DePelchin Children's Center Today Newsletter- Fall 2017

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DePelchin Children’s Center

FALL 2017

“These children must be cared for – we cannot desert them or fail them.” – KEZIA DEPELCHIN, 1892

1892

2017

Kyle Hutton — A Life Full Circle Kyle Hutton was born on October 27, 1969, and adopted through DePelchin at six weeks old from the foster care system. His wonderful parents raised him in Cedar Hill, Texas, alongside two other siblings. We talked to Kyle about his life and how DePelchin is a part of his story: “DePelchin is a huge part of my life. It’s where things started for me. It’s where I was able to find out a whole lot about who I am — where I come from — and that’s a big part of my future. DePelchin helped me years later as an adult to find a link to my biology. And through the post-adoption services at DePelchin, I was able to not only make peace with where I came from as an adoptee but also establish a whole new set of relationships with my biological siblings.” Kyle’s life has come full circle with DePelchin as he and his wife Tara, who have three biological teenage sons, are now back as foster care adoption parents with DePelchin.

May 2, 2017, marked the 125th anniversary of DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston’s oldest family services agency. Throughout the year, DePelchin has paused to reflect upon this historic milestone and tell the stories of lives forever blessed by Kezia’s legacy. Where are you at in your foster care adoption journey? “We are in the process of moving forward with the adoption of two young girls (2 and 4) whom we have been fostering as their parental rights have been terminated. DePelchin has been there every step of the way, from our foster care case worker to our trauma-informed care therapist in the FIRST program. DePelchin is once again part of our story, and now DePelchin is part of these girls’ story too.” (continued on page 3)

The Hutton Family

What went into your decision to foster children? “What I am trying to give back now, maybe if I am lucky, are just some of the opportunities that I have been given by DePelchin and my adopted family. My wife Tara and I decided just a few years ago that foster care was a way that we could give back, and since then we’ve welcomed six beautiful children into our home. We felt like we wanted to extend a blessing to someone else, and it’s turned back around and been a bigger blessing for us.”

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From the President Harvey Relief for Families A Life Full Circle, cont.

4-5 Family Ever After Birthday Party 6-7 Family Day at DePelchin

Kyle and Tara Hutton


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From the President D

ePelchin Children’s Center reached a historic milestone on May 2, 2017. 125 years ago, Kezia DePelchin saw a need in nineteenth century Houston and took in three orphaned infants saying “these children must be cared for – we cannot abandon or neglect them.” Although Kezia died within a few months of founding her “Faith Home”, the Houston community embraced her vision, adopted the home and helped it to grow. Kezia’s legacy lives on in every child and every family who has been impacted by the work of DePelchin Children’s Center. Thousands of children and families have roots back to DePelchin, and we know that a large part of our history lies in the hearts and minds of individuals with inspirational stories to tell. Kyle Hutton, featured on our cover story, is an example of one individual whose life has come full circle with DePelchin, beginning as an adoptee and now back as a foster care adoption parent. DePelchin has enjoyed celebrating this significant anniversary year with our May 2, 2017 Family Ever After birthday party chaired by Laura Bellows and now concluding just a few weeks ago at our Family Day at DePelchin event, presented by H-E-B. We hope you enjoy the pictures from both of these events, and I invite you to stop by and take a look at our new history wall, unveiled for this special year of celebration, and see for yourself how DePelchin has changed over the years.

What has not changed, however, is that the community continues to embrace our organization and help us fulfill Kezia’s mission. In addition to an outpouring of support with our 125th anniversary, we were overwhelmed by donations received for families affected by Hurricane Harvey, and I want to thank you for donating more than $122,000 towards DePelchin’s relief efforts. Donations were received not just locally in Houston or across the state of Texas, but also nationwide. During this tough time for Houston, your generosity for our families is much-needed and much-appreciated. Thank you for being part of our anniversary this year. Kezia was right to put her “faith in the good people of Houston” – and now Texas and across the nation – to support her cause. These past 125 years of continued growth, success and families would not have been possible without your support! Thank you for making tomorrow brighter for children and families in Texas! With gratitude,

Jenifer Jarriel President and CEO

Harvey Relief for DePelchin Families In a few short weeks, DePelchin received $122,000 in donations to help its families recover after Hurricane Harvey. This additional support allowed DePelchin to provide food and diapers for displaced families; clothing, toys and bedroom furniture for children with flooded homes; even rent support one family who lost their home but not their desire to continue fostering abused and neglected children. “Losing our home to flood waters was very hard, but we couldn’t bear the thought that our children might have to go to another foster home as a result. DePelchin helped us with rent on an apartment large enough to care for our kids, and we breathed a huge sigh of relief when CPS assured us that they could stay. We are forever grateful.” We know that the recovery efforts in our city will continue, but we also know that tomorrow is brighter because of this generous community!

DEPELCHIN CHILDREN’S CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTOR Officers of the Board

John C. Bass, Chairman Pam Brasseux, Chairman-elect Sue Nan Cutsinger, Secretary Charles D. Powell, Past Chairman

Board Members

Rhonda C. Arnold, J.D. Susan R. Barnes Laura Bellows Sean G. Boutros, M.D. Steve Cherek Nancy I. Cook, Ph.D. Kimberly C. David

Susan Distefano Anne S. Duncan Stephen Dyer Henry S. Florsheim Kay Forbes Terry Gebert Gerald Gehm Debbi M. Johnstone William H. Knull, III Pamela Lovett Robbie Lowrey Connelly McGreevy Hannah McNair John Moody

Stewart Pisecco, Ph.D. Carolyn Pope John B. Reed, Jr. Lisa Stone Tim Surratt William E. Turcotte W. Temple Webber III Janeana White-Lewis, M.D. Geraldina Interiano Wise

FOUNDATION AND TRUST FOR DEPELCHIN CHILDREN’S CENTER BOARD Charles Szalkowski, Chairman Scott Galloway Russell Hawkins Jim Henderson Jamie House Carla Knobloch Rahul Mehta John Stokes Harper B. Trammell

DEPELCHIN PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES BOARD Lindy Upton McGee, M.D., Chairman Matthew Brams, M.D. James S. Ezelle, Jr., M.D. Sanjay J. Mathew, M.D.

DEPELCHIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS EMERITI Emily Crosswell Jesse J. Jones Nancy Kinder H. Malcolm Lovett Jr. Flo McGee Susan Lawhon Padon Pat Powers Ann Trammell


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Kyle Hutton — A Life Full Circle (continued) one can imagine the range of emotions you feel when a child comes into your home. I just started filling up notepads and voice notes on my cell phone with ideas for songs — that’s really how the Foster EP idea got started.” What is the Foster EP?

Kyle Hutton performs at DePelchin’s 125th birthday celebration in May

How has being a foster parent impacted your career as a singersongwriter? “As a songwriter, I really see life in 3 ½ minute increments. Everything is kind of a song idea, and when we started fostering,

“The Foster EP is a collection of songs, written and performed by myself and the iconic Texas singer-songwriter Radney Foster, for the purpose of exploring the emotions and realities of the Texas foster care system. The goal of the project is to raise awareness within the general public and faith-based organizations regarding the number of children caught up in the Texas foster care system. It’s also to introduce potential foster and adoptive families to organizations and resources that provide foster and adoption education and aid. You can find out more about the project and purchase your own copy of The Foster EP by visiting thefosterep.com.”

Singer-Songwriter Camp at DePelchin This summer, Kyle Hutton volunteered his time and talent along with two other musicians to help DePelchin kids learn to express themselves through music. Eleven children from DePelchin’s foster care and post-adoption programs participated in the week-long singer-songwriter camp, enjoying writing their own songs, putting the songs to music and experiencing the excitement of having their songs recorded. The camp culminated with an inspiring live performance of the kids bravely performing their songs for staff and parents.

Me & My Boys by: Elias B. “Riding bikes to the park, staying up way past dark Playing tag out in the streets Building our own towns with legos and dirt mounds Sand castles on the beach Me and my boys running wild and free Making lots of noise, playing hide and seek Never a bad time, always a blue sky, no place we really need to be Every day is just another day out doors with me and my boys Playing nerf wars in our shorts, building tree houses, box forts Dirty at the end of the day Jumping off the high dive, sunshine in our eyes Potato sack relays”

Past Midnight by: Ashia M. “I was dreaming in my bed last night, Of all the good things in life. Neatly tucked away ,I felt unafraid, and everything with the world felt right. Past midnight, mommy’s took care of their babies Past midnight, every car got home safely. Downtown was singing, neighborhoods were sleeping, The whole city was waiting on morning light Everything good happened past midnight. Shooting stars raced across the sky, Like fireworks lighting up a July night. City streets were humming, subways still running, And not one scuffle, not a single fight.”

Casen Hutton, Kyle and Tara Hutton, Carter Hutton, Kathy and William Hutton (Kyle’s Mom and Dad); not pictured Brooks Hutton who was in Haiti at the time

The Foster EP featuring Kyle Hutton and Radney Foster


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Family Ever After Birth

DePelchin Children’s Center blew out 125 birthday can for the Family Ever After birthday party. DePelchin celebrate Children’s Center with more than 550 guests. Yesterday was was sent to live at DePelchin during the Great Depression. Th family by adopting three boys from the foster care system. S shared his vision for Tomorrow — one where every single ch at age 18 years without a place to call home. With more t Gala Chairman Laura Bellows was t

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Gala Chairman: Laura Bellows Executive Committee: Pam Brasseux, Emily Crosswell, Flo McGee and Pam Lovett Underwriting Co-Chairs: Laurie Dorfman, Anne Duncan and Susan L. Padon Underwriting Committee: Sue Nan Cutsinger, Ginni Mithoff and Lisa Stone Honorees: Past Board Chairman of DePelchin Board of Directors


hday Party May 2, 2017

ndles at the Marriott Marquis on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, ed the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow stories of DePelchin s told by 90 year-old Kelmor (Connie) Wallace. Mrs. Wallace he Saldivar Family shared their Today story of building their Singer-songwriter and DePelchin foster parent Kyle Hutton hild in Texas finds their forever family and no child ages out than $1.2 million raised to support DePelchin’s services, thrilled with the evening’s success!

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Family Day a

DePelchin’s grand finale of its 125th anniversary celebration campus. Family Day at DePelchin, presented by H-E-B, was former residents and adoptees, current staff and community su fall festival activities, including a petting zoo, magician, photo b

The Texas Bowl also lent their support with a Football Fu Texas Bowl Gridiron Legends. In addition to a giant birthday ca current foster families and their years of dedicated service with and individuals with roots to DePelchin – whether they were for or they were adopted through DePelchin many years ago. In h all attendees were given a special tree planting p DePelchin family tree and the impo


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at DePelchin

ns took place on October 22, 2017, at DePelchin’s Memorial a celebration of family roots with past and present families, upporters. 600 children and families enjoyed a free afternoon of booth, carnival games and hot dogs from James Coney Island.

un Zone of inflatables and autograph signings from the ake, DePelchin brought back a historic tradition of honoring its a pinning ceremony. DePelchin also recognized all the families rmer foster families or they adopted the children in their home honor of these family roots and DePelchin’s 125th celebration, pouch to take home, symbolizing their roots to the ortance of family to our community.

Photographer: Sharri McGlauthing

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS

FAMILY DAY DONORS Presenting Sponsor

Football Zone

Family Zone

T-Shirt Underwriter

CARL & SHELINE LAMPART

Adoptive Parent Appreciation

Foster Care Pinning Ceremony

RAHUL MEHTA

CAL & HANNAH MCNAIR

Food & Beverage

Arts & Crafts

KIM & SCOTT DAVID

FAIRMOUNT SANTROL

Gift Bags

Magician

Petting Zoo

Birthday Cake

PAM & MURRAY BRASSEUX

FLO MCGEE

DEBBI JOHNSTONE & CARLOS HOLGUIN

PAM LOVETT

Inflatable Slide

Rockwall

DJ

Airbrush Tattoos

Popcorn

WILLIAM TURCOTTE

WARD FAMILY

AMERICAN PRODUCTIVITY QUALITY CENTER

THE JOHN C. BASS FAMILY

SUSIE & IGGY DISTEFANO

Family Sponsors

AMERICAN PRODUCTIVITY QUALITY CENTER • EMILY & DON BOLIN • NANCY I. COOK DEBRA & MARK GREGG • DEIDRE & JOHN REED • W. TEMPLE WEBBER III In-Kind Donors

Special Thanks to

TWINSTAR BAKERY

ERIN HOWELL • CHASE REES • KYLE HUTTON


DePelchin Children’s Center

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Houston, TX Permit No. 3601

4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007

DePelchin Children’s Center Honoree

Co-Chairs Janna and David Webber Mary and Temple Webber

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

In addition to recognizing the Texas Bowl’s commitment to DePelchin, Families for Kids will raise funds to help children find loving families and help strengthen the ties that bind. Attendees will also hear from Jimmy Wayne, award winning country music artist, bestselling author and child advocate. For table and ticket information, please contact us at 713-802-6292 or advancement@depelchin.org.

River Oaks Country Club

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. DePelchin Children’s Center believes that every child deserves to be safe and healthy. An accredited foster care and adoption agency, DePelchin serves the most vulnerable children and families in Texas and works to break the cycles of abuse and neglect. Our approach to caring for children integrates prevention, foster care, adoption and post-adoption programs to improve the mental health and physical well-being of children who are at risk of entering or are in the State’s child welfare system. Founded in 1892, DePelchin is a nonprofit organization with locations throughout Houston and across Texas and gratefully receives support from individuals, foundations, corporations, government grants and the United Way. Today is published by DePelchin Children’s Center. Copyright 2017 DePelchin Children’s Center. All rights reserved. Mary Kristen Valentine – Director, Marketing and Public Relations Analisa Warren – Writer, Photography

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