The transformation of William The cycle of abuse ends Bruckner`s

reACH
Vol 1, ISSUE 1 2014
The transformation of
William
Bruckner’s and ACH—
25 years of doing
good while having fun
The cycle of abuse
ends
When 5-year-old William arrived
at ACH’s Behavioral Care program
one late winter day, he had never
spoken an understandable word.
The Ben Bruckner Jr. Charity Classic
and its estimated 3,600 golfers from
within the trucking industry have raised
more than $750,000 to benefit ACH.
Calling ACH was an important
decision for Vicki, because her own
childhood had not prepared her to
parent. (page 10)
(page 6)
(page 8)
reACH
reACH
C O N T E N T S
2
4
Vol 1, ISSUE 1 2014
Timed to coincide with National Child
Abuse Prevention Month, the 4th
Annual Lend A Hand Luncheon on April
3 welcomed more than 200 guests
to what has become an annual status
report on child abuse and neglect in
Tarrant County.
5
Being creative about being creative
6
The transformation of William
8
16
Choosing to give
18 Our Community Our Kids
12
On any given night in Tarrant County, as
many as 16 young people, ages 10 to 17, are
sleeping in the ACH Emergency Youth Shelter
because they have no other place to turn.
Bruckner’s and ACH celebrate
25 years of doing good while
having fun
10 The cycle of abuse ends
healthy recipe to try with your kids:
18 AVegan
Flourless Zucchini Brownies
13 2013 Annual Report
21 2014 Donor List
Our mission: Protecting children and
preserving families since 1915.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Frank Anderson
Karen Barlow
Julie Davidson
Joe Greenslade
Liz Hatley
Jack Huff
Barry King
Brenda King
Jack Larson
Meto Miteff
FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
Lynn Newman
Peter Philpott
Esequiel “Zeke”
Sanchez III
Robert Simpson
Dub Stocker
Malcolm Street
Carolyn Williams
Larry Autrey
Frank Anderson
Earl Hoover
Mark Johnson
Fred Moore
Susan Rose
Robert Simpson
reACH
From our CEO
E
ach April for the past four
years, ACH has hosted the
Lend A Hand Luncheon
during National Child Abuse
Prevention Month to raise awareness
about the issue of child abuse and
neglect in Tarrant County. Our theme
this year is “Kids Are Counting on
You!” and it was clear from the
attendance at this year’s April 3 event
that we are blessed with a community
that stands behind us.
That so many people like you have
joined with us to protect children
means that we will continue to make
significant progress. As you read
through the personal stories included
in this issue of reACH, I hope you too
will be encouraged.
Every one of the stories you will read
in this issue of reACH speaks directly
to the strength of the human spirit,
how people can heal, and how the
generational cycles can be broken—if
only children and families can get the
help they need.
As you can imagine, some of the
names of our clients have been
changed because of privacy issues.
And some photos may only resemble
the child or teen, for the same reason.
But one story—that of Vicki W. and
her son, Mario, who sought help in
our Youth and Family Counseling
program—is real in every way.
3
CEO Wayne
Carson with Lou
Ann Blaylock,
Lend A Hand 2014
Chairperson
Kids are
counting
on you!
our community to provide support—
through advocacy, through financial
generosity, and through volunteerism.
Thank you for sharing your blessings
in so many ways! Our kids are
counting on you.
ACH exists because people like you
will stand with the most vulnerable in
Assessment, Intervention
& Referral Services (AIRS)
When You Have
a Crisis, the Phone
is Always Answered
For information, call
817.335.HOPE (4673)
Family crises can happen any time
of day or night. That’s why we offer
24-hour, 7-day-a-week crisis call
response with centralized assessment
by a trained counselor, an intake
department for all 18 ACH programs,
and referrals to services in the
community.
ACH is here when you need help.
4
reACH
Timed to coincide with
National Child Abuse
Prevention Month, the
4th Annual Lend A Hand
Luncheon on April 3
welcomed more than
200 guests to what has
become an annual status
report on child abuse and
neglect in Tarrant County.
The luncheon kicked off
a month-long awareness
campaign with the theme,
“Kids Are Counting
on You!”
Lynn Newman,
ACH Development
Committee Chair
with Vivian Ferguson,
Co-Chair of Hoot ‘n
Holler 2014.
A
nyone driving past the ACH Summit Campus during the month of April
may have seen the series of signs intended to draw attention to the stark
statistics about child abuse and neglect in Tarrant County.
•5,689 kids were abused in Tarrant County in 2013.
•Tarrant County suffers the third highest number of confirmed abuse cases in the
state of Texas, behind only Harris (Houston) and Bexar (San Antonio) counties.
These statistics and their impact on our community were emphasized by Lend A
Hand Luncheon keynote speaker Gabe Salazar, who also told his own story of
conquering homelessness as a youth by holding fast to hope.
“Fighting child abuse and neglect is not just about intervening when it has taken
place,” said ACH CEO Dr. Wayne Carson, “it is also about being able to support
at-risk families and children to reduce the chances it will happen in the first place.
Raising awareness is important, because most people don’t realize what happens
right here in our community. When people know, they want to help.”
ACH extends its gratitude to Event Chair Lou Ann Blaylock for her commitment of
time, talent, and treasure to make the 2014 Lend A Hand Luncheon a tremendous
success. “I am always deeply touched by the way our community joins together to
help when they see a need,” said Mrs. Blaylock. “They make my work rewarding
in ways I cannot even express.” Through her efforts and our generous community,
more than $50,000 was raised to support child abuse awareness and prevention
efforts in Tarrant County.
reACH
5
Being Creative about
Thank you to these
friends for your
generous support of
Lend A Hand 2014!
GUARDIAN SPONSOR
Julie and Glenn Davidson
Jean and John Roach &
Lou Ann Blaylock
The Walsh Foundation
HERO SPONSOR
Karen Haun Barlow
Hahnfeld Hoffer Stanford,
Architects Planners Interiors
LINBECK Group, LLC
Meto Miteff
Dr. Steven and Melisa Schultz
CHAMPION SPONSOR
Tasa and Frank Anderson
Lynn and Cam Newman
Valerie and Dub Stocker
Malcolm and Mary Lou Street
Texas Health Harris Methodist
Hospital Fort Worth
ADVOCATE SPONSOR
Accel Imaging Systems
Margaret Augustat & Lynn O’Day
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Baird
Cook Children’s
Health Care System
Covenant Kids Inc.
CSG Companies
Randall and Elizabeth Hatley
MHMR of Tarrant County
Perrone Pharmacy
Anna Melissa and Peter Philpott
Being Creative
By Juan Faura, ACH Chief Marketing Officer
Creative activities and playful engagement are time-tested techniques
used by counselors here at ACH and by parents everywhere to
develop and nurture a trusting relationship with children. For me,
creative activities always bring to mind craft projects using crayons,
paste, little round-nosed scissors, and piles of manila paper. But
sometimes you have none of those things, and it becomes essential to
be creative about being creative.
I
was waiting with my six-year-old niece to be picked up from a recital when my
wife—our chauffeur—called to say she was going to be about 45 minutes late. Pretty
soon, the crowd of other families dispersed, leaving my niece and me to wait, along
with a boy of about five and what I took to be his mother. It turned out she was not
his mother, but his nanny—and like us, their ride was running late.
We made small talk, but soon the youngsters began to fidget. Without batting an eye
the young nanny said, “Maybe we can get them occupied with a crafts project.” It was
a great idea, but here we stood outside of a locked elementary school with no other
building in sight and with no access to anything other than our cell phones.
I was curious and thought to myself, “How exactly is she planning to keep these
two kiddos occupied with a crafts project when we have nothing with which to be
‘crafty?’” I soon learned from this ingenious young woman that we were going to
make leaf animals. I quickly looked around and noticed that leaves were the only
thing we had access to, but we had access to a lot of them.
So off she went with the kids, gathering as many different leaves as possible with
a variety of colors and textures. From her handbag, the young woman removed
the folded recital flyer and proceeded to flatten it on the steps of the school. Soon
she and the youngsters were making animal shapes with leaves, using the flyer as
canvas and hand lotion from her purse as adhesive.
All too soon our rides arrived, and we each went our own way. While the afternoon
had all the makings of a disaster, it became a glorious success because someone
was creative. My niece is older now, but we still take great pleasure in recalling
that day.
6
reACH
The Transformation of
WILLIAM
When 5-year-old
William arrived at ACH’s
Behavioral Care program
one late winter day, he
had never spoken an
understandable word.
Severely neglected,
William had been in foster
care for a few months as
Child Protective Services
went through the process
of legally ending his
birth mother’s parental
rights and looking for an
adoptive family. One result
of the neglect was his lack
of speech. When upset,
William also displayed
violent behavior with
the other children in his
foster home—something
his foster family was
not equipped to safely
manage.
reACH
T
he ACH staff had to work
especially hard to find ways
to help William communicate,
because he just couldn’t
verbally express himself. He whined
and cried a lot, had difficulty
understanding instructions, and
was defiant. There was also some
indication that he might have some
measure of autism—William kept his
toys very organized and coordinated
all his colors. Based on their experience
with him, the counselors assessed
William’s development at about that of
a toddler 18-24 months old.
make little William feel safe, secure,
and valued. Nevertheless, William did
find the words to ask about his mother—
like any child, William desperately
wanted someone to call “Mom.”
Slowly but surely, William began to
come out of his shell and to show
progress in his emotional, mental,
and physical development. He often
wanted to be with the Behavioral
Care Youth Care Specialists, who by
late spring affectionately described
William as a “social butterfly.” He was
becoming quite talkative, was able to
follow directions, and was no longer
exhibiting defiant or violent behavior.
When the children and Youth Care
Specialists took a summer trip to
Padre Island, William was able to
participate in daily ocean activities
like playing on a boogie board.
There were many other trips to local
water parks that summer, and he was
excited each time.
As autumn approached, William’s
Youth Care Specialists could see that
his behaviors and interactions were
significantly improved. In addition, he
had become eager for a permanent
adoptive family.
The ACH staff worked hard to
understand and build relationships
with William, doing the things parents
do like craft activities, playing outside,
tucking him into bed at night, reading
stories, and teaching him to shower
himself. Most important, they sought
to provide much-needed structure and
Fortunately, ACH had identified such
a family. They came to visit William
several times, and then took him
for some family outings. Later, they
welcomed him for a weekend. It
was not long before everyone knew
William had found his family.
7
When William’s adoption became
final, he had one request of the judge.
Apparently feeling like a new person,
William wanted to change his first
name as well as his last name. Today,
William lives on a small family farm
and has someone to call “Mom” and
“Dad.” He has other children to play
with, as well as a few chickens and
goats, too. Staff recently heard from
William that he received his very
own pony for his birthday because
he’s now “big enough” to care for it
himself.
Behavioral Care:
A Safe Place to
Learn and Grow
The Behavioral Care program
offers children, ages 4-12,
a safe and highly structured
environment, when moderate to
severe emotional and behavior
problems prevent them from
living with their families or in
a less structured environment.
The program teaches adaptive
behaviors in a safe residential
setting aimed at reducing
stress, supports successful child
development, and promotes
family reunification where
possible.
For more information, please
call 817.335.HOPE (4673).
8
reACH
Bruckner’s and ACH
CELEBRATE 25 YEARS
S
ince 1989, 144 golfers
have gathered on the first
Monday of May at the Ridglea
Country Club to enjoy a
day of competition while they raise
funds to support ACH’s residential
programs. Over the last 25 years,
the Ben Bruckner Jr. Charity Classic
and its estimated 3,600 competitors
from within the trucking industry
have raised more than $750,000 to
benefit ACH. Notably, three players—
Darrell Walker, Walter Cooke, and
Butch Mask—have played in every
one of those tournaments.
When Ben Bruckner Sr. opened
the doors of Bruckner’s Garage in
Amarillo back in 1932 amidst the
Dustbowl and Great Depression, he
did so embracing the characteristics
Trucking Industry Facts
Did you know?
•Annually, the trucking industry
hauls nearly 70 percent of all
U.S. freight tonnage.
•More than 80% of U.S.
communities depend solely on
trucking for delivery of their
goods and commodities.
•1 of every 15 people in the U.S.
works in the trucking industry.
•The trucking industry contributes
nearly $650 billion to the U.S.
economy, representing almost
85% of the nation’s freight bill.
Source: American Trucking Association.
of doing good
while having fun
of determination, ingenuity, and a
commitment to serving his customers
and his community. In the 1940’s
the automotive garage became the
first Mack Truck dealership in the
Southwest, and today, Bruckner’s is
recognized as a leading dealership in
the Southwestern United States with
11 locations, including Fort Worth.
The Bruckner team brings those
characteristics to its relationship with
ACH—a commitment to community,
ingenuity that has attracted a full
complement of golfers year after
year, and the determination to
support ACH over the long term
and improve the lives of countless
young people.
Through their support of the Ben
Bruckner Jr. Charity Classic, the
golfers have played a direct role
in the treatment and prevention of
child abuse and family separation.
Their support has been designated
to providing summer educational
and outdoors activities for the
children and youth in ACH residential
programs. Literally thousands of
children have benefitted from the
generosity and community spirit of
these trucking industry golfers.
ACH Child and Family Services is
proud to include Bruckner’s in its
family. We extend our deep gratitude
to the Fort Worth staff of Bruckner’s,
the many sponsors of this event, and
this year’s 144 golfers for their hard
work and hard play.
reACH
9
Tournament Winners
(from left to right)
Brandon Troxell,
Jeremy Barber,
Robert Mask,
Butch Mask
Thank You!
Thank you for joining
and strengthening our
ACH family.
PL AT I N U M S P O N S O R
Dragon Products
C O RP O RAT E S P O N S O RS
Donaldson é Eaton RoadRunner
SAF Holland é Volvo/Mack Parts Division
LU N C H
Bridgeport Tank Trucks é Jost é Meritor Inc.
DINNER
ADP é Fruitland Vacuum Pumps
Mack Truck Sales é Michelin é Traxell Trailer Mfg
Volvo Financial Services é Volvo Truck Sales
D RI V I N G RA N G E S P O N S O RS
Corporate Billing é Fontaine Trailer Company
PU T T I N G G REE N S P O N S O R
GE Capital
D O O R P RI Z E S PO N S O RS
DFW Movers & Erectors é Summit/Nationwide
G O L F C A RT S P O N S O R
JPMorgan Chase
First team to tee-off
(from left to right)
Dennis Pearson,
Craig Muntzel, Brian
Wade, Jamall Scott.
G O L F S H I RT S P O N S O R
Unifirst
RE F RES H M EN T S P O N S O R
CAB Logistics é Roll Offs of America
Samantha Springs
10
reACH
The Cycle of ABUSE ENDS
When Vicki W. contacted ACH’s Youth and Family Counseling
program, it was at the suggestion of her son’s school counselor. Mario
had been acting out at school and the incidences of aggression were
increasing. Both Vicki and the school felt that Mario needed some
counseling, and she needed different parenting skills to help her family
function well.
C
alling ACH was an
important decision
for Vicki, because her
own childhood had
not prepared her to parent. Vicki
experienced abuse from early
childhood into her teen years.
Vicki’s mother had died when she
was only seven, leaving her father
to raise four young children alone.
An alcoholic, her father began
physically abusing Vicki, the oldest
of four children, along with her
younger siblings. At one point,
Vicki recalls that she and her two
sisters were locked in a dark closet
and fed moldy cheese. Being the
oldest, Vickie took the brunt of the
abuse as she tried to protect her
little sisters and brother.
This was on Vicki’s mind when she
called ACH for help.
After a difficult first marriage, Vicki
and Mario’s father had divorced.
Mario was 10, and Vicki thought it
might be better for him to live with
his father. She knew these middle
years can be a critical period for
boys, and that a father’s influence
can be important. For the next two
years, Mario lived with his dad and
Vicki began to find a new life with
the man who is now her husband.
At 12, Mario returned to live with
his mother and her new husband,
and it was then that his difficulties
began. Initially, Mario was to
receive counseling. But when his
counselor learned of Vicki’s own
abuse, he encouraged her to
attend ACH’s Skill Builder Classes,
so she could gain the skills she was
going to need to help Mario.
reACH
It all paid off when Mario confided
to his counselor that he was angry
because he had wanted his mother
to remarry his father, not her
new husband. This breakthrough
allowed both Mario’s counselor
and his mother to reassure him
that more than just two people can
love him—indeed, that his mother,
father, and step-father could love
him and be a part of his life. And
perhaps most important, Vicki
will tell you, she learned how to
work through things and to do so
positively.
Today, Vicki and her family are
doing well, and she credits what
they learned and experienced with
ACH for it all. But truly, it was also
Vicki’s strong spirit, determination,
and courage that have given this
family such an optimistic outlook.
Should you or your loved ones
have difficulties, ACH services are
available to you. And thanks to
the generosity of the community,
these services are available even
if financial resources are not.
For more information or to
seek help, please call 817.335.
HOPE (4673) at any time, day
or night. Hope and help await
your call.
11
Finding Solutions to
Family Conflict
What can I do? Where can I
turn? These are the questions
running through the mind
of anyone—child, teen, or
parent—who faces bullying,
family conflict, or anger. Hiding
or running away won’t help.
Resolution is the answer, and
ACH works to help kids (up to
age 17) and their parents find
solutions to the issues facing
so many today. Real-life issues
such as:
• Conflict at home
•Bullying
• Anger management
• Talk of running away
• Reckless or criminal behavior
• School attendance
• Behavior problems
Services are free of charge. They
are provided by licensed and
experienced youth and family
counselors, and include:
• One-on-one client meetings
with a counselor for one hour
per week for up to six months.
• Evening and Saturday
appointments are available.
• Anyone can refer—a doctor’s
referral is NOT needed.
• No need to worry about family
income or insurance.
• Bilingual sessions are
available.
These services are provided
at ACH locations in Tarrant,
Johnson, Parker, Palo Pinto, and
Hill counties. But ACH counselors
can also bring these services to
your location.
12
reACH
RESCUING
YOUTH
from the street
On any given night in Tarrant County,
as many as 16 young people, ages
10 to 17, are sleeping in the ACH
Emergency Youth Shelter because they
have no other place to turn. Frightened
but courageous and resilient, many
find themselves in a safe and secure
environment when it’s needed most.
T
hey are kids like 15-yearold Anna, who had run
away from home and was
recovered during a law
enforcement raid on a North Texas
human trafficking ring. Like one-third
of all runaways, Anna was engulfed
into the dangerous world of human
trafficking within 48 hours of leaving
home. She was picked up by the
Department of Homeland Security,
which then tried to reunite Anna with
her mother.
Unfortunately, Anna had run away
because of the difficult situation at
home. Shortly after returning home,
Anna left again. Almost immediately,
she encountered a member of the
ACH Street Outreach team, who
began to build a relationship with
her and told Anna about the Safe
Place program and the Emergency
Youth Shelter. Later that same
evening—after being approached
by yet another human trafficker—
Anna decided to seek the safety of a
nearby convenience store, with its big
yellow and black Safe Place sign out
front.
A Safe Place counselor from ACH
arrived at Anna’s location within 30
Continued on page 20
reACH
13
2013
ANNUAL REPORT
5,689
children were victims of child
abuse in Tarrant County in 2013,
the third highest number of victims in the state.
We’re dedicated to ensuring safety, stability, and a healthy and loving environment for
children to grow up in. We advocate for those children that may not have a voice,
we provide care and counseling for those who are dealing with life’s unforeseen
crises, and we bring hope to those children and families that we serve.
14
reACH
2013 SUMMARY OF SERVICES
ASSESSMENT AND
REFERRAL SERVICES
for 3,400 families
PREVENTION AND
TREATMENT SERVICES
for 2,723 clients
Human Trafficking Outreach
24
3,615
Safe Place
60
22,269
Street Outreach Program
221
3,863
Adoption
51
Behavioral Care
23
Campus Respite
14
Community Resource Coordination Group
76
Emergency Youth Shelter
212
Families Together
19
Foster Care
391
Job Preparation Program (formerly CEP)
125
LIFE Project
18
Little Ones
27
Skill Builder Classes
784
Turning Point
27
Wedgwood Residential Program
30
Youth and Family Counseling
594
Assessment, Intervention &
Referral Services
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
3,400
Volunteer Hours
4,466
Projects
141
Volunteers
960
Advocate
CareHope
27
OUTREACH AND
EDUCATION
to 29,747
community members
Value of Volunteer Hours
$104,504.40
($23.40 per hour)
reACH
15
WHO WE SERVED
COUNTY OF ORIGIN
AGE
78% Tarrant
RACE/ETHNICITY
33%
Caucasian
66% 13-18
7% Johnson County
6% Dallas County
9% All others
21% 6-12
9% 0-5
4% 19 & up
33%
AfricanAmerican
20% Hispanic or Latino
13% Multi-ethnic
1% Asian
2013 FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)
TOTAL REVENUE:
$13,129,103
Community Support
$1,314,136
Endowment
$3,312,000
10.01%
9.48%
$1,244,956
Fees for Services/Other
25.23%
11.93%
$1,566,093
Trusts
43.35%
$5,691,918
Public Grants/Contracts
TOTAL EXPENSES:
$13,129,103
5%
$656,455
Fund Raising
10%
$1,312,910
General & Administrative
85%
$11,159,738
Programs
2013 PUBLIC GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
•Emergency Food and Shelter Program
•Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
•MHMR of Tarrant County
•U.S. DHHS Administration for Children and Families
•Mosaic Family Services, Inc.
•U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
•Tarrant County Community Development
•United Way of Tarrant County
To request a full annual report with a listing of 2013 contributors, please contact Tina Casey at [email protected] or 682.432.1120.
16
reACH
Choosing to GIVE
Volunteering, by its very definition is a choice, and each person who
decides to give of their time and talent does so for their own, very
personal reasons. Arlington couple Mo and Rob Dorsey say that, for
them, it was a confluence of events—including the passing of both
of their fathers within four months of one another—that caused them
to feel a need to give back.
R
ob will also tell you that his reasons included a
love of baseball and the “Rangers7,” a 2013
promotional collaboration between the Texas
Rangers and Papa John’s. Watching a Rangers
game one Saturday, Rob heard the announcer say that
Papa John’s would offer a 50 percent discount for fans
ordering the day after the Rangers scored seven or more
runs during a game. The proverbial lightbulb went on
above Rob’s head.
Already a Papa John’s lover, Rob called his local store
and asked if they would allow him to take advantage of
the offer and provide pizzas for a charitable purpose.
They agreed. Having heard about ACH Child and Family
Services during an informational meeting about foster
care and adoption, Rob decided to share his idea with
ACH Volunteer Services Specialist Stephanie Canfield.
Together, they hatched the plan to provide pizzas for the
children in the ACH Behavioral Care program and the
teens in the Emergency Youth Shelter.
The Rangers were doing well, scoring a lot of points last
season, and as Rob and Mo repeatedly delivered pizzas
to the kids and saw their joy, they inquired if they might
arrange an outing. So together with ACH staff and some
friends from their church, the Dorseys arranged a day of
baseball and hot dogs at Randol Mill Park in Arlington.
Later that summer, the group gathered again for a day of
kickball and baseball.
reACH
Just as volunteering is a choice, it is also contagious.
After the first outing at Randol Mill Park, a friend of Rob’s
offered to spend individualized time coaching each child
in batting technique when they hosted the second outing.
And a friend of Mo’s decided to become involved, too.
When Mo and her friend Tara spend time together, they
often knit while they talk. During one such visit, they
17
When children thrive at ACH, it is in no small part because
of the work of volunteers who bring all measure of
interests, skills, and abilities to their work—directly and
indirectly—with the children and teens.
You think that volunteering will
probably take you out of your comfort
zone a bit. But working with the kids at
ACH, you realize they are already out
of their comfort zone—they never had
a choice.
decided it would be fun to share their joy, and began
teaching a group of teens at the Emergency Youth Shelter
how to knit.
By trial and error, Mo and Tara found the teens really
liked making bracelets and other small items using the
“finger knitting” technique. But the best thing about their
knitting time was that the teens relaxed and talked with
one another, something that ordinarily was not easy due
to the level of trauma they had all experienced in life.
When asked about their experiences as ACH volunteers,
Rob offered, “You think that volunteering will probably
take you out of your comfort zone a bit. But working with
the kids at ACH, you realize they are already out of their
comfort zone—they never had a choice.” Mo adds, “These
kids just want to love and be loved.”
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact
Stephanie Canfield at 682.432.1131 or at scanfield@
ACHservices.org.
18
reACH
For a 99-year-old
organization, watershed
moments are few and
far between. September 1,
2014 will be one of those
moments for ACH.
Here’s a healthy sweet
treat to try with your
kids from ACH’s own
Michelle Cowden.
Vegan Flourless
Zucchini Brownies
Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free,
dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and
yummy!
T
he system of foster care in
the state of Texas is huge.
It involves thousands of
people, including judges,
advocates, professionals, public and
private organizations, and concerned
citizens. Nearly 20,000 children
per year are involved in foster care
statewide, and the program accounts
for nearly $400,000,000 in Texas’
annual budget.
Unfortunately, the statewide results
of this work have been disappointing.
Too often, children are placed far
away from their home communities,
separated from siblings, and moved
too many times. Recognizing the
need to improve, the Texas
Department of Family and Protective
Services (TDFPS) launched a landmark
effort to bring dramatic, much-needed
1 cup almond butter (or cashew or
peanut butter)
1½ cup zucchini (peeled and finely
grated)
5 tbsp. maple syrup (or agave or
Stevia – if using Stevia start with less
because Stevia is sweet)
¹/³ cup cacao or cocoa powder
changes. This effort, called “Foster
Care Redesign,” has a laser focus on
improving results for children.
To launch this initiative, TDFPS
selected Our Community Our
Kids (OCOK), a division of ACH,
to conduct the very first urban
implementation in the entire state.
This project involves the seven
counties of Tarrant, Johnson,
Parker, Hood, Erath, Palo Pinto, and
Somervell, and starting September
1, 2014, every single child in these
seven counties needing foster care
services will be assigned to OCOK.
This system aims to improve
outcomes by building a network of
committed partners, and by providing
strong support, coordination, and
accountability to all caregivers. The
¹/³ cup applesauce (or 1 flax egg:
1 tbsp. ground flaxseed meal and
3 tbsp. water. Let sit for 5 minutes
before adding)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg
1 cup chocolate chips
reACH
19
Kids Are Counting on
YOU!
The job of OCOK is to engage each community
to give kids an opportunity to experience
a safe and loving childhood.
Your help and support are needed
as a volunteer at ACH! Whether
you tutor, work on craft activities,
welcome guests, or have other
talents to offer, our kids want
your involvement.
Three new volunteer
opportunities are now
available…
strength of this approach lies in its
ability to advocate for the needs of
all 2,400 children in our region who
are involved on an annual basis,
and to engage local communities
in providing a wide range of
opportunities for these children.
In explaining the idea of the care
network, Dr. Gary Buff, President and
COO of Our Community Our Kids,
explained, “These children belong to
our community. The job of OCOK is
to engage each community to give
kids an opportunity to experience
a safe and loving childhood. While
good mental health and medical
care are critical, other things such as
school, sports, arts, cultural events,
and community activities are also
important; but family connections
are the most important of these, in
Pre-heat the oven to 350°. Peel and
grate zucchini. Put all ingredients in a
large mixing bowl and stir until well
combined. Pour into an 8x8 glass
baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes
or until toothpick comes out clean.
Enjoy!
helping children develop the skills
and confidence they need to be
successful.”
Much effort is going into preparing
for the first new placements in
September. “We are well prepared,
and we will always be looking for
ways to make the network more
complete and to provide innovative
ways for children to lead more
complete and fulfilling lives,”
explained Dr. Buff.
In describing how this effort will
improve foster care, Dr. Wayne
Carson, CEO of ACH Child and
Family Services, said, “This project
forms one collective voice that can
speak for all foster care children in
these counties.”
Foster Care Fan Club
You can provide childcare
assistance, help with crafts
projects, and provide tutoring
while foster parents attend
training sessions. Help is needed
1 or 2 times a month.
Get on the
Welcome Wagon
You can help us greet families
at the Andrews Family Welcome
Center when they arrive for
Youth and Family Counseling or
Skill Builder Classes.
Young Adult Projects
College students looking
for opportunities to gain
real experience and build
their resume can help with
several projects needing a few
committed young adults.
Please consider joining the
ACH volunteer team!
For more information, contact
Stephanie Canfield,
ACH Volunteer Services
Specialist,
at [email protected]
or 682.432.1131.
20
reACH
Continued from page 12
minutes of being notified by the Safe
Place hotline and began the process
of understanding her situation.
That very night, Anna slept safely
and soundly at the Emergency Youth
Shelter—the only shelter in Tarrant
County for homeless, runaway,
throwaway, and street youth. While
staying in the shelter, Anna received
help with her physical and emotional
issues, and she was able to continue
her schooling. To her counselors,
it was clear that Anna was bright
and wanted a better life. And they
were awed by her courage when
Anna stepped forward to help law
enforcement identify those who drew
her into human trafficking.
While the Emergency Youth Shelter
provided an immediate refuge,
Anna needed a longer-term solution
because returning home was not a
safe option.
Anna’s mom agreed that she should
allow social service workers to find
another home for her daughter.
Due to the ongoing concerns with
traffickers, Homeland Security
officials recommended Anna be
moved to a safe house in a different
location, and she agreed.
Anna continues to help law
enforcement in their efforts to convict
the traffickers who took advantage
of her, and from time to time, ACH
staff members receive updates. She
remains secure, is working hard to
finish high school, and is planning
for the future.
Teens like Anna come to the
Emergency Youth Shelter as a
result of referrals from a variety of
sources including school counselors,
through Safe Place, and the Street
Outreach Program. Under the best of
circumstances, these young people
and their families receive counseling
and support and are reunited. When
that is not possible, ACH works to
find a solution in the best interests of
the teen.
ACH donors and volunteers make
successes like Anna’s possible.
Donations support a significant
portion of the annual operating
cost of the three interrelated ACH
programs supporting runaway and
homeless youth.
If you are interested in volunteering
with or supporting the Safe Place
Program, the Street Outreach
Program, or the Emergency
Youth Shelter, please contact
Development at 682.432.1054 or
[email protected].
Safe Place
is a nationwide
program
administered in
Tarrant County
by ACH Child
and Family
Services that
offers immediate
help and safety
to young people
in trouble.
reACH
Thank You
to our 2014
21
Donors
January 1 - April 30, 2014
Corporations, Organizations and Foundations
Accel Imaging Systems
America’s Charities
AT&T Employee Giving Campaign
Bank of America United Way
Campaign
BBVA Compass
Amon G. Carter Foundation
CASA - Hope for Children
Cook Children’s Health Care System
Covenant Kids
CSG Companies
Davita Dialysis Region I, II & III
Social Workers
Esperanza’s Mexican Bakery & Cafe
First Grandmothers’ Club, Inc.
First United Methodist Church
Fort Worth Founder Lions Club
Edith Winther Grace Charitable Trust,
J.P. Morgan Trustee
Hahnfeld Hoffer Stanford Architects/
Planners/Interiors
HLC, SR. Investments, LTD
KPMG’s Community Giving
Campaign
Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation
LINBECK Group, LLC
Lockard Development, Inc.
Lockheed Martin AERO Club
Mental Health Mental Retardation of
Tarrant County
MillerCoors LLC
Network for Good
Optimist Club of Fort Worth Youth
Fund, Inc.
Paris Coffee Shop
The Gary Patterson Foundation
PepsiCo Foundation Matching
Gifts Program
Perrone Pharmacy
Reata Restaurant
The Roach Foundation, Inc.
Rockpointe Church
Ryder Charitable Foundation
S & K Plumbing of Fort Worth, Inc.
Vestal B. Sanders Charitable
Foundation, Frost Bank Trustee
The Smith Law Firm, P.C.
Nancy and John Snyder Foundation
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church
The Malcolm and Mary Lou Street
Charitable Trust
Target
TD Ameritrade
Texas Health Resources
Textron Matching Gift Program
Tom Thumb Good Neighbor Program
United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
United Way of Tarrant County
The Walsh Foundation
Wells Fargo Community Support
Campaign
Nancy Biggs
Lou Ann Blaylock
William and D’Ann Bonnell
Henry and Becky Borbolla
Harvey and Susie Boysen
Sol and Sandra Brody
Stephen and Harriett Brooks
Wayne and Vickie Carson
William and Jane Carson
Greg and Jan Carter
Louise Carvey
James and Angie Childers
Twila Christy
Darryl Claiborne
David Covert
David Cox
Ted Crofford
Betty Crow
Glenn and Julie Davidson
Debbie Davis
Jackson Davis
George and Susan Dowling
Maynard and Laura Dyson
The Eidson Family
Angela Ensign
Joseph Frank
Allicia Frye
Charlie Galupi and Barbara Clark-Galupi
Glenn and Marcia Garoon
Karen Gibson
Individuals
Sean and Bridget Allen
Frank and Tasa Anderson
Mary Kathryn Anderson
Anonymous
John and Debra Aughinbaugh
Margaret Wall Augustat
Jim and Gloria Austin
Doris Autrey
Steven and Len Baird
Karen Haun Barlow
Kendra Barnard
Bill and Sandy Barnes
Thomas and Beth Bergeron
Patrick and Hillary Bessinger
Nelson Beville
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. If an error has occurred, please accept our sincerest apologies
and let us know of our mistake by contacting Tina Casey at [email protected] or 682.432.1120.
22
reACH
Paul and Susan Goelzer
Lynne Goldstein
Joe and Lillian Greenslade
Ray and Coy Harris
Virginia Harvey
Randall and Liz Hatley
Chris Hutton
Michael and Amy Jarrard
Robert and Patricia Jarrard
Christina Judge
Barbara Kinard
Barry and Leah King
Jim and Brenda King
Elaine Klos
Bob and Sandy Lanier
Jody Lanier
Kristina L. Mackey
Michael and Sally McCracken
Judy McDonald
James McQuillar
Elliot McWhorter
Tommy and Erin Miller
Meto and Virginia Miteff
Robert M. Moon
Lynn and Cam Newman
Carol Nichols
Nat and Lynn O’Day
Lynn and Melissa Opheim
Jerri Beth Palmer
Gary and Kelsey Patterson
Peter and Anna Melissa Philpott
David and Sarah Proctor
Brooks Quinlan
Michael and Tamara Reese
Joseph and Ginny Reeves
Jim and Peggy Rhodes
Russell and Deidra Rice
John and Leada Richards
Jean and John Roach
Wayne Schildt
Lisa Schuessler
Steve and Melisa Schultz
Bill and Barbara Shelton
John and Jennifer Siehling
Laurie Smat
Dub and Val Stocker
Carla Storey
William and Loretta Storey
Linda Thomas
Patricia Ward
Brett Wiesner
Lyn Willis
Terrance and Marsha Wright
Dana Zenor
Gifts In Kind
Honorariums
Accel Imaging Systems
All in Good Taste
All Saints’ Episcopal School Lower School
Anonymous
Azle Ave Baptist Church
CornerStone Staffing
Cousin’s Bar-B-Q, Inc.
CSG Companies
Ferrell Safety Apparel
Kevin and Linda Ford
Fort Worth Lodge 124 B.P.O. Elks
Fort Worth Zoo
FWISD Learning Networks
Grace Community Church - Preschool
Greater Friendship Missionary
Baptist Church
Brad and Shandelyne Heinemann
Just BeeCause
Lake Pointe Elementary Lake Pointe Aces
Lake Worth High School FCCLA
Lockheed Martin Management
Association
Meeting Professionals International,
DFW Chapter
Meridian Bank Texas
Metro Mailer One, Inc.
Moslah Mystic Wheels
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
Lynn and Cam Newman
Optimist Club of Fort Worth &
Fort Worth Retired School Employee
Helen Peters
Project Linus - Tarrant County
Robert Prychodnik
QuikTrip Corporation
Michael and Beverly Reilly
Edwin and Lori Rheuark
Ridglea Presbyterian
Ryder
Sweet Shop
Take Up Thy Cross Ministries
Robin Tenney
Together We Rise
TTI, Inc.
United Way of Tarrant County
Brett Wiesner
Elizabeth Wiggins
John and Holley Williams
YOTM World Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Barlow made a gift in
honor of: Dr. Karen Barlow
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carson, Jr. made a gift
in honor of: Mr. and Mrs. Randy Jensen
Gretchen Denny made a gift in honor of:
Dr. Karen Barlow
Dr. and Mrs. O. Z. Helmer made a gift in
honor of: Lynn O’Day
Parker, Mike and Kim Misamore made a gift
in honor of: Topher Wallace
Amanda Warner made a gift in honor of:
Sundie Ellis
Marshall and Susan Young made a gift in
honor of:
Bailey Family
Ginsburg Family
Steven Baird
Goff Family
Kingsbery Baldwin
Gorski Family
Berry Family
Griffin Family
Margery Berry
R.J. Griffin Family
Stephen Berry
Hayes Family
Mr. and Mrs. Bornitz
Herd Family
Boschini Family
Hillard Family
Boswell Family
Hodges Family
Brants Family
Hogg Family
Bratton Family
Hoover Family
Brown Family
House Family
Brunette Family
Hubbard Family
Burton Family
Hudson Family
Closuit Family
Hyde Family
Cole Family
Jones Family
Corbett Family
Keffler Family
Coslik Family
Craig Kelly Family
Cowan Family
Todd Kelly Family
Leigh Crates
W. Whitney Kelly Family
Crawford Family
Bryan King
Crockett Family
Kirtley Family
Glenn Darden Family Kleberg Family
Thomas Darden Family Kleinheinz Family
Davidson Family
Kobs Family
Davis Family
Laughlin Family
William Davis Family Levy Family
Dike Family
Lilly Family
Dillard Family
Lindsey Family
Robert Dupree
Brook Lively
Dyess Family
Maddox Family
Judy Eagle
Michael Mallick Family
Edwards Family
Stephen Mallick Family
Epstein Family
Martin Family
Ewin Family
Eddie Martin Family
Fant Family
Matthews Family
Felton Family
J. Kelly McColm Family
Fleet Family
Mike McColm Family
Fortson Family
McLaughlin Family
Fraser Family
Miller Family
Gaffin Family
Jeffrey Miller Family
Garza Family
Montesi Family
Gentry Family
Moore Family
Genua Family
Morgan Family
Gideon Family
Moritz Family
reACH
23
Memorials
Motley Family
Pamela Murrin
Myers Family
Neely Family
Newberry Family
Michael Nolan Family
Stephen Nolan Family
Tim Nolan Family
William Nolan Family
Norman Family
The Parker Family
The Parten Family
The Patton Family
The Paukune Family
John Roby Penn, III
Pergande Family
Philpott Family
Pigman Family
Porter Family
Prioleau Family
Pruitt Family
Puff Family
Purvis Family
Rainbolt Family
Rajan Family
Ray Family
Reid Family
Ryan Family
Win Ryan Family
Rynd Family
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schutts
Searcy Family
Self Family
Shoppa Family
Mr. and Mrs. Don Siratt, Sr.
Smith Family
B. Blain Smith
Dee Smith Family
Stephens Family
Stepp Family
Gift Planning.
Stupfel Family
Tabor Family
Daniel Tatum and
Martha Cox
White Family
Young Family
Thomas Family
Turner Family
Wagner Family
Walsh Family
Waltrip Family
Williamson Family
Phillip Williamson Family
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Wilson
Woodson Family
George M. Young Family
George M. Young, Jr. Family
Goah Summers Barnes, Jr.
Shannon Cooper
Mr. and Mrs. Don G. Sanford
Sheila Stocker
Wynelle Beecher
Marshall and Melba Wright
Anna Melissa Hogsett “Chissa” Gordon
Lou Ann Blaylock
Helen Little
Dr. and Mrs. Brent Hicks
Steve and Melisa Schultz
Lisa Lynne Lowrey
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Smith
Jim Newman
Marian Smith
Jayme Raymond
Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Magallanes
It’s Your Legacy.
A crisis can strike any family at any time, and ACH remains
steadfast in our commitment to be there when it does.
ACH was founded by forward-thinking and innovative women with care and
concern for this community’s children and families. What began in the first
quarter of the 20th century has grown because of the generosity of bold
women and men with similar vision and values. There are many ways to
support high-quality services that help youth and families overcome life’s
challenges:
• Your annual gift has immediate impact. An outright gift is put to immediate
use supporting any one of our 18 programs delivered 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, 365 days a year.
• Your legacy gift through your will/bequest puts your values into action. While
taking care of loved ones, you may also designate a perpetual source of
income to bring innovative solutions to meet complex child welfare issues
here in our neighborhoods and communities. Here’s sample language:
“I give to All Church Home for Children Foundation, a corporation having its principal office at 3712 Wichita Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76110, ( )% of my residuary estate to be used for the general purposes of supporting ACH Child and Family Services’ mission.”
We will be happy to visit with you and your family about your special
interests. Please contact Barbara Shelton, CFRE, at 817.886.7115
or [email protected].
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
3712 Wichita Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76119
www.ACHservices.org
Join us on
/ACHchildandfamily
Community Partner
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Nondenominational
•
Minutes from downtown Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX
Permit No. 156