ST. PJ’S CHILDREN’S HOME Notes From...
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10 th Annual Red Shoes Gala The San Antonio community has proven, once again, that the futures of vulnerable children are worth the investment. St. Peter - St. Joseph Children’s Home (St. PJ’s) held the 10th Annual Red Shoes Gala on March 23, 2013. It was the biggest gala to date thanks to generous businesses, individual donors, and the dedicated volunteers who helped raise more than $270,000. The Red Shoes Gala was inspired by a four-year- old girl with red shoes that, like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, just wanted to go home. What began as a modest gathering of dedicated St. PJ’s supporters and volunteers has since grown to one of the most anticipated charitable functions in the city of San Antonio. The event brought together more than 600 St. PJ’s supporters, volunteers and local child advocates including, Senator Carlos Uresti, Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner John Specia, and City Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna. Several Bexar County judges were also in attendance: Judge Lori Valenzuela, Judge Peter Sakai, Judge Melissa Skinner, Judge Phillip Kazen, Judge Solomon Casseb, and Judge Mark Luitjen. Larry Benson, this year’s Fiesta King El Rey Feo 65, and Richard Ojeda, last year’s Rey Feo 64 were also in attendence. St. PJ’s was pleased to honor the Charity Ball Association and presented the Hero of the Prairie Award to Terry and Hailee Folawn, the mother-daughter team who have championed the children of St. PJ’s Children’s Home, through the annual My Princess & Me Event for the past nine years. Notes From Home ISSUE 2 SPRING 2013 ST. PJ’S CHILDREN’S HOME What’s Inside: ST. PJ’S WELCOMES JANET KETCHAM PAGE 2 LETTER FROM JAMES CASTRO PAGE 2 THE STORY OF “LULA” PAGE 3 NEW DONOR CLUB THE SOCIETY OF ST. PJ’S PAGE 3 Mistress of Ceremonies, Deborah Knapp & Celso Gonzalez-Falla Spurs Coyote & Hero of the Prairie Awardee, Hailee Folawn Past Board President, Paula Miller, Michael Traugott, Kim Nourie & Twinkles the Puppy Spring Newsletter 2013.indd 1 5/1/2013 6:07:30 PM
Transcript of ST. PJ’S CHILDREN’S HOME Notes From...
10th Annual Red Shoes GalaThe San Antonio community has proven, once again, that the futures of vulnerable children are worth the investment. St. Peter - St. Joseph Children’s Home (St. PJ’s) held the 10th Annual Red Shoes Gala on March 23, 2013. It was the biggest gala to date thanks to generous businesses, individual donors, and the dedicated volunteers who helped raise more than $270,000.
The Red Shoes Gala was inspired by a four-year-old girl with red shoes that, like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, just wanted to go home. What began as a modest gathering of dedicated St. PJ’s supporters and volunteers has since grown to one of the most anticipated charitable functions in the city of San Antonio.
The event brought together more than 600 St. PJ’s supporters, volunteers and local child advocates including, Senator Carlos Uresti, Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner John Specia, and City Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna. Several Bexar County judges were also in attendance: Judge Lori Valenzuela, Judge Peter Sakai, Judge Melissa Skinner, Judge Phillip Kazen, Judge Solomon Casseb, and Judge Mark Luitjen. Larry Benson, this year’s Fiesta King El Rey Feo 65,
and Richard Ojeda, last year’s Rey Feo 64 were also in attendence.
St. PJ’s was pleased to honor the Charity Ball Association and presented the Hero of the Prairie Award to Terry and Hailee Folawn, the mother-daughter team who have championed the children of St. PJ’s Children’s Home, through the annual My Princess & Me Event for the past nine years.
Notes From Home
ISSUE 2 SPRING 2013
S T. P J ’ S C H I L D R E N ’ S H O M E
What’s Inside:
ST. PJ’S WELCOMES JANET KETCHAM
PAGE 2
LETTER FROM JAMES CASTROPAGE 2
THE STORY OF “LULA”PAGE 3
NEW DONOR CLUBTHE SOCIETY OF ST. PJ’S
PAGE 3
Mistress of Ceremonies, Deborah Knapp & Celso Gonzalez-Falla
Spurs Coyote & Hero of the Prairie Awardee, Hailee Folawn
Past Board President, Paula Miller, Michael Traugott, Kim Nourie & Twinkles the Puppy
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It seems kind of strange that a group
of children loving Americans had to advocate for there to be a Child Abuse Prevention month, but that’s exactly what needed to happen.
From June 6-12, 1982 the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives first resolved that the week should be designated as the first National Child Abuse Prevention Week. Members of Congress then requested the President issue a proclamation calling upon Government
agencies and the public to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The following year, in 1983, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
April had to be designated in order to bring attention to the epidemic that is amongst us.
But all of you children loving supporters of St. PJ’s already know this, you are already making a significant difference in the lives of children who have suffered abuse and neglect.
Every day is child abuse prevention day here at St. PJ’s, I know it is for you
too, please invite your family and friends to join us in this mission from heaven.
Facts You Should Know About Child Abuse
• Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy.
• Children whose parents abuse alcohol and other drugs are three times more likely to be abused and more than four times more likely to be neglected than children from non-abusing families.
• Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.
*www.childhelp-usa.com
IT’S A FACT: In Texas, more than 135 children are abused or neglected each day.
St. PJ’s Welcomes New Director of Institutional
Advancement
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Lula, age 14, and her 3 siblings lived in extreme poverty with erratic
presence and support from parents who were heavy into drug usage and absent from the home for long periods of time. Life was chaotic and sometimes dangerous. Lula juggled going to high school and caring for her younger siblings. She provided everything she could for Maria- age 8, Juan- age 5 , Brianna- age 4, and Linda, age 2. Child Protective Services received a report that Lula was raising her brother and sisters in an unsafe environment. This prompted the removal of the children from the parents and placement at St. PJ’s. While the removal from their home was difficult, Lula and her siblings transitioned quickly to their new life. It was the first time the children had a safe place to live, three full meals a day, consistently clean clothing, and the opportunity to get help with school. But most importantly, it was the first time they got regular hugs and nurturing
all children deserve and need. They all responded to the loving and structured environment. For Lula, it was the first time she was able to fully focus on her academics knowing her siblings were going to be well cared for. For her younger siblings, it was a chance to be a child – to play and grow. Safety and security allowed them all to flourish and thrive. Lula did so well that she was eligible to live in one of St. PJ’s on-campus apartments and begin to learn independent living skills. Over time, Lula’s parents parental rights were terminated which allowed the children the opportunity to move into a more permanent family life. Lula struggled with this possibility. While she knew this was best for her younger siblings, she wasn’t sure it was best for her. Lula received counseling and support to help her make the best decision for her situation. Lula made the very difficult decision to support the permanency plan for her siblings which was adoption, but she chose to remain
at St. PJ’s to continue her academics and preparation for independent living. She kept in touch with her siblings who were adopted together by a family in another city. After a period of time, the family of Lula’s best friend invited her to move in with them, but it didn’t work out. Once again, Lula made the difficult but wise decision to return to St. PJ’s. Without hesitation St. PJ’s welcomed Lula back home, no questions asked. She is now back in her on-campus apartment and is approaching graduation. Lula is a survivor… despite poverty and chronic neglect, she has never lost hope. She knew she needed more support to help prepare for independent living and was not going to give up her dream of graduation. We are amazed at her resiliency, her determination and her dreams. We can’t wait to celebrate with her on graduation day!
HEALING AT HOME: THE STORY OF “LULA”
NEW DONOR CLUB STRENGTHENS ST. PJ’SStability-Security-Sustainability
Janet Ketcham Serves as Director of Institutional Advancement
Janet first became involved with child advocacy through the Court Appointed Special Advocate program as a volunteer in Travis County, Texas. The life changing experience as an advocate for abused and neglected children inspired her to change her career, using her business, advertising, and sales experience on behalf of children.
She started with CASA as a Supervisor of Volunteers and became Executive Director in January 2003. Today she is leading the development department at St. PJ’s Children’s Home as the Director of Institutional Advancement.
Janet brings business management and financial experience from her time as co-owner of a small business in Austin, TX. Previously, she worked in the newspaper business, starting with the Cox Media chain in Austin, Texas in the advertising department. Most importantly, she started her career as a teacher. It’s that initial passion for children that brought her back to the work that inspires and motivates her.
“I understand at the deepest level that it is my life’s mission to advocate for abused and neglected children…I also believe that there are no coincidences in life and that I am here to use my passion for the vision and my extensive management experience to help the children of St. PJ’s Children’s Home,” said Ketcham.
Ketcham graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor in Journalism with minors in Government and Education. She holds a Texas lifetime teaching certificate.
James Castro, St. PJ’s CEO
THE SOCIETY OFTHE SOCIETY OF
St. PJ’s Children’s Home is pleased to announce the launching of its first donor club - The Society of St. PJ’s Children’s Home. Formally launched at the 10th Annual Red Shoes Gala, The Society of St. PJ’s is a group of concerned people who
are taking a personal responsibility in the mission of child abuse prevention. Members recognize the value of social force, by banding together and pooling their contributions, they are able to have considerably more effect than they could as individuals. When you join the Society of St. PJ’s, you are becoming a part of something bigger than yourself – you are bringing stability to an uncertain world. Your annual gift is a promise to the children who depend on the care of St. PJ’s everyday.
Family: Annual Gift of $5,000An opportunity to enjoy all the gifts of appreciation and an invitation to be a celebrity server at the children’s only annual “Party with a Purpose” on the campus of St. PJ’s!Guardian: Annual Gift of $2,500A very special level of giving which includes invitation to an exclusive event at a board member’s home; plus all the gifts from the previous levels.Caregiver: Annual Gift of $1,000Invitation to two ‘invitation only’ events oncampus plus all the gifts from the previous levels.Mentor: Annual Gift of $500Enjoy a newsletter, decal, commemorative pin, and a box of St. PJ’s cards.Friend: Annual Gift of $250Keep up to date with a newsletter and receive a decal to share your support!Pal: Annual Gift of $100Be a part of the Society’s sustainable future.
Join the Society of St. PJ’s!www.stpjhome.org/society
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919 MISSION RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78210
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! PLEASE CONTACTST. PJ’S DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT 210-531-8554OR VISIT WWW.STPJHOME.ORG TO MAKE A DONATION AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION OF HEALING.
Save these Dates:JOE REINAGEL GOLF
TOURNAMENTJUNE 28, 2013
DOMINION COUNTRY CLUB
MY PRINCESS & MESEPTMBER 29, 2013
DANCE HALL AT LEON SPRINGS
ST. PJ’S GREAT PUMPKIN RUNOCTOBER 12, 2013ST. PJ’S CAMPUS
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