DePelchin Children’s Center
winter 2014
Leading the Charge: DePelchin’s New Medical Director Advances Vision for Children’s Mental Health Dr. Oscar Bukstein has an arch enemy: inertia. Even after more than 25 years as an academic, researcher and psychiatrist, he refuses to rest from his pursuit of knowledge, discovery and clinical advancement. Now, as the first medical director for DePelchin Children’s Center, Bukstein hopes to channel his energy and focus toward advancing DePelchin’s impact in the field of children’s mental health. and Clinic and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Matters of the Mind Even from Bukstein’s days as an undergraduate student, he seemed drawn to matters of the mind. He majored in philosophy at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and after graduation in 1976, he considered becoming a philosophy professor. Ultimately, though, he moved from his home state to Texas to pursue medical school. During his third year at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, he was introduced to the field of psychiatry, and since then, his interest in the study of the mind has never ceased.
Jenifer Jarriel, president and CEO of DePelchin, says Bukstein’s appointment as medical director is a key step toward expanding DePelchin’s role in the field of mental health. “The appointment of Dr. Bukstein as medical director strengthens our commitment to being a leading center for children’s mental health care,” she says. “His clinical background and operations expertise will provide the vision and leadership not only for our clinical services but also for our teaching and research initiatives. We are thrilled he has joined our organization.”
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ukstein comes to DePelchin with nearly three decades of clinical and research experience treating children’s mental health issues. Most recently, he served as professor of psychiatry and chief of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. He maintains an impressive academic record, having authored or co-authored more than 120 papers, chapters and books on mental health topics and having taught at all academic levels, including more than two decades at the Western Psychiatric Institute
In 1983, after finishing medical school and earning a master’s in public health from the University of Texas School of Public Health, Bukstein moved with his wife and two children to Pennsylvania, where he completed his post-graduate internship and combined residency and fellowship in general and child/ adolescent psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh’s Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Though he began as a trainee, Bukstein would ultimately rise through the ranks at the university, culminating in his becoming a professor and his repeated appointment as medical director for numerous clinical and research programs.
“It is an honor to serve as DePelchin’s first medical director.
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Bukstein likewise expresses enthusiasm about his joining DePelchin.
An Itch to Know More During his more than two decades at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Bukstein both conducted and contributed to research studies on a host of children’s mental health issues, from ADHD to substance use disorder to a range of disruptive behavior
“It is an honor to serve as DePelchin’s first medical director,” he says. “There is a tremendous need in our community for children’s mental health services, and I look forward to advancing DePelchin’s ability to meet that need now and in the future.”
inside 2 From the President 3 DePelchin Shines Bright at
Friday Night Lights
4 A New Welcome Center at DePelchin 4 Where Holiday Wishes Come True
continued on page 2
5 Our Sincere Appreciation 6 Making a Difference Every Step of the Way 7 What’s Happening at DePelchin 8 2014 Annual Luncheon:
Celebrating Houston Heroes
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From the President
I
t’s the start of a new year at DePelchin! We couldn’t be more excited to build on the success of 2013 as we kick off 2014 with new faces, new events and new initiatives. Helping us lead the way this year is our first-ever medical director, Dr. Oscar Bukstein, who will play an important role in expanding DePelchin’s mental health services. In November, we held our first annual Friday Night Lights event, Teaming up for Children’s Mental Health, raising more than $450,000 to support our efforts in this area. DePelchin will also host its annual luncheon on April 22 with an emphasis on helping the one in five children who will struggle with a mental health issue. Caring for children’s well-being continues to be our number one priority, and we were thrilled to celebrate a record number of adoptions through DePelchin and Caring Family Network, our affiliate partner. More than 175 children were welcomed into permanent loving families last year, and we will continue our adoption efforts in 2014 in addition to expanding the number of foster families who provide temporary care. As I reflect on 2013 and our goals for the new year, I realize that we would not be able to do good work without the support of our donors such as you. I want to thank you for your generosity during our annual Holiday Project, which enabled the Christmas wishes of more than 1,200 children to come true. I also want to thank community partners such as the Texas Bowl, who not only came out to DePelchin with the football players, cheerleaders and mascots to visit with our children this past December but also donated tickets so our families could enjoy the big game. Through your gifts of time and treasure, children’s lives are turned around every day. I hope you will enjoy reading how your support made an impact in 2013, and we look forward to another successful year in 2014! Sincerely,
Jenifer Jarriel President and CEO
Leading the Charge: DePelchin’s New Medical Director Advances Vision for Children’s Mental Health continued
disorders. Today, his passion for research continues. “I have always had an itch for knowledge,” he says. “I am always asking, ‘How can we further knowledge in a reasonable way? How can our research inform the efforts of others, particularly clinicians?’” Now, as medical director for DePelchin, Bukstein aspires to lead DePelchin toward even greater advances in mental health research and treatment. Forward-focused Bukstein believes one of DePelchin’s greatest strengths since its founding has been its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the community. He desires to maintain this forward focus. His vision for DePelchin over the next few years includes establishing specialty programs for the treatment of autism and trauma, fortifying existing mental health services to ensure they are evidence-based and
expanding DePelchin’s role as a leading center for training and research. Ultimately, he hopes to advance the integration of care among mental health and primary care providers. “A holistic approach to treatment is always best for children and their families,” he says. “Here at DePelchin, we have the unique ability to collaborate among our different programs to provide integrated care. But we would like to expand our integration efforts to working with primary care physicians throughout the community.” People First Beyond his vision for advancement, Bukstein brings to DePelchin another invaluable quality: a genuine concern for people. While he has only held the role of medical director for six months, he has already won the hearts of DePelchin’s staff and the families it serves. “Dr. Bukstein is the kind of person who can bring out the best in people,” says Peggy Roe, DePelchin’s senior vice president for advancement. “Along with his cheerful and friendly demeanor, he brings a sense of calm and optimism to everyone he meets.”
Jennifer Mills, DePelchin’s director of counseling services, echoes Roe’s observations. She recounts a recent time when Bukstein learned of a DePelchin staff member’s upcoming baby shower. “Dr. Bukstein not only offered his congratulations, he asked if he could join in celebrating the occasion,” she says. “This spoke volumes. It showed he cared.” A Legacy That Marches Onward While Bukstein has high hopes for his time as medical director, he recognizes that DePelchin’s mission and legacy will live well beyond his tenure at the organization. He believes his purpose—his charge—while at DePelchin is two-fold: invest in people and do his best to lead the organization into the future. “When I retire one day, I hope to look back on my legacy and say that I helped a great organization become even greater. My desire is that DePelchin—which is already known for its quality programs—will continue to advance and one day be recognized as the preeminent place for children’s mental health services.”
DePelchin Children’s Center Board of Directors Officers of the Board
Charles D. Powell, Chairman John C. Bass, Chairman-elect Pamela Lovett, Past Chairman Steve Cherek, Secretary
Board Members Efrain Bleiberg, M.D. Sean G. Boutros, M.D. Pam Brasseux 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 Henderson Debbi M. Johnstone Robbie Lowrey Connelly McGreevy
Hannah McNair Ginni Mithoff John Moody, Jr. Stewart Pisecco, Ph.D. Carolyn Pope Pat G. Powers Mary Eliza Shaper Lisa Stone Tim Surratt H. Richard Walton Janeana White-Lewis, M.D. Geraldina Interiano Wise Don M. Woo
Foundation and Trust for DePelchin Children’s Center Board Bob Paddock, Chairman Karey Dye Nancy Kinder Flo McGee Rahul Mehta John E. Stokes Charles Szalkowski Harper B. Trammell
DePelchin Psychiatric Services Board Albert C. Hergenroeder, M.D., Chairman Efrain Bleiberg, M.D. Matthew Brams, M.D. James S. Ezelle, Jr., M.D. Sanjay J. Mathew, M.D. Lindy Upton McGee, M.D.
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DePelchin Shines Bright at Friday Night Lights DePelchin scored a winning touchdown in November with the kick off of its inaugural fall fundraiser “Friday Night Lights: Teaming up for Children’s Mental Health.” Guests of the sold-out gala at Reliant Stadium enjoyed a night of highlights, including dinner, dancing with the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, football-themed games, a big-board auction and the ever-popular photo booth – all of which helped raise more than $450,000. Event Co-Chairs Abbi and Rob Antablin and Hannah and Cal McNair attributed the night’s success to the generous spirit of DePelchin supporters. “This event shows just how much people believe in what DePelchin is doing,” Hannah McNair said. “Friday Night Lights was a big win for DePelchin and for the children and families it supports through mental health services.”
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s DePelchin began to discuss the plans for renovation, Nancy Kinder came by to revisit the lobby, hear about the changes that were to be made and share her personal thoughts. She generously offered to underwrite the project with an initial gift of $250,000, and The Hamill Foundation generously made a matching gift.
DePelchin hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony in September for the new welcome center. Pictured from left: Charles H. Read, president and CEO of The Hamill Foundation; Jenifer Jarriel, DePelchin president and CEO; Tom Brown, vice president of The Hamill Foundation; Pam Lovett, chairman of DePelchin board of directors.
A New Welcome Center at DePelchin DePelchin’s main lobby was given a beautiful and well-designed renovation this past fall to benefit clients and their families, thanks to the outstanding support of the Kinder and Hamill Foundations.
Where Holiday Wishes Come True Each year, DePelchin’s Holiday Project gives supporters a special way to receive joy—giving joy to others! The 2013 Holiday Project was no exception. This past December, more than 1,200 children had their holiday wishes come true thanks to the collective generosity of the community, including contributions of more than $45,000 and the donation of time and talent by more than 165 volunteers. Once again, through the efforts of staff and volunteers, DePelchin was able to brighten the season for hundreds of deserving children and their families.
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ne DePelchin clinician, Alma Garcia, described the impact Holiday Project made in the life of a family who was sponsored:
“I have a family whose father had been laid off and was struggling. The parents had saved $12 for each child to buy each a gift. This is a strong, prideful family whom I almost had to beg to put on DePelchin’s sponsor list. These parents were brought to tears when they were able to provide not only gifts for their children on Christmas day, but with the money they had saved, were able to make Christmas dinner too. I have shed many tears of joy, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, and I wanted to thank them personally for the joy they gave to our families on Christmas day. Another parent we were also able to help said it best when she said, ‘One day I’ll be the sponsor who gives back to DePelchin, like they did for my family.’”
Gensler, the architecture firm, redesigned the space so that there are now waiting areas unique to each of DePelchin’s service types (for example, psychiatry, psychology and therapy). In addition, there is a staffed receptionist desk where visitors are greeted and directed to the proper waiting area. The architects also created a designated check-in/check-out area so that children and families can speak confidentially with DePelchin staff as needed. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held last September, drew many of DePelchin’s supporters, including special guest Tom Brown of The Hamill Foundation; Cath Boles, Pat Shuford, and Barbie Dexter of the Pi Beta Phi Foundation; Linda May of the Simmons Foundation and DePelchin’s board members and staff. Another special guest was recording artist Kyle Hutton, who was adopted through DePelchin. At the ceremony, the lobby was renamed the Hamill Foundation Welcome Center.
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Our Sincere Appreciation DePelchin would like to thank the following individuals, foundations, organizations and corporations for helping make the 2013 Holiday Project such a tremendous success: Wish List Sponsors
Individual Sponsors Lynde Adamcik Danny Aguirre Mary Alvarez Lori Alvarez Philip Alvarez Jenny Ames Theresa Anderson Crystal Anderson Kelly Arredondo Goldie Afshar Arriola Molly Atlas Susan and John Barnes Kelly Batten Evan Berlin Elizabeth Bernal Amanda Berry Maricarmen Bickham Abby Bixby Lisa Bludau Allen and Peggy Borchers Victoria Borchers Brian Boswell Zachary Brackin Tara Bradley Shelly Brown Jill Buczkowski Eileen Buesing Keri Burrows Christa Bynam Lori Casimiro Lea Cherek Laura Chiles Amy Christmas Christine Ciro Carolyn Clapham Ryann and Jennifer Clifford Emily Cometti Tasha Coney Mary Conner Veronique Cooper Danielle Craig Elexxa Davalos Vicki Davis Jeanne Davis Kasey de Jonckheere Aryn De Lisi Karen deVille Jessica Dirks Brenda Doan Melissa Doyle Wajih Effendi Lauren Enoch Truda Esslemont Nyree Faleski Heather Fife Jayne Finkowski Tori Foerste McKenzie Followwill Kay and Laura Forbes Janice Fortune Jennifer Foulds Jason Fowler Stephanie Fultz Lindsay Giesy Elizabeth Glassell Ken Goedeke Kurt Goeringer Suzanne Goins Marielena Gonzalez Rosie Granat Mark Gregg Anita Greive Tiffany Grimal Jennifer and Matthew Guzman Jennifer Hadayia Elizabeth Halle Rebecca Hannaford Karen Hardin Jana Hargrave Tameka Harvey Maggie Hatfield Liam Heinrich Laura Hester Jessica Hinojosa Michael Hobley Melodye Hodges Mandy Holland Wendi Holmes Lauren Hood Kimberly Hortman Casey Houghton Katherine Hughes
Robert Hutson Angela Ibarra Michelle Ingram Lynda Isensee Ryann Jarrard Jerry Jeanmard Vickie Jetelina Christina Johnson Crystal Johnston Crystal Jones Humera Kabani Stephen Kenney Kimberly Kidwell Eric and Dottie Kolb Gerald Konieczny Tracy Koumonduros Wade Krueger Julie Laha Paul Lampi Allison Leach Sandra Ledet Kim Lee Heather Lester Susan Lewandowski Christy Lewis Nancy Licerio Karen Lindley Margaret Long Elvis Loureiro Jason Luong Amy Maddux Lisa Marre Melanie Marsh Shini Mathew Careisse Mathews Rebecca McAnally Stacy McCarty David McCarver Conrad McCutcheon Lindy McGee Mary Lou McGehee Scott McNab Gabriela Melendez Mary Menchaca Shannon Mendoza Melissa Meyer Megan Miller Tim Miller Jesse Miller Guy Miller Norma Mills Rechal Monge David Monge Kendall Montgomery Lindsey Moore Nicole Mott Christina Nalder Celena Neely Anna Nellis Lynda Nielsen Connie Noble Lauren Norris Alexandra Ochoa Isabel Ortiz Blair Painter Candance Palazola Taru Patel Sarah Paul Tina Peterman Christina Pitkin Shelley Pleasant Lora Poe Kathryn Principe Katie Register Jay Register Jairo Restrepo Erika Richie Sally Ried John Roberts Monica Romo Leola Ross Donna Roth Roger Russell Ernestina Saavedra Shannon Saegert Gavin Sand Victoria Sandoval Lauren Schild Brenda Schkade Leanne Schneider Allie Schneider Kara Shaw Wendy Sicola Sharron Sims Karen Smiley Jaclyn Smith
Cauley Snoddy Tom Steffan Stacy Stevens Amanda Stevens Wendy Stewart Angela Stoddard April Stowers Drew Szilagyi Ritasha Taylor Lindy Tennet Gavan Tinsley Heather Tolleson Terri Trainor Carol Treble Lisa Tresin Linda Trevino Christi Trimble Erica Trivette Kelly Vasquez June Visser Katie Walker Aaron Walker Kimbe Watl Rebecca Weldon Dawn Wesneski Anna Weyand Shelley White Kenny White Alison Wilhite Kristi Williams Nirvana Willis Lisa Wilson Bill Wilson Judy Wittman Chareece Wyatt
Organization & Corporate Sponsors Amegy Bank ANC Homes Cardinal Health Champion Energy Services Chevron Children’s Creative Learning Center Cox Enterprises Inc. Cumulus Media Eden Murray Corporation EDF Trading Hagans Burdine Montgomery Rustay, P.C. Hallibuton HCA Healthcare In Memory of Jimma R. Shanks Johnson Radcliffe Petrov & Bobbitt, PLLC Kinder Morgan Kingsland Baptist Church Kiwi Energy NRG Energy Parkway Properties Quorum Business Solutions RectorSeal Shipley Snell Southwestern Bell SQM Energy St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Technetics Group Texas Capital Bank Weatherford Weyland-Johnson W-industries Inc. Holiday Project Contributors
Individual Contributors Lurita Adams Mollie J. Allen Ashlee Arter Ellen Baker Laws Julie and Christopher Barnes Annie Beck Martha Bell Lynne Bentsen Tish and Mark Bloom Kerry Bonner Jenifer and Gregory Bosl Mary Jane Boyd Zachary Brackin Karen Brady Marylyn Broussard Claudia Brown DonJuan Brown Ashley Bryant
Taylor and William Burba Jessica Calleo Pamela and Mark Carmain Letha and Terry Cope Darren Darilek Will Derrick Susan and Ignatius Distefano Ethel Dodge Karen and Bill Donovan Linda and Donald Dunham Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Durham Melyssa Evans Cynthia Fremaux Hilary Frisbie Pat and Simos Georgandis Vicki and Joe Guidry Katharina Gwosdz Jennifer and Sam Hansen Jean Ann and Robert Hardesty Janice Stooksberry and Jack Hardin Debbie Harp Jamie Hartz Janis Hatsfelt Rose Hernandez Karen and Paul Hesson Margaret Hughes Debbie and David Johnson Anna and Brent Johnston Coley and Douglas Jones Gary R. Karter Linda Keng Jennifer and Christopher Laporte Carolyn and David Light Klinka and John Lollar Stephanie and Gary Loveless Robbie and Jim Lowrey Jason Luong Katharine Luther Sylvie Martel Ann McCall Pat and James McGrew Hannah and Cal McNair Sarah and Andrew McNees Judge Michael T. McSpadden Michelle and Kenneth Mensio Ginni and Dick Mithoff Peggy Moore Genevieve Moran Belinda Munsell Marilyn Myers Elaine Opper and Miguel Bolio Cheryl Oxsheer Barbara and John Patton Sarah Paul Brandi and Don Paullo Diana Pecktal Anne and Paul Peebles Will Pendleton Nancy and Kenneth Perryman Elizabeth Presas Bobbie and Byron Ratliff Gail and Stan Rauhut Alicia and Shawn Raymond Nancy and Mark Reichek Becky and Joseph Rice Susan Rice Pat and Jim Rigamonti Suzanne Ron Mary Lou and Earl Rowland David Russell Verena San Miguel Lauren R. Schild Sue and Kenneth Smith Bethany Spurrier Carla and Danny St. Andrie John Stokes Lisa and David Stone Judy and Lamar Strickland Zhu Julia Mei and Laine Summers Laurie and Dennis Sump Denise Taliaferro David Tennant Karen and Mike Terrell Richard Trevino Teresa and Robert Trout Maggie and Micheal Turner James White Anna Wingfield
Michael Wiseman Jacqueline and Raymond Yee Ann Ziker
Organization & Corporate Contributors BHP Billiton Petroleum Bluebonnet Travelers Carlin Klein Interests Rusty Carlson & Associates Datum Equipment Company, Inc. Dauphin Sales, Inc. Egbert Family Foundation ExxonMobil Production SSHE Forgital USA, Inc. The Global Edge Houston Area Association of Neonatal Nursing Little J’s Bar National Kitchen & Bath Association Phillips Family Foundation Selene Finance LP Tilson Home Corp. Zephyr Investment Company, LLC Holiday Project In-kind Donors
Individual Donors Noelle and John Barr Melissa Baumgartner Emma Bloor Rodney Borden Benjamin Bosell Timothy Brantley Mary Anne and Michael Brelinsky Julie and Mike Brooks Eddie Campbell Mark Carlock Margaret Carrizales Josh Chaffin Marcia Chamma Carolyn Claplam Lienna and Ray Dickens Tiffany Edwards Dwayne Ellis Lunetta Erwin Laura Farcas Austin Fontenot Alaster Gaines Lara Gaines Natavia Gamble Patricia Garcia Angela Geeslin Tiffany and Brian Grimal Hannah Hay Arthur Higgins Christie Higgins Daniel Hurd Brenda Jones Michael Juenke Rene Kaled Sarah Lindstrom Robert Mahood Dinah and John H. McClymonds Dharmesh Mehta Karen Minich Ann and Richard Mize Karen and Robert Moore Mica Mosbacher Jeff Murrah Debbie Pakzaban Mugnier Philippe John and Peggy Rathmell Nancy and Mark Reichek Daniel Rodriguez Leola and Gerald Ross Jennifer Rosthal Russell Schneider Alejandro Soto John Stonitsch Kathy and Martin Stroman Wenzhong Tang Evans Tapia Evette Toney Allison Vazquez Zhu Wang David Wartell Jason Weaver
Jillian Williams LaTonya Williams Dorothea Zannella
Organization & Corporate Donors 1960 Family Practice Autimis Bayou Park Apartments Blue 242 Tailgaters Blue Bell Creameries Brisacash Doctor’s Weight Control Center Donna’s Party Angels Drive Up Self Storage Educall Learning Services Epiphany Lutheran Church Episcopal Church, Women of St. Martin’s Evolve Fitness Studio Express Energy Services ExxonMobil Production SSHE Family of Love International Christian Center Girl Scout Troop 21145 The Global Edge Golf Club of Houston Groseros Motorcycle Club Cynthia A. Guillory Foundation HOPE Church - Pearland Houston Area Association of Neonatal Nursing Houston Heights Woman’s Club IAGC Integrity Bank International Paint LLC J.A.M Distributing Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 1 Little J’s Bar Medical Center Neonatal Associates, P.A. National Kitchen & Bath Association Petro Log International Inc. Phillips 66 Pima Medical Institute Rare Elegance Real Estate Rat Pack Rectorseal Corporation Reynolds & Reynolds Rice Military Civic Club Small Ventures USA Southwest Obstertics / Gynecology Associates, L.L.P St. Ambrose Catholic ChurchNorthwest Deanery St. Mark’s United Methodist Church St. Mary Catholic School The Upper Hand Salon at Royal Oaks Tilson Home Corp. Walgreens Drug Stores Wells Design/ Jerry Jeanmard, Inc. Wells Fargo Bank River Oaks Branch Willowridge Christian Academy Women on a Mission to Earn Commission HOLIDAY PROJECT VOLUNTEERS
Individual Volunteers Julie Axelrad Peter Baham Susan Barnes Donna Barnes Jeff Barr Cathy Barrnett Ellen Bass Denise Bertness Pam Bikun Jen Bosl continued on page 6
We have done our best to list the names of all who participated in the 2013 Holiday Project. To notify us of any inaccuracies or omissions, please contact Peggy Roe at proe@depelchin.org or 713-802-6292.
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Making a Difference Every Step of the Way For the fourth year in a row, DePelchin affiliate Caring Family Network (CFN) has been invited to participate in the Austin Marathon as one of 24 charities sponsored by Austin Gives Miles, a nonprofit associated with the race.
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his year, three CFN staff members are participating in the event, with one running the half marathon and two running 5Ks. CFN will also sponsor the first water stop, where 50 volunteers will serve water and Gatorade to runners as well as share about CFN’s services. If you would like to support CFN’s running team, you can make a quick and easy donation at http://www.active.com/donate/ teamcfn2014. If you would like to volunteer at the water stop at the Austin Marathon in February, please email Patty Grose at pgrose@depelchin.org. Your help makes a difference.
our sincere appreciation continued
Kerry Bost Don Juan Brown Roland Carrington Dee Casserly Kristin Chenoweth Lea Cherek Catherine Codispoti Janet Cravens Katie Daggett Madi Diaz
Marilyn Edwards Jocobi Ford Joshua Gautreau Amy Gerdeman Grant Hood Kandise Jackson Janice Johnson Ryann Jarrard Kimilia Jones James Laning Kim Lemex Ricky Lewis Sara Litton
Elizabeth Lucas Stephanie Magers Allison Martenak Ann McCall & Sorority Friends Dinah McClymonds Lindy McGee Carlos Mendizabal Chunky Mirchandon Robert Morrison Colleen Naff Christine Nguyen Robert Nunmaker
ROOMS TO GO for your generous support of DePelchin
Rita Pandya Catherine Pierce Kathryn Principe Claudia Ramos Leola Ross Sumita Sheth Wendy Sicola Bennett Siwinski Susan Snider Brady Snook Laura Stalinsky Angie Stoddard Julia Taliaferro
Brandon Triggs Christina Triggs Renee Triggs Jeannie Turley Jen Waldner Gemma Williams Mitra Woody Jamie Wright
Organization & Corporate Volunteers AIG Amegy Bank
Bain & Co. Beta Sigma Phi Chevron ExxonMobil Friends of DePelchin Junior League of Houston KelseyCare Advantage Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Kezia’s Kids Board New Hope Church Shell Sieman’s Texas Children’s Hospital
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What’s Happening at DePelchin
Texas Bowl Scores Big for DePelchin Everybody loves a great bowl game, and it’s even better when the game benefits the children and families at DePelchin. On December 27, the 2013 Texas Bowl lived up to expectations, with the Syracuse Orange edging out the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 21-17, in the final minutes of play. Thanks to donated tickets from the Texas Bowl, DePelchin kids and families got to experience all of the action up close.
directly support programs for mental health, foster care and adoption.
Other bowl highlights included ExxonMobil’s presentation of $10,000 to DePelchin to
In addition to ExxonMobil’s generous contribution, DePelchin is grateful for the
The day before the bowl, the players, cheerleaders and mascots of both teams visited DePelchin’s main campus to meet children and their families, sign autographs and take photographs. Guests enjoyed lemonade and cookies as well as fun activities with Twilight the Clown.
longstanding support of the Texas Bowl, which has donated more than $600,000 to DePelchin over its seven-year history as the charitable beneficiary of the game. Additionally, the Texas Bowl has generated more than $10 million in promotional support and publicity for DePelchin. “Thanks to the generosity of ExxonMobil and to the Texas Bowl, DePelchin will continue to turn lives around in Houston and throughout the state of Texas,” said Jenifer Jarriel, president and CEO of DePelchin.
ArtBridge Helps Children Share, Cooperate and Gain Confidence Children at DePelchin’s Richmond Residential Treatment Center are learning valuable personal and interpersonal skills thanks to ArtBridge, a nonprofit arts education program. Funded by a grant from the Alcoa Foundation, the therapeutic art program, originally created for homeless children, gives children at DePelchin a creative outlet for expression as well as a vehicle for them to share, cooperate and gain confidence. Now in its second year at DePelchin, the program has proved very successful at helping children relax during what can otherwise be a stressful time in their lives. After a recent round-robin exercise, where each child worked on a piece of art and then passed it to the next child, program facilitator Lori Cassady noted the program’s positive effect. “Several of the kids were so pleased by how they worked together that they wanted all of their paintings hung up to remind them of how great it is to help each other.”
Comerica Contest Spotlights Gratitude DePelchin children and families were given the opportunity this past November to participate in a Thanksgiving Art Contest sponsored by Comerica Bank. A reception was held at the Junior League to honor the 12 finalists, with each receiving $500 savings accounts and the four grand prize winners receiving an additional $500 each. It was clear that the children and families felt they had received so much more through this experience than just the opportunity to win a prize, as many said the event was the highlight of their holiday season. For the children who participated in the contest, expressing what they were thankful for through their art prompted the opportunity for them and their families to come together to celebrate what matters most. DePelchin would like to thank its past chairman of the board Pam Lovett, Brook Borovsky of the Bayou Bend office and J. Downy Bridgwater and his staff for organizing and supporting the contest, the awards and the reception. It was a wonderful way start to the holiday season.
DePelchin Children’s Center
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Houston, TX Permit No. 3601
4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007
2014 Annual Luncheon: Celebrating Houston Heroes Calling all Houston Heroes! Join DePelchin Children’s Center for our annual luncheon which will celebrate a very special Houston Hero and champion of children’s health issues, Nancy Gordon. This year the luncheon will take place on April 22, 2014, at River Oaks Country Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event will raise funds and awareness for DePelchin’s high-quality mental health services available to all children in our community and feature speaker Peter S. Jensen, M.D., president and CEO of the REACH Institute. For ticket information, please visit www.depelchin.org/luncheon or contact Julia Taliaferro at jtaliaferro@depelchin.org or 713-802-7645.
Leave a Legacy Jane and Charles Szalkowski, long-time supporters of DePelchin, have incorporated the organization 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 Mari Bosker at 713-802-7648 or mbosker@depelchin.org 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. 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 2014 DePelchin Children’s Center. All rights reserved. Peggy Roe – Senior Vice President, Advancement Mary Kristen Valentine – Director, Marketing and Public Relations Joshua Di Napoli – Writer, Photography
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