DePaul Expressions Vol XXI Number 3

This issue is sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners.

Volume XXI • Number 3 • fall 2023

IN THIS ISSUE: Camp, Connection, and Journeys to Forever Building a Beautiful Life Together

Gratitude and Growth

As I sit down to write this message and reflect on my first year as CEO, I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude for the journey we’ve embarked on together over the past year. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. When I assumed this role, I was filled with both excitement and an intense sense of responsibility. I knew I had big shoes to fill, as my predecessor had left an indelible mark on the organization. With your steadfast support, we’ve been able to build on that strong foundation and boldly move forward. This year, we have opened a new location in Hanover, which will increase our ability to support individuals in the Richmond area. We have expanded our kinship care efforts, recognizing that children deserve to stay connected to their families whenever possible and have the best outcomes when they do. As an organization, we have implemented a structured hybrid work environment that embraces both flexibility and the need for connection for our staff. As I look back over this year, I can think of many triumphs and moments of joy that we have created and celebrated together. At the same time, we have emerged into the unknown territory of a world post-pandemic. Your belief in our mission has been a source of motivation behind all our achievements, and your continued commitment inspires us to dream bigger and reach higher in the years to come. Our journey is far from over, and we still have many mountains to climb. But I am filled with hope and determination, knowing that we have you standing by our side. It is because of you that we can continue making a difference in the lives of those who need us most. With much gratitude,

Renee Brown President and CEO

T hank you for making Bridge to Hope possible.

The Bridge to Hope Fund is continuing to meet needs in your community thanks to your generous support. Now in the fund’s third year, your contributions have helped 43 children, 19 individuals with disabilities, and 54 families access critical supplies, equipment, and services when every other possible funding stream said “no.” This year your support changed the life of Emily and her family. Emily came into foster care when she was 2 years old with significant, frequent health problems. She has been receiving medical care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Without the Bridge to Hope fund, this family’s hardship would have been even harder. Your support helped a family stay together while their little girl received life-saving care. Your gifts allowed them to stay with Emily when she needed both her parents by her side and will forever impact their lives. There are many more stories of life-changing and life-saving support from the Bridge to Hope Fund. And we have more work to do. With your help, we will continue to bridge gaps and say, “yes,” when it really matters most. After years of suffering and extensive testing, she was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis due to genetic mutations. She has been the recipient of several procedures to manage the disease, unfortunately without sustainable success. With all other viable options exhausted, she needed a total pancreatectomy, which involves the permanent removal of the entire pancreas, spleen, appendix, gallbladder and rerouting her gastrointestinal tract. The Bridge to Hope fund was able to provide assistance for her adoptive family, covering some of the cost of travel, hotel stays, and food while they are away from home and missing work to care for her.

Fund Balance $24,906

Funds Used $33,534

Total Raised $58,440

Camp, Connection, and Journeys to Forever Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Ashley Michelle Photography

From the ropes course to the creek and all the crafts and dances in between, this year’s Post-Adoption Summer Camp was a day to remember. “Family camp was super fun,” said Jaelynn. “I really liked the hike and the food. I can’t wait to go back next year!” The post-adoption program is supported by a generous grant from the Virginia Department

more relaxed, and refreshed and ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. “Family camp was a wonderful experience,” said Jessica. “We could just relax and be ourselves, with no judgement.” Much like the camp, the post-adoption program is designed to support and improve the lives of adoptive families. Every day, the post-adoption

of Social Services. Through the program, DePaul, in part nership with Commonwealth Catholic Charities, offers free support services to families who have a legal, finalized adoption. The annual summer camp is a chance for families and children to make and

team works to ensure that each adoptive family is connected to a caring community of individu als that understands their successes and challenges. “ P o s t - a d o p t i o n supports have changed our lives for the better,” said

“Family camp was super fun. I really liked the hike and the food. I can’t wait to go back next year!”

— JAELYNN

strengthen connections, build positive attachment, and take a break from the stresses of everyday life. This year, 23 families attended the camp held at Apple Ridge Farm in Copper Hill. Activities ranged from swimming, an environmental program, a Lego team building challenge, and an interactive story time. And kids were especially excited for the visiting ice cream truck. While Post-Adoption Summer Camp only lasts a day, it makes a positive impact in the lives of fami lies who attend. They leave camp more connected,

Nicole. “We are so grateful for the services and how they have helped us through some tough times and helped us grow closer together." “We have loved our opportunity to work with DePaul for all our post-adoption needs,” said the Humphrey family. “Every experience has been so much fun for our family.” Whether it’s navigating a ropes course together at camp or meeting in a monthly support group, families in the program are promised they will not walk their unique journeys alone.

4 | FALL 2023

Building a Beautiful

Life Together Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Kylie Hinson Photography

It was loss that led Sharon to a life of caregiv ing. Her daughter was born with a serious health condition and sadly passed away at the age of 7. It was heartbreaking, life changing, and eye opening. “During that journey, I saw that there were a lot of kids with special needs that needed support, love, and care,” said Sharon. Sharon’s caregiving journey has taken her from supervising day support programs to working in group homes and then to becoming part of DePaul’s Sponsored Residential program where she met “Jenna Benna” and began compassionately caring for her.

space,” said Sharon. “She wasn’t used to going out in the community.” Today, Jenna is an active part of her commu nity. She attends school, loves going shopping (especially for sparkly clothes), hands out hugs freely, and has even made friends with firefight ers at the local fire department. She has built a strong bond with Sharon, her new siblings, and the extended family. “It is amazing and wonderful to see the change in her,” said Sharon. While Sharon and Jenna began their journey

with DePaul in the Amelia office, they have now transitioned to the organization’s new Hanover office. They are looking forward to being closer to the unwavering support of DePaul staff members. “Everyone with DePaul that I’ve met—no matter what office they’re in—has been professional, loving, and willing to listen to us,” said Sharon.

“There’s nothing compared to the love that we get from her and the love that we give back to her,” said Sharon. Jenna’s life before the spon sored residential program looked very different. “When she first arrived, she would go and stand in the corner, and I realized that was her safe

“There’s nothing compared to the

love that we get from her and the love that we give back to her.”

— SHARON

7 | FALL 2023

Give a Gift from the Heart this Holiday Season

There is more work in the coming year and many

more in need of hope and belonging. With you by our side, we are ready. We have changed lives in 2023. Your year-end gift will make the difference in accomplishing incredible things in 2024.

Here are examples, taken from real requests, of how your donation could make a lasting impact:

❤ $25 could provide a young child struggling to communicate with her foster parents a therapeutic tool to help her feel more comfortable speaking to them. ❤ $75 could provide a weighted therapy blanket for a young child in foster care so he can sleep in his new surroundings and achieve a greater overall feeling of calmness. ❤ $150 could provide an elderly individual with disabilities a sliding shower chair so he can continue to shower independently and safely. ❤ $225 could provide special eyewear for a young child with a disability to correct her vision. ❤ $450 could provide funds for a driver’s training course and license fees for a young adult in our Independent Living program. Our work remains possible because you believe in what we do. May you be blessed this holiday season with love, opportunity, and health.

To make an impactful year-end gift, please find the envelope enclosed or visit depaulcr.org/donate.