.D. Matthew Brams, M.D. For health and food and loving care and all that makes the day so fair. James S. Ezelle, Jr., M.D. Sanjay J. Mathew, M.D. Help us to do the things we should, to be to others kind and good. Lindy Upton McGee, M.D. In all we do in work or play, to grow more loving every day. Amen.
If you have a DePelchin story you’d like to share, please email us at [email protected]. Connie Wallace meets CEO Jenifer Jarriel We’d love to hear from you! at DePelchin Children’s Center 4 | today
DePelchin held its annual Back to School Field Day event for post-adoption families on August 15. Both children and their parents had a great time enjoying activities and food while getting to know each other as part of the “Buddy Family Network.” Special thanks to FairmountSantrol for donating not only their time as volunteers but also the fun, including cookie decorating, sand art, a DJ, a bounce house, face painting and more to make this a memorable event for everyone! The AdvoCare V100 BackTexas Bowl also generously donated football helmets for the children to paint in additionto to a delicious pizza lunch! School
Thanks to all of our sponsors, we were able to secure thousands of school supplies for our children as they head back to school this year. Special thanks to KHOU Supplies for Success sponsored by Texas Mattress Makers, Statoil and Sun and Ski for a great back to school partnership!
Thanks also to the individuals and businesses who contributed this year, specifically:
AllState David Weekley Homes Houston Casualty Company Thompson Coe Cousins & Irons, L.L.P. fall 2015 | 5
School with DePelchin
Other DePelchin locations in Austin, San Antonio, Lubbock and Brownwood held their own Back to School events distributing school supplies to families! 6 | today Meet Sunny the Bear, DePelchin’s New Mascot
ePelchin wants to give Sunny the Bear to Devery child when he or she is welcomed into a new family, whether that be a foster home or a forever family. Teddy bears are $20 and can be purchased for a child in DePelchin’s care at www.depelchin.org/sunny or through the enclosed envelope (note that the donation is for Sunny). 100% of the proceeds from Sunny will support DePelchin’s efforts to turn lives around.
Q&A WITH SUNNY: What is your favorite color? Orange
What is your favorite season? Summer because I love sunshine
What is your job? I am given to kids whenever they are welcomed into a new family—sometimes it happens in the middle of the night if they are entering a foster home and sometimes it happens at a courthouse when they finalize their forever family. Whenever it happens, I am there with a big, warm hug!
The Baker family on adoption day The Davis family on adoption day (two older brothers not pictured)
The Bohanon brothers on adoption day
SPONSOR A CHILD
HOST A TOY DRIVE he holidays are fast approaching! We invite you to make a wish Tcome true for a child this year by participating in the annual DePelchin Children’s Center Holiday Project. There are many ways you can get involved!!
Last year, we fulfilled the holiday wish lists of more than 1,300 MAKE children, and we anticipate even more children will be in need this A CASH DONATION year. To learn more or get involved in this year’s Holiday Project visit: http://holidayproject.depelchin.org VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME spring 2015 | 7 Meet Sunny the Bear, DePelchin’s New Mascot
The third annual Saturday Night Lights event will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2015, at the Houston Methodist Training Center—Home of the Houston Texans to raise funds and awareness for DePelchin Children’s Center. Get ready for lots of football fun, including dinner and dancing, live entertainment, an exciting auction, sports-themed games and the Houston Texans cheerleaders!
Underwriter Levels and Tickets: PRESENTING SPONSOR $50,000 HONOREES: Jamey and Melissa Rootes TOUCHDOWN $5,000 EVENT CHAIRS: Lindley and Jason Arnoldy SUPER BOWL $25,000 Valerie and Tracy Dieterich FIRST DOWN CONFERENCE CHAMPION $2,500 HONORARY CHAIRS: Audrey and Brandon Cochran $15,000 UNDERWRITER COUPLE
Kathleen and James Jennings DIVISION CHAMPION $1,000
FOUNDING CHAIRS: Abbi and Rob Antablin $10,000 INDIVIDUAL TICKET Hannah and Cal McNair $250
For information on purchasing a table or ticket, please visit www.depelchin.org/saturday
GALLERY FURNITURE TEAMS UP WITH DEPELCHIN
ver the summer, Mattress Mack, owner of Gallery OFurniture, generously donated living room and lounge furniture to spruce up the home of our youth participating in DePelchin’s Transitioning Adults Through Guidance and Support (TAGS) program. These young adults, many of whom have aged out of foster care without a family to support them, enjoyed a fun day of shopping and selecting furniture with the staff as well as enjoying lunch with Mattress Mack.
BACK THE BOWL, BACK DEPELCHIN hanks to the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl, many of our families enjoyed attending Tthe Houston Texans opening pre-season game against the San Francisco 49ers. Football fever is always present at DePelchin as we enjoy our partnership with the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl year round. This year’s game will take place at NRG Stadium on December 29 at 8pm. The Big XII vs. SEC match-up sold out last year so mark your calendars now for the big game!
MAKE PLANS TO ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2015 GRIDIRON LEGENDS GOLF TOURNAMENT, PRESENTED BY TEXANDRIVE.COM, TAKING PLACE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT GOLF CLUB OF HOUSTON. TOURNAMENT PROCEEDS DIRECTLY BENEFIT DEPELCHIN.
REGISTRATION: 10AM LUNCH: 11AM SHOTGUN START: 12PM AWARDS AND DINNER: 5PM
Foursome team sponsorship opportunities are still available! For more information, please contact Emily Bruss at 832.667.2027 or [email protected] Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Houston, TX DePelchin Children’s Center Permit No. 3601
4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007
Leave a Legacy Jane and Charles Szalkowski incorporated DePelchin in their giving plans. You, too, can help future generations benefit from DePelchin’s services by including us in your will. It is an easy step that brings happiness to countless children and their families. The official legal bequest language is: “I give the sum of $____ in cash (or “I give____% of the residue of my estate”) to the Foundation for DePelchin Children’s Center to be used for its charitable purposes.”
If DePelchin is already included in your giving plans, please let us hear from you. Contact Dixie Mullins at 713-802-6292 or [email protected] and tell us about your generous intentions. We are interested in your story!
OUR VISION We envision a world in which every child is safe and healthy.
OUR MISSION We strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on all the recent happenings at DePelchin. DePelchin Children’s Center is the leading center in Texas for children’s well-being, with a focus on mental health, foster care and adoption services. For more than 120 years, DePelchin has been turning lives around with comprehensive care for children, including psychiatric services, counseling, programs for at-risk youths, Are you on Facebook? Do you Tweet? parent education, residential treatment, foster care and adoption. DePelchin is a not-for-profit organization and Join our Facebook group or follow our tweets on gratefully receives its support from individuals, foundations and corporations; government grants and fees; and United Way agencies. Visit www.depelchin.org to learn more. Twitter, and you can stay in touch about recent news and events at DePelchin. We would love to Today is published by DePelchin Children’s Center. Copyright 2015 DePelchin Children’s Center. All rights reserved. be connected to you. Become a member of our Dixie Mullins – Senior Vice President, Advancement Facebook group and invite your friends to join at Mary Kristen Valentine – Director, Marketing and Public Relations Analisa Warren – Writer, Photography www.facebook.com/depelchin and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/depelchin.