Today Spring 2011 by DePelchin Children's Center

Today SPRING 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 Call to Love: The Borden Family’s Story Priscilla was four days old and weighed just over five pounds when Child Protective Services dropped her off at the home of Robert and Jessica Borden. The newborn was in desperate need of nurturing care—something her cocaine-addicted mother was unable to provide. Robert and Jessica, foster parents for DePelchin Children’s Center, knew they could give Priscilla the love and attention she deserved. As they each held her for the first time, they experienced the flood of emotions felt by many new parents.

“I

felt excited and nervous at the same time,” Jessica recalls. “She was a beautiful little girl, but was so tiny I worried she might slip through my arms if I wasn’t careful.” Priscilla’s arrival at her new home was not the first time the Bordens had experienced the thrill of becoming parents. Just five months earlier, they had agreed to their first foster placement, welcoming into their home a four-day-old baby boy whose mother had been incarcerated. With the addition of little Priscilla to their family, the Bordens had a full house—and lots of love to give. Robert and Jessica’s motive for becoming foster parents was simple: they wanted to build a family. When they were unable to have children of their own, they began searching for other options. After discovering DePelchin’s adoption

and foster care services online, they attended an informational orientation. Robert says he and Jessica were surprised to learn so many children needed foster parents. “There are tons of kids—including babies—who need a place to go,” Robert says. “If you want to foster infants, the opportunity is there.” In the Houston area alone, there is a great need for parents willing to foster infants. Of the 5,000 children currently in protective custody in the Houston area, more than 1,200 are under the age of two, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The Bordens keenly understood the plight and suffering of infants who come from abusive situations. They witnessed it firsthand with Priscilla. A week after she entered their care, Priscilla broke out in a high fever and had to be rushed to the hospital. Doctors said she was experiencing cocaine withdrawal and diagnosed her with a range of medical issues, including a bacterial blood infection, urinary tract infection, acid and renal reflux and asthma. Thankfully, under the watchful care of Robert and Jessica, Priscilla quickly recovered and today is a healthy, active two-year-old girl. While the Bordens admit that fostering has had its challenges, they say the experience has brought even greater rewards. One of the most significant has been watching little Priscilla grow up. They chuckle as they recall one momentous

inside 2 From the Board Chairman 3 Getting to Know The Simmons Foundation 4 Holiday Reception Toasts DePelchin Giving Societies 4 Holiday Project

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There are tons of kids— including babies—who need a place to go. If you want to foster infants, the opportunity is there. continued on page 2

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5 Our Sincere Appreciation 6 Our Children Need Friends 6 Changing of the Guard 7 What’s Happening at DePelchin 8 Strike Up the Band: DePelchin’s Annual Luncheon 8 Leaving a Legacy

Today

| Spring 2011

From the BOard Chairman

n 1892, a kind-hearted woman named Kezia Payne DePelchin took in three abandoned children who were too young to be accepted at a local orphanage. She quickly discovered more children in need and within a year had established the “DePelchin Faith Home,” remarking “I’m entirely dependent on my faith in God and the good people of Houston to support it.”

and donors. She believed strongly that the “good people of Houston” could not turn children away and would support her cause vigorously. Her steadfast faith in the Houston community is why DePelchin has been able to multiply its services throughout the years.

Over the years, DePelchin Children’s Center—as it is known today—has evolved to meet the needs of Houston’s children. What began as a small orphanage in 1892 has grown into Houston’s largest provider of children’s mental health, prevention and early intervention, and foster care and adoption services.

I look forward to an exciting year in 2011 as DePelchin continues to expand its mental health services and look for better ways of meeting the needs of its smallest but most important community members, its children. Thank you for all your support and encouragement.

Last year, DePelchin served more than 20,000 children and families through a variety of programs including counseling, psychiatry, residential treatment, programs for at-risk youths, parent education, foster care and adoption. I am sure Kezia would be amazed at how her small act of kindness 100 years ago has multiplied many times over to improve the lives of so many children and families in our community.

Sincere best wishes,

Debbi M. Johnstone Chairman, Board of Directors

Kezia’s benevolent spirit and dedication to children lives on through DePelchin’s incredible staff, committed board and generous volunteers

continued from page 1

occasion—Priscilla’s first steps. The event happened while the family was at a junior high football game where Robert was coaching.

“That was one of the best days of my life, knowing that she couldn’t go anywhere else,” Robert says. “She was ours.”

“Before I even knew what was happening, Priscilla stood to her feet and shot off toward the sideline,” Jessica says. “I was ecstatic.”

The Bordens are currently fostering another baby boy with the hopes of adopting him one day. They know there is a chance he may be reunited with his family, which is what they experienced with the first infant they fostered. While it is hard knowing their relationship with a foster child may not last forever, Robert says he and Jessica desire only what is best for the child. As foster parents, he believes their job is to love. He advises other prospective foster parents to do the same: “Love the kids like they’re yours. Don’t worry about the other stuff.”

Priscilla’s independent spirit is witnessed at the Bordens’ home each morning as well. Her parents say she refuses to let them carry her to the car. She has to walk by herself. Two months ago, just four days before Christmas, Robert and Jessica got the opportunity to do what they had always wanted. They adopted Priscilla.

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 Ellie Sweeney Rich Walton Janeana White-Lewis, M.D.

Foundation and Trust for DePelchin Children’s Center Board of Directors

Our Vision We envision a world in which every child is safe and healthy.

Jesse H. Jones Ii, Chairman Susan L. Lawhon Rahul Mehta Bob Paddock Harper B. Trammell John Stokes Charles Szalkowski

Our Mission

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.

We strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.

DePelchin Children’s Center

Getting to Know The Simmons Foundation From the start, The Simmons Foundation has been dedicated to a simple, yet powerful, mission: investing in the community so lives can be improved by helping people help themselves. Founded in Texas in 1993, The Simmons Foundation supports organizations that help people with limited resources overcome challenges so they are able to lead healthy, productive, fulfilling and responsible lives. Since its inception, The Simmons Foundation has funded or committed more than $20 million in grants, predominantly in Harris and surrounding counties.

he Foundation was established by the granddaughter of Ola and L.B. Simmons as a tribute to her grandparents’ lifelong tradition of contributing toward the betterment of any community in which they lived. Today, the Foundation—which primarily funds in the areas of education, health and human services—continually seeks to address the community’s most pressing needs. “We try to be on the cutting edge of things that are going on in the community so that we can be not only responsive, but also pro-active,” says Linda May, Executive Director at The Simmons Foundation. “We are not particularly timid about investing in areas where others may have reservations.”

The Simmons Foundation has a long history with DePelchin, believing firmly in the organization’s mission to strengthen the lives of children and their families. Most recently the Foundation awarded DePelchin a $20,000 grant to support the Transitional Living Program, which offers homeless teen parents and young adults the opportunity to become financially and physically independent while creating a healthy environment for their children. “The idea of helping vulnerable young women get back on their feet and take care of their children and themselves resonates strongly with Simmons,” May says. “Places like DePelchin are necessary not only for these women just to survive, but to become independent and productive members of the community so the cycle will not repeat itself.” The Simmons Foundation partners with numerous organizations such as DePelchin that seek to help all members of our community thrive and lead healthy, meaningful lives. Learn more about The Simmons Foundation and their mission at www.thesimmonsfoundation.org.

Today

| Spring 2011

Holiday Reception Toasts DePelchin Giving Societies

embers of the Kezia DePelchin Society (KDS) and Friends of DePelchin launched the holidays at a private event held at Houston’s Gremillion Gallery on December 2. The evening reception, which included cocktails and light hors d’œuvres, provided DePelchin’s leadership a chance to thank members of KDS and Friends for their generous contributions of time and treasure this past year. Attendees spent the evening meeting and mingling with other giving society members as well as admiring the Gremillion’s exquisite art collection.  Curtis C. Mooney, Ph.D., President and CEO of DePelchin; Efrain Bleiberg, M.D.  Ashley Powell; Wynne McMahon; Jonathan Blue

 Helen and Terry Gebert; Alice Mao, M.D., and Matthew Brams, M.D.

 David Valentine; Robert Hartman, Executive Vice President and COO of DePelchin

 Ashley Powell; Betsy Powell; Curtis C. Mooney, Ph.D., President andgifts CEOforofchildren. DePelchin;  Holiday Project volunteers wrap Wynne McMahon

Holiday Project

ePelchin’s Holiday Project soared to new heights in 2010, thanks to the overwhelming support of the Houston community. For the first time in Holiday Project history, every child in the program had his or her holiday wish lists fulfilled; nearly 1,300 children received gifts. Additionally, more than $55,000 was generously contributed towards the purchase of gifts, a 62 percent increase over last year. The Holiday Project, which was held in DePelchin’s Donation Station this year, also benefited from the help of more than 250 volunteers who donated their time to sort and wrap gifts as well as spruce up the Donation Station. “Our volunteers not only staffed the effort this year, they led the effort,” says Mari Bosker, DePelchin’s director of major gifts, who helped coordinate the Holiday Project. “They were invaluable to the Holiday Project’s success.”

 Stephen Carter, BP Team Leader; Mari Bosker, Director of Major Gifts; Jillian Rogders, Holiday Project Coordinator; Mark Bouzek, BP Team Leader; Deb Parks, Holiday Project Chair

The 2010 Holiday Project also owes its success to the generosity of BP America, Inc., which spearheaded efforts to develop a new website for the Holiday Project. Partnering with Microsoft and The Fifth Business, an international communications firm, BP created a website for the Holiday Project that streamlined the gift-listing and gift-giving process. The site allowed visitors to view holiday wish lists and select a specific child(ren) to sponsor, make a cash donation or sign up to volunteer. Along with helping donors and sponsors feel more personally connected to the Project, the new website greatly enhanced the efficiency of Holiday Project operations. In addition to the website, BP also donated computer equipment that aided staff in the gift check-in process. DePelchin would like to express special thanks to Mark Bouzek, chief information officer at BP, and Deb Parks, Holiday Project chair, for the time and effort they gave to help DePelchin brighten the holidays for hundreds of children in our community.

DePelchin Children’s Center

Our Sincere Appreciation DePelchin would like to thank the following individuals, foundations, organizations and corporations for helping make the 2010 Holiday Project such a tremendous success: WISH LIST SPONSORS

Individual Sponsors Angelle Adams Elisha Aguirre Christina Almy Ashley Anthony Kelly Apple Sonia Aranda Molly Atlas Laura Aya Richard Baker Kurt Barclay Denise Barnes Bevin Barrett Michelle Bearb Jennifer Bell Carol Benoit Sarah Bible Emma Bloor Carolyn Boardman Billie Jo Bonin Bontemps Family Allen and Peggy Borchers Victoria Borchers Heather Bourque Mark Bouzek and Deb Parks Lynda Boydstun-Nielsen Rebecca Bridges Britney Brown Christy Brown Heather Brown Kelly Brown Taylor Burba Debra Burke Semmes Burns Selby Bush Andrea Cantu Stacey Carter Steven Carter Lynette Celgelski Courtney Cernosek Suzanne Chambers Steve Cherek Candace Clark Carol Clayton Stacie Cokinos Crystal Colbert Catherine Collins Gloria Collins Moni Collins Kathryn Conrad Betty Cooke Christen and Daniel Costin Rebecca Dalby Tina Dalton Rhea Davis Shalonda Dawkins John and Kristy De Meritt Mandy Derryberry Brenda Doan Mike Duffy Jennifer Dugan Wajih Effendi Margie Ehlers Sara Engdahl Patty Eskew Truda Esslemont Toby Everett Jonna Flores Jeannie Fnn Justin Fojtik Katinka Frazier Mark Frazier Laura Freeman Cheryl French Aimee Friend Stephanie Fultz Jamie Gaither Joanna Galindo Esmeralda Garcia Nancy Garrison Patricia Georgandis Tricia Georgiou Ken Goedeke Debbie Greco Rocio Guerra Robert Guinn Ginger Hanks Jean Ann Hardesty Lauren Hardesty Brittany Hardin Karen Hardin Sarah Harper Angie Harris Allison Hartley Emma Hedley Erin Heflin Jenny and Jerry Heinold Renee Helfman Mollie Hellige Xiomara Hernandez Hannah Herrera Cristi Hicks Roy Hidlebaugh Angie Hill Michelle Hinojosa Jarimie Holdgraf Julie Hoopes Anne Hoppe Megan Hotze Haley Howard Joel Howard Shannon Hurley Robert Hutson Angela Ibarra Elsa Jauregui Jerry Jeanmard Jan Jennings

Vickie Jetelina Stacie Johnson Christina Johnson Brent Johnston Tracy Jones Crystal Jones Carolyn Judd Joanna Kaftan Sandra Kimmey Andrea Knight Shalam Kolle Hyun-Ji Kong Laura Kopec Martina Lacayo Patrick Lancton Angela LeDoux Marc Lee William Looser Joseph Maddux Kerry Magariel John Maio Kasey Marsh Stefanie Marsh Marty and Daisy Martinez Cara Matocha Jennifer McClure Piper McGarry Teresa McMillan Amanda Mefford Jen Meklenburg Marlena Merkt Shauna Meyer Kelly Meyers Sharon Migl Harry Miller Tim Miller Norma Mills Amy Mize Elizabeth Mize Meleesa Mocek Kelly and Justin Mock Michelle Moore Niki Moore Genevieve Moran Monica Moreno Laura Mortensen Nicole Mott David Munn Melody Murta Robin Myers Vi Nguyen Marcie O’Malley Georgia Grace Osteen Kerry Packard Eva Paek Toisha Parker Taru Patel Anne Peebles Paige Peebles Blair Pentecost Jackie Phillips Jana Poole Rhiana Potase Karen Prunes Julie Purkey Mary Rabb Angela Ramos Laura Ramos Rebecca Ramos Rita Reaves Maggie Reeves Melisse Reynolds Melissa Rhodes Anita Rider Diane Riley Leola Ross Joan Rowland Edward Salazar Tara Scoggins Carole Serjeant Connie Shourd Megan Shroyer Alan Simms Sharron Sims Donna Smahlik Karen Smiley Trey Smith Paul Snow Amy Sommer Robert SoRelle Ester Soria Erica Spencer Virginia Stautinger Amanda Stevens Stacy Stevens Wendi Stewart Wendy Stewart April Stowers Judy Strickland Selina Su Judy Temple Kasey Thompson Linda Tompkins Ellen Tubman Ryan Tucker Kathryn Turner Stephanie Turner Christine Vezinot Susan Viereck Susana Wallin Roger Walters Linda Warner Marcella Watkins Rich and Jenn Watson Dawn Wesneski Oneeka West Kacey White Kenny White

Alison Wilhite Darren Williams Kristi Williams Crystal Williams Pamela Wilson Shannon Witz Dominique Yusim Christina Zelaya Leslie Zizinia

Darren Darilek Diane and Seymour Dear Manuel Del Rio Melody Dennard Ray Dickens Edda Dickey Dianna Diehl Susan and Robert Dotson Jean and Craig Driear James Dyess Elizabeth and Edwin Edwards Kim Elston Robert C. Evans Donna and Richard Fitzpatrick McKenzie Followwill Beatrice and Jesse Fowler Lanham Frazier Tursha Gaddy Vicki and Dennis Gay Debbie and Kyle Gibson Debra and Steve Gilbreath Drew Gillen Kendra and Daniel Glaser Lisa and John Goga Dale Gorczynski Glenda and Russell Gordy Shana and Shaun Gordy Sally and Glenn Goss Elizabeth and Timothy Gould Rena Graves Graciela and John Greer Victoria and Royston Guidry Merilyn and Layton Guinn Marva and Kenny Gurrola Connie and Jim Haddox Albert Haertlein Mary Scott Hagle Floyd Hanks Janice and Jack Hardin Janis Hatsfelt Karen Hattenberger Susan Hedman Jenny and Jerry Heinold Stephen Hernandez Juan Hinestroza Pam and Gordon Humphries Sherilyn Hunter Tracey Jackson Emma Jacobs Huw James James Jarosh Eleanor and Kenneth Jicha Marianna and Andrew Johnson Coley and Douglas Jones Helen and Lawrence Kaiser The Edward Kaltenbacher Family Lee and Kenneth Kaufman Kathleen and Frank Kern Melynda and Terryl Kibodeaux Steven Kirkland and Mark Parthie Deborah and Michael Kline Annette and Eric Kocian Glenda and Michael Krall Michelle Labrie Susan and Bill Lavine Bryan Lethcoe Peggy and Kenneth Lindow Carolyn Long Patricia Martinez Cynthia Matthews Mark Mauser Alanna and Warren McCall Christoph McCarty Patricia and James McGrew Kelly McGuire Melissa McKirahan Armaiti and Aspy Mehta Dharmesh Mehta Michelle and Kenneth Mensio Sandra and Carl Michael Pasha Morshedi Karen and Albert Munsinger Marilyn Myers Pandu Narayanasamy Mr. and Mrs. Zakaria Nessim Kyle Nichols Stacy Nichols Patricia Norwood Rachael Nyaumwe Josephine and Paul Ochoa Marge O’Connor Diane and Gregory Osterholt Mr. and Mrs. Russell W. Otter Mr. and Mrs. Conrad T. Perry Jennifer Prejean Erlene and Don Pry Renee and Roger Rather Gail and Stan Rauhut Erin Reininger Becky and Joseph Rice Susan Rice Nancy and Allen Roberts Guadalupe and Daniel Rodriguez Estela Romero Jose Romero Janie and John Rogers Mary and Earl Rowland Michelle Ruch Jenny and John Russell Katherine and Neil Ryan Monica Savino and Mark Kusey Randy and Michael Schell David Seeburger Terry Shearer Michele and Allan Short

Foundation, Organization & Corporate Sponsors A-mazing Chem-Dry Amegy Bank-Deposit and Loan Services ATSI Awty International School Cardinal Health Chevron Christian, Smith & Jewell, LLP ConocoPhillips Cox Media Group-Houston EDF Trading ExxonMobil Global Services – Procurement Famcor Oil Inc. Fifth Business GE Girl Scout Troop 21145 Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Troop 28271 Girl Scouts San Jacinto Council Troop 16431 Grace School Harris County CSD Planning and Development Section HOPE Church – Pearland IHS Intermat JDC First Recovery, LLC Johnson Radcliffe Petrov & Bobbitt PLLC Junior Girl Scout Troup # 18312 Kanaly Trust Company Kingsland Baptist Church Manpower International Memorial Urology Associates Microsoft NeXstep Beverages Parkway Realty Services Plastomer Technologies Pride International Quanta Services Quorum Business Solutions Randalls RBC Real Estate Markets Rectorseal Rice University – Electrical & Computer Engineering Richards/Carlberg Ad Agency SG Interests Shell Lubricants Small Ventures USA South Texas College of LawLegal Clinic Spark Energy St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Stryve Advisors University of Texas at Houston Dental Branch Varnett School-Northeast Campus Weatherford International West Lake Child Development Center Willing Workers Baptist Church – WOW Ministry The Woman’s Hospital of Texas

HOLIDAY PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS

Individual Contributors Babak Afshar Audrey Allen Chris Alvarado Ingrid Anderson Susan and Donald Anderson Gary Bailey Andrew Baker Joseph and Patricia Barber Vikki and Bruce Barbre Kelly Beckham Carol Bennett Lynne Best Jon Bibby Ann and John Blankinship Mark Bouzek and Deb Parks Karen Brady Inge Britton Ardeth K. Brodie Mike Brooks Kelly Brown Hendrika and Wilhelmus Burgers Mary Jo Capelli Juan Castro Marcia Chamma Charlene Chase Mary Chavanne-Martin Jim Cherry Mary Christ Judith Christopherson Daniel Clark Deanna W. Comingore Letha and Terry Cope Andrew and Bob Crawmer Brenda Crockett

Albert Shultz Walter Sickels Helene and Sudarshan Singh Carol and Alan Smith Bonita and Victor Smith Sue and Thomas Speck Toni and Joel Speights Carolyn and Mark Spencer Carla and Danny St. Andrie Trina and John Stanfield Tara Stevenson Hugh Stewart Julia Trainer Carol and John Treble Traci Trotti Ryan Tucker Pam Turbeville Judith and Bruce Tyler Joyce and Donald Victory Beverly and James Volker David Vollmer Karen Vollmering Jeannette Wagner Linda and David Walker Beth and Ben Watson Amaris and Casey Wendelburg Whitney Whitmire Wendy and Will Wilkinson Katherine and Ronald Wilson Sundeep Yalamachi Sharolyn Yates Brianne Yeary Jacqueline and Raymond Yee Zarina Zeynalova Foundation, Organization & Corporate Contributors Administaff Services, L.P. BP America Inc. BP Fabric of America Fund Bungalow Fitness Cheerful Clown Alley Chevron Humankind Program Chick-fil-A ConocoPhilips Crosby Brethren Christian Sisters Cub Scout Pack 1138 Cyerberonics, Inc. Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services Dominion Christian Center Edminster, Hinshaw, Russ and Associates ExxonMobil – Global Services Company ExxonMobil – Global Services Procurement ExxonMobil Upstream Women’s Interest Network Garden Oaks Baptist Church Gurrola Printing Harris County Appraisal District High School for Law Enforcement Houston Brethren Church Houston Christian High School The Inani School International Association of Geophysical Contractors Katy Budget Books KBR Kinder Foundation Klein Collins High School Lipnick Foundation Lone Star ANG Madison High School The Monarch School Montesorri House for Children Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Pipecreek Exploration, Inc. Region 4 Education Service Center Rice Military Civic Club Smiles for Kids South Main Baptist Church Fellowship Sunday School Class We Believe Christian Center

HOLIDAY PROJECT VOLUNTEERS

Catherine Codispoti Gloria Collins Cindy Cooke Rhea David Esmeralda DeLaGarde Sana Effendi Wajih Effendi Erin Estes Papar Faircloth Steve Fortune Noeleen Friedman Jamie Gaither Travis Gaither Tricia Georgiou Margaret Goode Rade Gregovic Rocio Guerra Marva Gurrola Stephanie Gusmeri Jana Hargrave Trish Hayes Mignon Heizer Caitlin Helfman Staci Hemmenway Andres Hernandez Courtney Hoffman Megan Hotze Amy Howell Janet James Sunil John Linda Annette Kelly Victoria Kreminskaia Tammy Lee Vivian Levitt Ericka Mabrie John Maio Carmen Martinez Cindy McCauley Patricia McGrew Kelly Mock Danielle Mundine Julie Nelson Reid Nelson Deb Parks Nicole Piper Karen Radjenovich Suzie Rand Gail Rauhut Rita Reaves Tiffanie Reina Diane Riley Wendy Rivera Adriana Rosenbaum Joan Rowland Mary Catherine Sears Connie Shourd Marilyn Simms Ebrin Stanley Wendi Stewart Megan Taylor Carol Thompson Kristin Tonnessen Katy Turner Louise Turner Kevin Wiersema Angela Wilkins Stacy Wilson Wendy Wiseman Tiffany Worley Melissa Yarbrough Leslie Zizini Organization & Corporate Awty International School BCM BP Chevron Convergent Solutions DARS ExxonMobil Haut Chocolat HEB Klein Oak Interconnection Club M.A.D.E. National Society of Collegiate Scholars Realty Pros of Texas Sam Rayburn High School National Honor Society SG Interests Shell SunAmerica Financial Group

Individuals Cindy Babbitt Diana Barciaga Dana Bell Helen Berry Malcolm Berry Kara Borgmeyer Patti Borne Mark Bouzek Colleen Bray Mike Bray Rachel Bray Sarah Brooks Kim Burns Nancy Cantu Linda Cao Christina Carillo Steven Carter John Chambers Chris Chance Debbie Chance Atilana Chavez Harry Chen Lorene Cobb Megan Cockrill

DePelchin makes every effort to record correctly all donations received. We apologize for any errors and ask that contributors contact us at 713-802-6292 or advancement@depelchin.org so that we may make the appropriate corrections.

Today

| Spring 2011

Our Children Need Friends  Ashley Powell; Rhea Davis; Aisha Dickerson; Julia Stribling; Wynne McMahon; Jonathan Blue; Anne Hoppe

Friends of DePelchin is a group of young professionals committed to supporting DePelchin’s mission through community awareness, philanthropy and volunteerism. The funds raised by Friends of DePelchin through membership and events directly support the core programs and services of DePelchin Children’s Center. Additionally, this group organizes networking opportunities, an annual fundraiser and two service projects.

embers have the satisfaction of supporting one of Houston’s most wellestablished charitable organizations and knowing their time and effort truly affect the lives of at-risk children and families. Friends

of DePelchin currently has more than 75 members who helped raise nearly $8,000 in 2010. In 2011, the Friends group is planning networking opportunities through a Happy Hour gathering at Barcadia on March 22 (free for

members, $10 donation for non-members) and a Cinco de Mayo fundraiser on May 5. Friends of DePelchin will also host its annual fundraiser in October. Join Friends of DePelchin by visiting www.depelchin.org/friends.

Changing of the Guard In many ways, DePelchin Children’s Center continues to thrive because of the commitment of its supporters— individuals such as retiring board members Arthur Baird, Nancy Cook, Henry Florsheim, Peggy Heeg, Margaret McNeese, Pat Powers and Don Woo.

James Ezelle, Jr., M.D.

hile we must say goodbye to our friends who are leaving, we also want to welcome the new members to DePelchin’s Board of Directors and DePelchin Psychiatric Services Board. Meet Sue Nan Cutsinger, Chuck Powell, James Ezelle, Al Hergenroeder and Lindy Upton McGee.

Dr. James Ezelle comes to the DePelchin Psychiatric Services Board as a private practice psychiatrist. With his years of practice experience and involvement with the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute, Dr. Ezelle will certainly be an asset to DePelchin. Dr. Ezelle and his wife Kayla are proud parents to daughter Savannah.

Sue Nan Cutsinger Originally from Oklahoma, Sue Nan moved to Houston in 1966 and has been an active member of the community ever since. She has a wonderful reputation as an outstanding volunteer, having been extremely instrumental in the many successes of the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, Holiday Shopping Card, and Victory, as well as volunteering for Covenant House Texas. Sue Nan and her husband Rod are parents to two grown children and four grandchildren.

Albert Hergenroeder, M.D.

Chuck Powell

Lindy Upton McGee, M.D.

New DePelchin Psychiatric Services Board member Dr. Al Hergenroeder brings a unique set of expertise to DePelchin. Dr. Hergenroeder is chief of the Sports Medicine Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital, as well as a Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Hergenroeder enjoys spending time with wife Gigi and their three nearly grown children.

After a brief break following previous Board service, Chuck Powell is excited to be back helping DePelchin serve the critical needs of children and families in the greater Houston community. Chuck is partner at Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. and is also involved in several community organizations such as the Houston Technology Center, Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and the Houston Angel Network. Happily married to wife Betsy, Chuck enjoys spending time with his two children—Gus and Ashley.

Dr. Lindy McGee is a private practice pediatrician, joining the DePelchin Psychiatric Services Board, who received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. A native Houstonian, Dr. McGee is dedicated to serving her hometown community and is an active volunteer for the Immunization Partnership, Houston Community Health Centers and the Texas Pediatric Society. Lindy and her husband Thomas have two children—Elizabeth and Wade.

DePelchin Children’s Center

What’s Happening at DePelchin Garden Clubs Beautify DePelchin Campus DePelchin’s campus looks more beautiful than ever, thanks to the combined generosity of two of Houston’s most venerated garden clubs—the River Oaks Garden Club and the Garden Club of Houston. Last fall, the River Oaks Garden Club awarded DePelchin a $6,000 grant to re-landscape the grounds around The University of Texas Charter School located on DePelchin’s main campus. The grant funded a number of enhancements, including the planting of new shrubs, ferns and a redbud tree. The Garden Club of Houston helped beautify DePelchin’s campus by donating 200 red tulip bulbs and five amaryllis bulbs. The amaryllis flowers brightened DePelchin’s lobby in January, while the tulips—planted at the main entrances of the Kinder Building and the UT Charter School—will likely blossom this spring.

Texas Bowl 2010 The 2010 Texas Bowl featured a Big 10-Big 12 football showdown for the first time in its history on December 29, as the Illinois Illini powered to a 38-14 victory over the Baylor Bears. A capacity crowd—including children and families from DePelchin—cheered on the holiday rumble at Houston’s Reliant Stadium. The day before the big game, the teams visited DePelchin’s Memorial campus. The children had a great time getting autographs and hanging out with the players, cheerleaders and mascots. DePelchin has been honored to be the official charitable beneficiary of the Texas Bowl, which has donated more than $300,000 in charitable proceeds from the game since 2006.

DePelchin Staff Member Receives Top Honor In October, Lane Coco, Ph.D., DePelchin’s vice president of quality, planning and evaluation, was named “Child Placing Agency Staff of the Year” by the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services. The award, presented at the 2010 Texas Child Care Administrators Conference, recognized Dr. Coco’s long-standing career in social work and her enduring passion to improve services to children and families. Dr. Coco began her career in social work in 1969 and has served at a number of organizations, including Rusk State Hospital, Shrine Burn Institute and The University of Texas Medical Branch. She began her tenure at DePelchin in 1989, where she has held multiple leadership roles and proven herself to be an invaluable member of DePelchin’s executive staff.

Food Drive Yields Meals, Gratitude Members of the Kezia DePelchin I just wanted to let it be know Society and Friends of DePelchin n that I am very grateful for the kicked off the holiday season with a Thanksgiving food drive benThanksgiving basket that was given to efiting families in DePelchin’s my family. This year was my very first Transitional Living Program. Thanksgiving I spent alone—no family, The Transitional Living Program no shelter, no friends. Knowing I had offers young mothers an avera lonesome holiday to look forw age of 18 months of residential ard to made me sad. Upon receiving and supportive services to esyour generous contribution, I smil tablish a healthy, stable, and ed in knowing that I could cook a sustainable future. As part of meal for the drive, members collected my daughter and I. (D’onne, my son is Thanksgiving food items and much too small to eat.) Thanksg iving then assembled meal baskets day, I prepared that meal and whe n which they delivered to the I sat and said my thanks, I than ked families. One young mother exthe Lord for the people in the pressed her gratitude in a card world who are as kind as you all have been to DePelchin. . I really appreciate you guys brigh tening up my holiday. I will never forg et it.

Renowned Parenting Expert Visits DePelchin DePelchin welcomed Matt Sanders, Ph.D., founder of the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) to its campus in October. Dr. Sanders was visiting the Houston area from Australia to discuss opportunities for implementing Triple P at the state level with U.S. colleagues. DePelchin is one of a select number of centers in the U.S. currently using the evidence-based parenting model, which has been implemented in 22 countries around the world. Staff from DePelchin shared with Dr. Sanders and his team the success the program is having in Galveston County to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect and create a community infrastructure to sustain evidence-based home visitation models. It is hoped that with additional funding, DePelchin will be able to extend the reach of this proven parenting model and serve more families in the greater Houston community.

DePelchin Children’s Center 4950 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77007

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DePelchin’s Annual Luncheon

ePelchin will hold its annual luncheon at the Hilton Americas downtown on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Honorable and Mrs. James A. Baker, III will be recognized at the luncheon as the 2011 Kezia DePelchin Society award recipients. Mr. Baker, former chief of staff for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, has graciously agreed to be the keynote speaker as well. For ticket information, please contact Anne Hoppe, ahoppe@depelchin.org or 713-802-6268.

Leave a Legacy Help future generations benefit from DePelchin’s services by including us in your will. It’s an easy step that will bring 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.”

DePelchin Children’s Center is committed to meeting the needs of Houston’s children as the largest, most comprehensive provider of mental health, prevention and early intervention and 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.

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