Santa Maria providing services since 1950s

2012 Gala Invitations

The Santa Maria 2012 "Over the Rainbow" Gala will be held Friday, Feb. 3, at the Houstonian Hotel. Invitations are now available as well as Reponse Cards. The gala will honor County Judge Ed and Mrs. Gwen Emmett and is chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hidalgo and Mr. and Mrs. Norman Nolasco.

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A Client Thank You From the Heart

Mrs. White, My name is Heather Gilmore and I was a client of yours from November 08' until early April of 09'. My son Jonathan and I were sent to your facility by CPS, as many of the women with children were. It has been almost 3 years now since we walked through the gate at the Jacquelyn Street location.

During our stay I went through many ups and downs and battled many demons from my past. Even then I was so thankful that God, CPS, my family, and the caring staff at Santa Maria intervened and took control of a life that I had lost control of on my own. I had been a drug addict for most of my life at that point and honestly did not know any other way of living, nor did I care to.

The minute my son and I arrived at your facility, I knew that we were going to be okay. I was faced with losing my beautiful son and knew exactly what had to be done to ensure that it did not happen. I still remember the pain in the eyes of the two mothers I saw lose their children because even though given the chance to start over, they chose to continue on in the lifestyles that had led them there. I knew that I could never let that happen to my son.

I want to thank you, Mr. Don, and Mrs. Nicole from the bottom of my heart for all that you wonderful people do. As I said, it has been almost three years now and life couldn't be any better. I have changed my life for the better by finally entering college to pursue a degree. At the moment I have a 3.79 GPA and I will have my Associates degree in June of 2012. I will then begin training to earn a Certified Prevention Specialist certificate followed by my Bachelors in Psychology shortly thereafter.

I expressed my interest in becoming an LCDC while learning the steps of recovery and I am proud to say that I am making that dream come true. Again, you are all wonderful people and I am so blessed to have been sent to your facility. I thank you, my mother thanks you, and even though he does not understand, my son thanks you.

New VIEWS supports female Veterans

Santa Maria is proud to announce an exciting program addition at its Jacquelyn House location. The New VIEWS program is Houston’s first transitional housing and supportive services program for female Veterans. New VIEWS (Veteran Initiative Empowering Women's Stability, Skills, and Self-Determination) creates 24 new transitional housing beds for homeless female Veterans, as well as offers a comprehensive continuum of care through a menu of supportive services based on individualized needs, to include: transitional housing for up to 12 months; case management; referrals and information; educational and vocational services; life skills training; parenting classes; transportation assistance; integrated mental health services; and, residential and/or outpatient substance abuse treatment if needed. For more information or admissions to this program, please call 713.957.2413.

This program is made possible by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Programs and the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. Funding for this grant comes from a portion of Veterans scratch-off lottery ticket sales. Visit the Texas Veterans Commission web site or call 1-800-252-VETS (8387) for more information.

Donation Needs for Supportive Housing Programs

Santa Maria’s Bonita House now offers housing for clients successfully completing residential drug and alcohol treatment and for homeless women in need of housing to provide stability and rent relief while they pursue their education and obtain work.

These clients are in need of the basic supplies to set up house keeping. We ask for your help in providing them with these basics for their new apartment unit:

• Twin bed linens
• Comforters
• Pillows
• Towels and washcloths
• Pots and Pans
• Cleaning Supplies
• Notebook Paper and Pens
• Career Clothing
• Career Shoes
• Children’s School Supplies
• Baby Formula and Diapers

Donations are accepted at 2605 Parker Road and 2005 Jacquelyn, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Please call 713-691-0900 for drop off information. Thank you in advance for your donations.

Volunteers Needed for the Cuddles Program

While our clients are attending individual and group treatment sessions, outpatient services, and educational programs, we are in need of volunteers to cuddle and care for our clients infant children and mentors/tutors to work with our client’s preschool and school age children.  Please call Amelia Murphy at 713-691-0900 to get more information for individual and group volunteer opportunities.