Today FALL 2011
D e P e l c h i n C h i l d re n ’s C e n t e r ®
A Mystery Solved, A Life Changed Heather Bennett will never forget the chilling words her son Carter told his grandmother one morning while the family was riding in the car. “Mee-maw,” he said, “I’m going to die today.” The six-year-old’s announcement left Heather reeling. “I just started bawling,” she says. “A six-year-old should not say that—or even know what that is.”
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arter’s hint at self-harm was a tipping point for the Bennett family. For two years, they had watched Carter struggle with his emotions. As Heather recalls, she first began noticing a change in Carter shortly after his fourth birthday. “It’s like something snapped,” she says. “Carter went from being this happy child to suddenly having all of this anger and rage.” At times, Carter’s behavior would turn violent. “He would grit his teeth and growl,” Heather says. “Then he’d start throwing things and flinging himself around the room.” By the time Carter entered first grade, his behavioral issues were causing severe problems at school. Teachers grew frustrated with his acting out, and he quickly fell behind in his schoolwork. Carter’s challenges began taking a toll on his selfesteem as well. His grandmother, Bunny Bennett, remembers hearing him voice his pain. “Carter would be very upset when he would get home from school,” she says. “He would call himself ‘stupid’ and say that nobody liked him.” After Carter’s chilling words to his grandmother that morning in the car, the Bennetts knew they had to find help for the young man. The search, however, proved difficult. After visiting several specialists, the Bennetts found a psychologist who identified some of Carter’s behaviors as signs of autism spectrum disorder. He recommended they find an autism expert. While searching online, Carter’s grandmother came across the Autism Services program at DePelchin Children’s Center.
After undergoing a comprehensive evaluation at DePelchin, Carter was diagnosed with a form of autism known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Characteristics of the disorder include difficulty with social interaction, especially the ability to interpret and adjust to social situations. For the Bennetts, the news was hard to swallow. “I didn’t know what Carter’s future was going to be,” his grandmother says. “I wondered if the disorder was basically going to ruin his life.” Though the diagnosis seemed grim, DePelchin Autism Services staff reassured the Bennetts that there was hope. Within weeks, Carter began receiving the full breadth of mental health services available at DePelchin, including individual counseling, group therapy and medication management. continued on page 2
inside 2 3 4 5
From the President and CEO The Gift of Love DePelchin to Open a New Katy Location Kezia DePelchin Society
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I don’t want Carter to ever think that just because he has autism, he can’t do something.
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Advice from the Pros What’s Happening at DePelchin Support the 2011 Holiday Project Make Ready for the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas 8 DePelchin Launches New Women’s Group 8 Leave a Legacy
Today
| Fall 2011
From the President and CEO
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s I step into retirement, I look forward to a new phase of life, and I am tremendously appreciative of the opportunity that I have had to serve as President of DePelchin Children’s Center for the past 15 years. These have been great years for my family, and DePelchin has been a great place to work. My children were 13 and 11 when we first moved to Houston. Today, my daughter Andrea is married, and she and my son-in-law just presented us with our first grandchild, Blake Michael Lewis. I know someone who will be getting more of my attention in retirement! Our son Jason served his country in the Navy, finished his training and is being moved by his employer to Tyler, Texas, for an excellent opportunity there. My wife SuEllen taught at Pearland High School for 10 years and for the past four years has thoroughly enjoyed teaching kindergarten and first grade music at Bunker Hill Elementary. We have made wonderful friends here and found a great church home at South Main Baptist Church.
At DePelchin Children’s Center, it has been my privilege to work every day with the best trained and most committed professionals anywhere. It’s a pleasure to work with people who are dedicated to making a real difference for children. As CEO, I did not often interact with the children directly, but through the work of the staff, foster parents and volunteers at DePelchin, I made a huge difference for thousands of children in need. I have also had the honor to work with three great Boards of Directors. These volunteers, who are committed to the same mission as the staff, give their time, talent and money to make this work possible. The DePelchin operating board, the Foundation board and, most recently, the DePelchin Psychiatric Services board (all practicing physicians) set the bar high for us and have a vision of how we can expand our work to serve the entire community. Finally, I would like to acknowledge our supporters. This includes the United Way, private foundations, individuals and government sources. Providing high-quality care for children who have great needs is impossible without the gen-
erous support of the total community. There is no greater philanthropic community in the United States than in Houston, Texas. Jim Henderson, retired executive from Methodist Hospital and the immediate past Chair of our board, tells of a friend’s remark when he told him he was on the board of DePelchin. The friend said, “Oh, DePelchin’s located over by that beautiful new building on Memorial, right?” Jim replied that the beautiful new building is DePelchin. Indeed, this beautiful building—now almost 10 years old—is the home of a fantastic organization where children’s lives are turned around every day. Thank you to everyone for giving me the honor of serving this great organization.
Curtis C. Mooney, Ph.D. President and CEO
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“When Carter first came to DePelchin, he was struggling with a lot of negative feelings,” Hendricks says. “I worked with him on how to change his thinking as well as what he should do when he felt angry.” Today, Carter continues to receive therapy at DePelchin—and he continues to make great strides. Now age seven and in the second grade, Carter is still bursting with energy, but he has learned to control his emotions better. While Carter benefited from the care of several DePelchin specialists, it was his therapist, Jennifer Hendricks, who helped him overcome many of his emotional challenges.
DePelchin Children’s Center Board of Directors Officers of the board
Debbi Johnstone, Chairman Pamela Lovett, Chairman-elect Geraldina Wise, Secretary Jim Henderson, Past Chairman
Board Members John Bass Valerie Bergeron Jay Chaffee Steve Cherek Sue Nan Cutsinger Susan Distefano Laurie Dorfman Anne Duncan Karey Dye Stephen Dyer Miles Harper Nancy G. Kinder Ginni Mithoff John S. Moody, Jr. Carolyn Pope Chuck Powell Mary Eliza Shaper
One new way Carter expends his energy is through karate. On a recent visit to DePelchin, he proudly wore his new uniform. “I’m a white belt,” he said, as he showed off a few moves.
Earlier this fall, Carter began attending a special school for children with autism. Along with excelling in math and reading, he has begun making new friends. While Carter still faces social challenges, his mom never stops encouraging him to press on. “I don’t want Carter to ever think that just because he has autism, he can’t do something,” Heather says. “It may be a little more difficult, but I know he is smart enough and strong enough to do anything.”
Our Vision
Ellie Sweeney Rich Walton Janeana White-Lewis, M.D.
Foundation and Trust for DePelchin Children’s Center
We envision a world in which every child is safe and healthy.
Board of Directors
Jesse H. Jones II, Chairman Susan L. Lawhon Rahul Mehta Bob Paddock Harper B. Trammell John Stokes Charles Szalkowski
Our Mission We strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.
DePelchin Psychiatric Services Board of Directors
Manuel Ramirez, M.D., Chairman Efrain Bleiberg, M.D. Matthew Brams, M.D. James S. Ezelle, Jr., M.D. Albert C. Hergenroeder, M.D. Lindy Upton Mcgee, M.D.
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DePelchin Children’s Center
The Gift of Love Dorothy Casey doesn’t recall the winter morning in 1965 when Bill and Marie Saltmer cradled her in their arms and posed for a picture in front of DePelchin Faith Home. She was four months old at the time. What Dorothy does know is that the doting couple who claimed her that February day have never stopped lavishing her with love.
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hen Dorothy was first introduced to her adoptive parents, she wasn’t the healthiest baby. Born prematurely, Dorothy was severely underweight and had a yellowish tint due to persistent jaundice. Dorothy says her parents were even counseled by a doctor that they perhaps “shouldn’t keep her.” Of course, they did keep her. What’s more, they named her “Dorothy,” which means “gift of God.” Shortly after Dorothy’s adoption was finalized, the Saltmer family moved to New Jersey because of Mr. Saltmer’s job, and a few years later, they relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Dorothy spent most of her childhood and teenage years growing up in Atlanta, enjoying a wonderful life made possible by her parents.
DePelchin Faith Home, 1965
“My parents were always there for me,” Dorothy says. “Even today, they are still a constant source of love and support.” Now a successful business woman and mother of four living in the Woodlands, Dorothy says she never forgets her life’s fragile beginnings. Along with the gratitude she feels toward her parents, Dorothy says she feels tremendous gratitude toward DePelchin. “If DePelchin had given up on me, if my parents had not kept me—I don’t know where I would be today.” Earlier this year, Dorothy had the opportunity to express her gratitude to DePelchin through a charitable gift. As part of the sale of her childhood home in Atlanta, an estate sale was conducted, and its proceeds were donated back to DePelchin. Dorothy says she hopes the gift will enable DePelchin to continue transforming lives in the same way it transformed hers.
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If DePelchin had given up on me, if my parents had not kept me—I don’t know where I would be today.
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Today
| Fall 2011
DePelchin to open new Katy location
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t the end of this year, DePelchin Children’s Center will open a new satellite office in Katy that will provide area children and families with much-needed mental heath services. The new Katy location will offer expert psychiatric and counseling services for a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and trauma. The Katy/ West Houston area has one of the fastest growing pediatric populations in the nation, but there are currently limited child and adolescent psychiatric services available to families seeking help. To meet the need for quality care in Katy, DePelchin recently welcomed two new staff members— Shannon Sniff, M.D., and Lily Yoder, LPC, RPT—to its team of children’s mental health experts. Dr. Sniff, who will serve as staff psychiatrist at the Katy location, specializes in treating a number of disorders in children and teens, including ADHD, anxiety disorders and mood disorders. Lily Yoder, who holds specialized training as a child play therapist, will also provide valuable support to families with individual and family counseling. The new Katy location is conveniently located for area families at Park Grove Drive and Kingsland Boulevard.
Shannon Sniff, M.D.
Lily Yoder, LPC, RPT
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The new Katy location will offer expert psychiatric and counseling services for a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and trauma.
DePelchin Children’s Center
Kezia DePelchin Society Orphaned as a child, Kezia Payne DePelchin felt called by her faith to care for Houston’s children in need. A century later, Kezia’s passion to serve children inspired the formation of a society named in her honor—the “Kezia DePelchin Society.” With a strong philanthropic compass and a hopeful vision for the Houston community, members of the Kezia DePelchin Society (KDS) generously contribute their time and treasure in support of Kezia’s mission.
Lifetime Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Allen III Cynthia and Michael Barrett Sean G. Boutros, M.D. Jeanne and Jay Chaffee E. Lane Coco, Ph.D. Helen and Terry Gebert Peggy and Mark Heeg Mr. Roy M. Huffington Jennifer and Wesley Kern Lora Jean Kilroy
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Nancy and Rich Kinder Janice and Bob McNair Bobbie and John Nau Betsy and Chuck Powell Pat and Tom Powers Leslie and Abbott Sprague Pamela and Ronald Sterlekar Jane and Charles Szalkowski Ann G. Trammell
Benefactor
hen Kezia DePelchin opened her home for children in 1892, she said, “I suppose I will have to call it my ‘Faith Home.’ I’m entirely dependent on my faith in God and the good people of Houston to support it.” Kezia died in 1893 shortly after opening her “Faith Home,” but the community continued to support her mission to serve Houston’s children. Today, Kezia’s small “Faith Home” is now DePelchin Children’s Center, the region’s largest and most comprehensive provider of children’s mental health, foster care and adoption services. The continued support of the “good people of Houston” is reflected in the thousands of children and families whom DePelchin is able to serve each year.
Anonymous Sue Nan and Rod Cutsinger Debbie and Mark Gregg Diana and Russell Hawkins Debbi M. Johnstone and Carlos Holguin
Gay and Richard Lydecker Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Magne Leslie and Shannon Sasser Selina and Bryan Stanford
Patron Deb Parks and Mark Bouzek Mary Ann Carrico Susan and Ignatius Distefano Karey and Phillip Dye Clare Attwell Glassell Katheryn and Miles Harper Mary and Jim Henderson
Members of KDS support DePelchin’s mission through their financial gifts, volunteer efforts and awareness of children’s mental health issues. Whether underwriting the cost of a mental health professional or donating tickets to an Astros game, society members’ involvement helps bridge the gap between challenging needs and exceptional services.
Ginni and Richard Mithoff Gayle M. Rettig, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. David M. Smith Ellie and Jack Sweeney Jennifer Waldner Carol and Rich Walton
Friend Julie and Drew Alexander Judy and Jeffery Allen Kim and Kent Altsuler Ellen and John Bass Mari and Bret Bosker Lea and Steve Cherek Barbara K. Chiles Emma and Eli Cipolla Nancy I. Cook, Ph.D. Andrea and Bob Crawmer Laurie and Scott Dorfman Anne and Charles Duncan Mary and Stephen Dyer Ann A. Eutsler Maureen and Jim Hackett Jennifer and Sam Hansen Nancy and Bob Hartman Barbara and Ernest Henley Carrie and Howard Horne Gwendolyn A. Huskey Amy and Scot Johnson Jesse H. Jones II
To become a member or learn more about the Kezia DePelchin Society, please visit www.depelchin.org/KDS.
KDS levels of Giving/Support:
$25,000 Lifetime Member* $5,000 Benefactor $2,500 Patron $1,250 Friend * Lifetime memberships may be paid over a period of one to five years.
Advice from the Pros Ever wish you knew exactly what to do when your child refuses to do his homework? Or knew how to handle the school bully? Or knew how to notice a change in your child’s behavior that is a cause for concern?
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ePelchin Children’s Center is proud to present “Parenting with the Pros Information Series,” which addresses issues such as these. Parenting with the Pros provides parents with a unique opportunity to hear directly from DePelchin experts on topics ranging from improving family communication in a digital age to recognizing the signs of autism to helping children cope with stress. This information series is intended to equip participants with the tools they need to manage the rewarding but often challenging job of being a parent. Please join us for our next session, which will be a panel discussion focused on recognizing stress in children and will offer some techniques for parents to help their children manage it.
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Elise and Russell Joseph Melissa and Steven Kean Amy and Paul Lampi Susan L. Lawhon Geraldine and Kenneth Lehrer Pam and Edgar Lovett Flo and Bill McGee SuEllen and Curtis Mooney Sara and Bill Morgan Kenneth Nelson Carol Ann and Bob Paddock Angela and Stewart Pisecco Peggy and Jeff Pugh Lynn and Bill Rafferty Wanda Woody-Roberts and Mark Roberts Peggy and Bill Roe Mary Eliza and Park Shaper Barbara and Louis Sklar Erin Ferris and Jason Smith John E. Stokes Kelley and Harper Trammell Monica and Chetan Vagholkar Mary Kristen and David Valentine Geraldina and Scott Wise
Slamming Doors and Stomping Feet: Recognizing the Signs of Stress in Children November 10, 2011 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. DePelchin’s Main Campus 4950 Memorial Drive Lunch provided
or to RSVP, For more information on the series iththepros. visit www.depelchin.org/parentingw
Today
| Fall 2011
What’s Happening at DePelchin Families Get a Jump-start on School Adoptive families from DePelchin rang in the new school year with an action-packed field day held at DePelchin’s main campus on August 13. The back-to-school event—sponsored by DePelchin’s Buddy Family Network and Friends of DePelchin—featured a slew of games and activities, including potato-sack racing, putt-putt golf, tug rope, balloon art and face-painting. After participating in the outdoor fun, attendees were treated to lunch inside Elkins gym. Before leaving, each family received school supplies generously donated by DePelchin community partners.
Military Families Connect and Communicate In September, DePelchin invited military families to a day of interactive fun aimed at improving communication skills and strengthening family relationships. Facilitated by two of DePelchin’s talented psychologists—Megan Mooney, Ph.D., and Adrienne Tinder, Ph.D.— the day-long event featured dynamic sessions that gave children and parents the opportunity to engage over a number of topics, including “communication styles,” “building strong thoughts and feelings” and “recognizing personal strengths.” To top off the day, families enjoyed a pizza dinner together and a showing of the movie “Rio.”
Families Lasso Fun at George Ranch In September, adoptive and foster care families from DePelchin saddled up for a day of real-life ranchin’ at the George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond, Texas. Sponsored by the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, the event featured a wagon-load of activities, including a hayride tour of the historical park, a live cattle-roping demonstration and various rodeo games from barrel racing to hay tossing. At the end of the day, participants were treated to one final ranching tradition: a heapin’ helpin’ of ice cream and cobbler.
Pets Bring Joy, Therapy to Children at DePelchin A few furry locals are making a big difference at DePelchin’s Elkins Residential Treatment Center. Since June, a number of specially trained canines—and one cuddly kitty—have been visiting the children at Elkins each month, providing the kind of therapy only loving pets can give. The four-legged friends and their owners are part of the Faithful Paws Pet Therapy Program, a volunteer service sponsored by Bellaire United Methodist Church. One volunteer couple, Sarah and Reese Hazel—who have been bringing their poodle, Tilly, to DePelchin since June—said the experience has been truly rewarding. “It’s been amazing to watch the children enjoy Tilly and interact with her in such a positive way,” Sarah says. The Hazels have likewise been amazed by some of the children’s talent for teaching Tilly tricks. On their first visit, one boy taught Tilly to roll over and jump through a hoop—two feats she had never accomplished before. Because the kids at DePelchin have their own hoops to jump through, teaching Tilly this trick was a natural.
Pi Phis Donate New Library to DePelchin Students attending The University of Texas Charter School at DePelchin now have a plethora of new books to enjoy. Thanks to a $3,500 grant from the Houston Pi Beta Phi Foundation, DePelchin was able to update the Charter School’s library with almost 500 new books, ranging from young adult fiction to biographies to practical arts. “The students are thrilled with the new collection,” says Elita Caldwell, principal at the Charter School. “Along with providing a positive escape from reality, these books are filled with stories of people and places the students can relate to.” The Pi Phi Library at DePelchin has also benefited from the meticulous efforts of volunteer Leola Ross—a former school librarian—who has been diligently cataloging the library’s new treasures.
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DePelchin Children’s Center
Support the 2011
Holiday Project
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he holidays are fast approaching! We invite you to make a dream come true for a child this year by participating in the annual DePelchin Children’s Center Holiday Project. Last year, generous donors fulfilled the holiday wishes of nearly 1,300 children. We anticipate that even more children will be in need of our help this year. You can make this dream come true for DePelchin’s children in three ways: Sponsor a child by providing items on his or her wish list. Please visit holidayproject.depelchin.org to add your name to our list of sponsors. We will contact you via email as soon as the children’s wish lists are available. (Average cost to fulfill a child’s wish list is $100-$150. Gift cards are also appreciated.) Donate general items for our children. We have featured a list on our website of the children’s most needed and most wished-for items. Add DePelchin to your holiday shopping list or organize a toy drive with your friends, social club, church or office. Make a cash donation. DePelchin will use your donation to purchase gifts or needed items for the children. You may make a donation online at holidayproject.depelchin.org or mail your contribution to 4950 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77007, Attention: Holiday Project. For more information, please contact Julia Taliaferro, DePelchin Holiday Project Coordinator, at (713) 802-7645 or email Debbie Gregg, Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Outreach, at holidayproject@depelchin.org. On behalf of all of the children and families whose holidays will be brighter through your gifts of time and treasure, we thank you!
Make ready for the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
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he only thing college football fans love more than the grind of conference play is the glorious arrival of bowl season. This December, Houston football fans will have the chance to experience some of the post-season action at the 2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. DePelchin Children’s Center is honored to be the official charitable beneficiary of the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas and will again host both bowl teams at its main campus for some pre-game peprally fun. This year’s game, which will feature contenders from the Big 12 and Big Ten, will kick off at 11 a.m. on December 31 at Reliant Stadium. Continuing its longstanding commitment to the children of the community, the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas will donate a portion of game day proceeds to DePelchin. Additionally, DePelchin is pleased to announce that this year’s class of Grid Iron Legends—which honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to the game of football in Texas—includes Bum Phillips, former Houston Oilers head coach, and Bob McNair, Houston Texans owner and longtime supporter of DePelchin. For more information on tickets to the game, visit www.meinekecarcarebowloftexas.com. 7
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Houston, TX Permit No. 3601
D e P e l c h i n C h i l d re n ’s C e n t e r ®
DePelchin Children’s Center 4950 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77007
DePelchin Launches New Women’s Group
Leave a Legacy
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ood news! DePelchin Children’s Center recently launched “Kezia’s Kids,” a new organization of women committed to educating the community about the services offered by DePelchin and enriching the lives of the children in its care. Named after Kezia Payne DePelchin, the founder of DePelchin Children’s Center, the organization’s overarching purpose is to brighten the lives of all Houston’s children through whatever means possible. Through both advocacy and volunteerism, the women’s group will help to expand the ways DePelchin cares for children. To learn more about Kezia’s Kids, email keziaskids@depelchin.org.
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ou 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 Mari Bosker at 713-802-7648 or mbosker@depelchin.org and let us know about your generous intentions. We are interested in your story!
Kezia’s Kids Board Members President Ellen Bass
Treasurer Kathryn Principe
Vice President Hope Young
Caring Connections Chair Allison Brooks
Secretary Beth Cozby
Holiday Project Chair Susan Barnes
Thanksgiving Basket Chairs Lea Cherek Janice Johnson
DePelchin Children’s Center is committed to meeting the needs of Houston’s children as the largest, most comprehensive provider of mental health, foster care and adoption services. Caring for more than 20,000 children and their families each year, DePelchin offers a range of services including counseling, psychiatry, residential treatment, programs for at-risk youths, parent education, foster care and adoption. Today, more than 30 different programs are available to children and families at schools, community sites and in their homes as well as at the main Houston campus and five satellite offices. The center continues to be recognized at the state and national level for its cutting-edge programs, including being awarded an esteemed federal grant as a leading child trauma expert in Texas.
A non-profit organization serving Houston since 1892, DePelchin gratefully receives its support from government grants and fees, United Way agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals. Copyright 2011 DePelchin Children’s Center. All rights reserved.
Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter! Are you on Facebook? Do you Tweet? Join our Facebook group or follow our tweets on Twitter, and you can stay in touch about recent news and events at DePelchin. We would love to be connected to you. Become a member of our Facebook group and invite your friends to join at www.depelchin.org/facebook and follow us on Twitter at www.depelchin.org/twitter.