Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos strives to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect for at-risk infants, children and their families by providing comprehensive residential and family support programs that transform people and communities.
Kathy Foster founded Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos in 1982 when she learned of the death of a toddler due to abuse by his mother’s new boyfriend. Kathy was so moved that, with a meager $500 donation, she began providing emergency foster care for children at risk of abuse and neglect and case management services for parents in crisis.
For forty years, Casa de Esperanza has provided safety formore than 6,500 abused, neglected and at-risk infants and young children in thegreater Houston area. From the first house in Houston’s Third Ward, Casa deEsperanza has grown into a trauma-informed, holistic program with a gatedneighborhood of 10 homes near the Texas Medical Center and numerous communityfoster families, providing a comprehensive continuum of care for children andfamilies in need.
We know that even one day in care can make a huge differencefor a traumatized or neglected child. The people who choose to join us asFoster Parents come from different backgrounds, but their primary motivation isto make a difference in the lives of children. Here is a story from one of ourfoster mothers:
The thought of children going to bed hungry, scared andunloved breaks my heart. My husband and I were so impressed by what Casa deEsperanza was doing in our communit, that we knew we wanted to be a part of themission. What we didn’t expect was to instantly fall in love with each andevery child that came into our home as if they were our own. One child, 3-monthold Jesse, was only happy being held in the football hold. Like any parentswould, we spent two weeks taking turns constantly soothing him in this manner.It was hilarious and exhausting at the same time, and it is memories like thesethat we cherish.
Over the past three years we have cared for fivechildren. Our daughters are now six and four, and they only know life as afoster family. They constantly ask us, “when will we get to take care ofanother baby?” I love that we’re raising girls who understand the importance ofhelping those who are less fortunate. Knowing that for just a few days, or afew weeks, or a few months that an infant or toddler in our care is fed, heldand loved, makes the sadness of them leaving a little easier. We look forwardto the impact we get to make in our community and in the lives of children whodeserve nothing less than to know their worth and how much they are loved.
If you’re interested in learning more about Casa deEsperanza de los Ninos and exploring job opportunities with this organization,visit their Partner Organization Profile.
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