Low Masters Car Club teamed up with friends Viejitos Car Club, H-bombs Car Club and Brown Impressions Car Club on Christmas Eve to lead TEAM Maldonado in a parade through the neighborhood and then the parking lot of Bonita House… with the most important guest of all… Santa Claus bringing up the last vehicle in the parade. In a truck loaded with toys and good cheer, Omar Maldonado arrived to provide the HO HO HO in our Christmas Eve afternoon. Residents, children and staff all lined up to watch the parade led by off-duty police as motorcycle escorts.
A New Partnership with BCBS of Texas
Nine years ago, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) began the Healthy Kids Healthy Families program started as a three-year initiative designed to improve the health and wellness of at least one million children through community investments. The program was extended as BCBSTX’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of children and families in Texas. The program has impacted the lives of millions of Texas children and families through the more than $14 million in grants awarded by BCBSTX to community organizations statewide. BCBSTX — the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas — is the largest provider of health benefits in the state
BCBSTX recently announced it was awarding $1.8 million from their Healthy Kids, Healthy Families initiative to 28 community-based organizations statewide. Santa Maria was fortunate to be one of the beneficiary agencies. The grant will support our Caring for Two (CFT) program. This is our first award from BCBSTX.
“This year’s grant process was especially important given the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sheena Payne, BCBSTX’s director of Community Investments. “So, we are happy to award these grants that will support and nurture meaningful and transformational projects across Texas. Strategically, it is also important that we continue to aid community- based organizations that are directly supporting children and families who have been impacted by the health, economic, and social implications of this pandemic.
Indeed, our CFT is one of the most transformative programs in our portfolio. CFT provides evidence-based support, education and tools to help vulnerable families improve their ability to appropriately care for, nourish and interact with their young children. At its’ foundation, CFT promotes healthy infant-child development through improving the home environment and caregiver competencies, attitudes, and behaviors. A crucial component of the work includes improving the mother’s mental and physical health so she is better able to bond with and care for her child. CFT helps mothers sustain long- term recovery from substance use, provides the entire family with education, skills and support to commit to and sustain positive behavioral changes and builds resiliency in children to mitigate trauma. It is a natural extension of our continuum of care and has been experiencing rapid growth since its inception in 2013.
CFT serves women who are pregnant or have children up to 18 months, their children and families. The program engages women as early in pregnancy as possible to help reduce potential health risks to the baby’s developing brain, from maternal alcohol or drug use and to assist the mother in developing the support and skills needed to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for her infant. The program targets lower income women at risk for or using/dependent on alcohol and drugs, including those with co-occurring mental health disorders and histories of trauma.
CFT uses an integrated, multi-disciplinary team, including Parent Coaches (master level counselors or LCDCs), Nurse Health Educators, Peer Recovery Coaches/Linkage Specialists, and a Consultant Physician. Services include parenting education, parent coaching to model positive parenting behaviors, baby safety and infant care, screening for postpartum depression and other behavioral health disorders, peer support, trauma and mental health counseling, health care navigation, care coordination and case management to assist with benefits enrollment, transportation and housing assistance.
Our staff tailors services to each mother-child dyad and family, providing services in individual or group format, at the home or a community based site, to best meet family needs. In addition, CFT works with partner healthcare and social services providers to improve their ability to serve vulnerable families impacted by substance use and/or trauma through the provision of education, training, technical assistance, and onsite support through co-location and integration of services. CFT services are currently provided for the residents of our treatment program as well as at 18 partner locations to improve care access. Due to COVID protocols, a number of our community services now are offered virtually and we are looking forward to the day when we can fully return to the field.
Santa Maria is grateful for the support of this new partner and look forward to a long and productive partnership with of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
Riding Out The Storm
We are so grateful for the many inquiries of how we fared during the snow storm and the frigid temperatures. Like most of the city, indeed the state of Texas, we were hampered with loss of power, water and a few broken pipes. Luckily, no lasting damage or injuries came our way. We had 154 women in residence, 36 children and 52 babies under the age of one at our three properties.
Many of our staff were unable to get to work on Monday and so those that were on property stayed extra hours and even overnight to provide all necessary services. While visiting with the clients on Sunday, they each had stories to tell of banding together and “riding it out” as a community. Their spirits were high and they had great respect for those that stayed with them and made sure they were safe.
Sharing some of their comments:
“It was kind of fun, we had to live “wilderness style”, melting the snow to use for our toilets.”
“I knew it wasn’t going to be forever and I had faith and hope that we would help each other. And we did.”
“I am really grateful to have been a part of that, God was blessing us in different ways during the storm, you could feel it in the ambience, everyone was calm.”
“Our counselor braved the roads each day to be with us, she is the bomb.”
“Our tech staff cooked our meals and then delivered it to our rooms three times each day so our children did not have to go out. They did everything we needed.”
“I was so grateful to be here, instead of the county jail, where I came from. We were safe and they took good care of us.”
“We did peer-led support groups: AA twice a day, relapse prevention and more to stay on track.”
“One of the techs stayed four days in a row, sleeping in her office. She took care of everything. Just to thank her, we made her a poster to hang on her wall at home. She was amazing.”
“It was actually fun at first, we made snowmen in the courtyard and had snowball fights. We were like kids.”
“We made the best of it. Some of the girls were braiding hair and giving each other new hairstyles. We are looking pretty good!”
“My 8 month old made us all happy. She was happy regardless. She didn’t know anything was going wrong. They brought in generators and heaters, so we were warm.”
“Our outpatient group met in the dark of our homes on ZOOM, on our phones. We needed the support and our counselor led a great group. It was kind of weird, but it worked.”
Special thanks to:
CenterPoint Energy for the large donation of food for our pantry. It was plenty to restock both kitchens.
Jake’s Finer Foods for making a difficult delivery on icy roads to make sure we didn’t go without.
Harris County Supervision and Corrections Department and Gateway Operations for delivering generators and heaters for our moms with young children.
Want to help? Please think of sending a cash donation or providing some of our basic needs. Call or e-mail Marcia Chaney at 832-236-8611 to learn more.
Will You Be Her Valentine?
SHARE YOUR LOVE!
Give An Act Of Kindness
In today’s world, we can all benefit from some positivity. We’d like to encourage you to feel empowered and share kindness with our women residents, who are working hard on their recovery journey.
DONATE INSPIRATIONAL T-SHIRTS
At Santa Maria, most of our residents arrive with just the clothes they are wearing, or only a few more. Many new participants come from homelessness or directly from incarceration. Our campus is a casual setting and T-shirts (long and/or short sleeve) provide the perfect solution to outfitting those that need the help.
Our goal for this Valentine’s day is to provide our residents with inspirational T-shirts… a piece of clothing that will provide them with comfort, confidence and hope.
Please help us reach our goal for this Valentine’s day.
With just one-click, below, you can view our Gift Registry on AMAZON, and give an act of kindness for our adult residents…
They Said It Best… THANK YOU! (click for video)
Shedding Light On Substance Use Disorder
Providing Connection; Providing Heart
Connection is one of the most important treatments of substance use disorder (SUD). Connecting with other human beings that share similar experiences is one of the strongest components for recovery. This connecting ability can turn pain to passion to purpose, bringing about hope and strength for a recovery journey.
Substance use disorder is part of our shared human experience, like so many of the other diseases we face. Although we recognize hypertension, diabetes and other illnesses with a regular, accepted course of treatment, we lag behind in understanding the treatment of SUD. Many healthcare providers and community contacts are not trained to treat addiction like they are prepared to treat other chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Our community protocols for COVID have exposed many of the systems that revolve around the stigma of this disease. They have dissolved connection and forced isolation. That stigma is detrimental to the treatment and recovery methods available for someone facing this issue. Stigma allows those suffering to internalize what they believe everyone else seems to think about them and their supposed weaknesses, which causes the low self-esteem that makes recovery illusive. This stigma, entrenched in our culture and disproportionately affecting women and people of color, limits the options and the resources available for recovery and wellness.
How Do We Fight The Stigma?
We provide a safe space for treatment and harm-reduction. We lead with education and relapse prevention skills. We connect a community of services and increase the scope of the recovery community itself.
Here at Santa Maria, we also celebrate and share stories of recovery in order to change attitudes and behaviors. We know that story- sharing increases curiosity and conversation, giving a different perspective to affected lives, allowing the reader to walk in another’s shoes, if only for a while. We also know that language shapes perception and realize that we know many good women who have a difficult disease. We don’t allow for conversations of bad decisions, bad morals and bad hearts. We know that substance use steals the very soul that makes decisions, choses actions and guides hearts. We know that those who find recovery, find new joy in life and learn to turn to their new-found resiliency as a tool against stress and strife. We have learned to speak about SUD as any other medical issue and wish to share the knowledge with the medical community, our supporters and our partners. We appreciate that you are willing to join with us in bringing substance use disorders out of the shadows and into your hearts. We are grateful that you are here to support those affected and raise their stories and experiences.
Strengthening Families \ Fortaleciendo Families
Often we tell the stories of our clients’ residential treatment, the center and history of our organizational service. However, over the years, we have been adding programs that expand the continuum of care, including prevention services in the elementary schools of four different school districts; Spring Branch ISD, Alief ISD, Spring ISD and HISD. We call our program Strengthening Families, developed around a curriculum that supports parents and children exploring resiliency and strong family bonding. This past fall, the program was delivered in Spanish to Pine Shadows Elementary, Lewis Elementary and to the Christian Ministry Family Medical Health USA. The virtual classes consisted of parenting skills, children’s life skills and family skills taught through video and engaging conversation. Each was delivered with flexibility and adaptive curriculum, based on meeting the family where they were, while keeping them engaged. Our team of Tiffany Canales, Luz Mosquera and Mayda Diaz represent youth and parent prevention services expertise. They are all bi-lingual, expanding our service area and broadening our reach.
Please take a moment to hear from the parents of Pine Shadows Elementary in the Spring Branch ISD system, as they record their experiences and the lasting reflections of their participation in Strengthening Families.
Strengthening Families is just one way we develop skills and tools around lives resilient to substance use disorder.
We are here for RecovHERy!
PAC T-shirt Sale
When you buy a T-shirt, you are supporting the Peer Advisory Council of Santa Maria.
After completing the purchase transaction, bring your receipt (it can be either printed or electronically) to the Women’s Recovery Residence and Community Center as proof of purchase, so that you can pick up your items.
Pick up address:
807 Paschall St.
Houston, Tx 77009
Pick up time:
Wednesdays 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
*You must complete your purchase before 5pm on Tuesday, so that it can be picked up on Wednesday.
For any questions, you may contact Cassandra Hall by sending an email here.
To purchase PAC T-shirts, click here.
Santa Claus came to Bonita House!
Santa and his pals unloaded the truck, as each child present was able to select a toy and some wonderful donuts, pizza and juice boxes to sweeten the festivities. The cars were displayed for all to see and cameras/phones clicked with non-stop photos. Not everyone gets to have an amazing low rider antique car show, parade with Santa, toys and snacks to raise their spirits! But the lucky community at Santa Maria did and we have Omar and Anna Maldonado to thank for that! Shout out to the many volunteers and big-hearted people that made this a unique and special event.
Our Holiday Helpers… (3/3)
Our Holiday Helpers
Walmart Central Fill – We can always count on Walmart Fill to come through with gift cards and toys for our kids at the holidays! It took two drop offs to include all their generosity. Thanks to their leader, Monica Teran for organizing her team to donate these great gifts.
Peter Mott, long-time Houston recovery advocate and counselor, led his church group Knights of Peter Claver by remembering the older kids at Santa Maria. Peter went shopping and selected some really hip and cool toys that made our tweens happy. Shown here with a guitar, Peter shared his musical spirit and kindness, making the holidays a little brighter for our families.
Mercy Street – Deborah Everitt
Pictured here is Deborah as she drops off items for the nearly 45 babies in residence at Bonita House. She is one of our most faithful supporters from the team at Mercy Street.
Thanks to Lisa Williams for remembering our clients in treatment for substance use disorder. A pretty self-care bag stocked full of personal care items reminded them that there is a community that supports their courage to change. It is the generosity of people like Lisa that reminds all of us of the true giving spirit.
St. Mark’s Ministries –
Answering the call with little blessings for our babies came naturally for our friends at St. Mark’s Ministries. Elder Anthony Brodie, in the cheerful striped shirt, led the drive to collect these items.
It’s individuals like Monica Barger (pictured on right) and her children that truly spread Christmas cheer and spirit. Their family vehicle was packed with games, activity books, toys and stockings for all as they stopped by Bonita House to donate them! We are so grateful.
St. Pius X High School
Pictured here are several of the community minded high school students from St. Pius!! Their annual toy drive for Santa Maria was again an important holiday tradition. We are so grateful for the school’s continued support.
LeeAnn Alutto glows with a giving spirit! She shows that one individual can make a huge difference. Her generous gift of baby clothing and accessories were quickly distributed to our new moms! Thanks for caring so deeply, LeeAnn!
The sweet Angela Manuel and her “Sassy Sisters” group contacted Santa Maria for the first time this season. They wanted to help in any way they could. Their first donation was a carload of baby items, always needed. Now they are concentrating on welcoming backpacks with essential clothing items for survivors of sex trafficking who are joining our new STARS program. Thanks, Angela for your leadership and love.
Three cheers for the Blue Santa Program and the Houston Police Department. This annual toy drive makes a huge difference in our community. For several years running, they have stopped by our door and provided beautiful new toys and gifts for our kids and teens. Our delivery was made by the Homeless Outreach Team – special angels of service. We appreciate the service of HPD and are grateful that they remembered their friends at Santa Maria.
For the seventh year in a row, AWTY International School collected toys for the children at Santa Maria. Even with COVID protocols making the exchange difficult, we were amazed to see the beautiful toys arrive on campus. We appreciate the administration’s giving heart and continued support.
Lush new linens arrived through various direct shipments from our great partner, Holy Family Episcopal Church. The beautiful comforters, sheets sets and towels sets will certainly brighten the rooms of our clients as they settle in to their new home. Leave it to Holy Family to send these practical and beautiful gifts for Christmas.
In case you missed the video of the Toy Store set up at the Jacquelyn House, click here.
Our Holiday Helpers…(2/3)
Our Holiday Helpers
2 of 3
We received so many gifts and blessings of attention during the holidays, it will take three emails to recognize them all! Almost daily in December, some caring organization, individual or faith community pulled up to our front door and unloaded their vehicles of toys, clothing, basic needs for babies and self-care toiletry items. The week of Christmas, staff lovingly arranged all the donations in two stores that were created for each campus. With encouragement and support, each of our resident mothers shopped for the perfect gifts to give to their children. They also wrote holiday cards to include in their gift choices, which may have been the sweetest gift of all. Many were moved to tears and expressed their amazement at the incredible selection for all age groups. Knowing that there are so many in our city that support their choice to be in treatment is really touching, strangers who care are not usually so obvious.
Take a moment to view the video of one of the stores and the clients who enjoyed them. You won’t want to miss it!
The Smith Foundation – A U-Haul Truck filled with baby items and toys pulled up into Santa Maria’s parking lot mid- December and we have The Smith Foundation thank for the bounty. We were very excited to meet and greet Harry Leonard Smith, Mya Smith-Edmonds and 8 other members of the Smith Family, who came to spread so much joy around campus. Some members of this foundation flew from Indiana to be there with us! A heart-felt thank you to you all for impacting directly the lives of our residents who are working very hard to rebuild their lives. You are making the difference.
Sons of Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 1 – An abundance of blessings were delivered to Santa Maria. Led by Mark Black with the Sons of Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 1. Joined in the effort were the spirited chapters of the Eastern Star; Daughters of Faith Chapter No. 4, Faith Chapter No. 35 and Daughters of Deborah Chapter No. 1. The Lodge gathered gift certificates for the older kids and educational toys for the toddlers. The ladies stuffed purses and festive bags with self-care items for each of our residents! Everything happened right before a blustery rain but everyone remained dry and happy. We are grateful for their generous gifts.
Texas Corvette Cruisers – On Sunday, December 20 the Texas Corvette Cruisers passed by the entrance of Bonita House and dropped off toys and gifts for our residents. The moms and children at home that afternoon were treated to a look-see in the parking lot and then cheered as the classic, pristine cars pulled by and dropped presents off as they left. This was the Corvette Cruisers first toy drive but they had so much fun, they vowed it would not be the last. Thanks to Pastor Sidney Marion and Frank Satcherwhite, President for creating this unique social distancing fun provided for Santa Maria.
Kutie Pie and D12 – Although the names sound like a great band, D12 – Distinguished Ones on Twos is actually a community- minded motorcycle club. After serving the homeless lunch downtown, they continued their day of service with a generous drop off of some of our most basic needs; diapers, diaper wipes and baby blankets. They are a spirited and fun group who just like to ‘do good’. They promise they will be back and we promise that they made us smile!
Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation and Harris County Public Library join forces for literacy and language! – On Saturday, December 19, the kids at Bonita House were treated to a visit from the Curiosity Cruiser, a library on wheels. Both organizations strive to provide reading materials and create programs that foster a love of books. Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation has been a great supporter of our early language and maternal bonding development efforts. They have promised to return once our children can safely explore the Cruiser.
Paschall House -our Women Recovery Residence and Community Center had an early celebration thanks to friends and colleagues, Kristina Dorsey and Melissa Garcia who set up a socially distanced party on the deck for the 6 lucky families at Paschall House on Friday, December 18. They requested the preferences and sizes of each of the children and the kids were showered with clothing, toys, books and games. Since Paschall is a true community, it felt like a family celebration as young tots and moms munched on Christmas cookies while they were delighted with their presents. Our hostesses made the event special, even outside! Thanks for your love and caring, Tina and Melissa, you brightened our holidays in every way.
It took Lisa Lyerly of Archway Academy, three trips to bring all of the gifts that were donated by her school. For years, the students, families and staff have brought LOADS of joy to us at the holidays. Although we normally have the students meet our kids and just PLAY together… this year they made up the distance with even more presents. Archway Academy is a way through… a sober high school in the heart of Houston. They meet the needs of teens recovering from substance use disorder with care, compassion, respect and rigor. Kudos to Lisa and her team for modeling community involvement and support in the students’ studies.
The Living Legacy Center – Just at the right time we received a call from this group. They wanted to help make the holidays brighter for our residents and so they did! Sixty care packages were quickly and nicely put together by members of this organization and personally delivered by Lauren Johnson on Tuesday, December 22. Our residents at the Jacqueline Campus received them the very same day and were very appreciative… thank you to the Living Legacy Center, we hope to have you back soon.
St. Rose of Lima School – How lucky we are to have received several cases of coats for our residents and their children right before the latest cold snap. Pictured here are two of the students from St. Rose of Lima School who coordinated the drive with their classmates. Thanks to student Maggie Padilla for getting in touch with us and making this happen. This winter our residents are feeling the warmth of your caring and concern!
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