www.cbcst.org A Newsletter to the Community from The Friends of the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas Fall 2008 Nearly 100 guests enjoyed an intimate gathering at the San Antonio Country Club on September 16th for the third annual President’s Club Benefit. By the conclusion of the evening, over $112,000 had been generated toward the overall campaign goal of $290,000. Guests were deeply touched by the heartfelt story of Mike and Christina Coffey, who lost their wife and mother from cancer when Christina was only nine years old. Christina, now 15, and her father shared how e Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas helped them walk through their journey of grief following her death. A talented young writer, Christina also shared an intimate story she wrote that reflected on the day her mother died. It is such an insightful glimpse into her heart that we asked her permission to reprint it in Heartstrings. My alarm rang awakening me from my dreams. A bowl of cereal was waiting as I settled myself at the kitchen table. Listening to the snap, crackle, and pop of my rice krispies, I thought of the day ahead. It was just another day. I said goodbye to my father, my mother who was sick with cancer, my grandparents, and my brother who was only three years old. Out the door I ran headed for the bus stop on a lovely April morning. I took my normal seat and shot a glance back at the house where my family waved. e bus rumbled back to life and was on its way to pick up some other elementary students heading to Hardy Oak Elementary. It was just another day. After what seemed like hours, the bus’s engine slowly went to a stop, and we parked behind the other buses which held many other students including my fourth grade class mates. e wind ran through my long, brown hair as I sprinted to the gym to By age 16, one out of five children in the United States will experience the death of a parent. In addition, research suggests that approximately 90% of all students will face the death of a sibling, relative or close friend before finishing high school. For children living with the impending or actual death of a loved one, grief alters their understanding of family structure and blurs their sense of security and their ability to hope and plan for the future. Depending on their age and understanding of death and dying, children experiencing grief may begin to question their own mortality and the mortality of their surviving relatives and friends. ey may vacillate between periods of acceptance and denial. Our programs implement therapeutic activities that aid in family communication surrounding matters of grief. At the heart of our services is the belief that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinct approach to healing. e Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) is the only non-profit organization in the south Texas region that provides on-going free-of-charge peer support group programs for children and their families. To continue these programs, we need your help. By giving to our Healing Hearts Campaign, you can help make sure that every grieving boy and girl and their caregivers can participate in peer support group programs at the CBCST. With your generous gift, you make it possible for us to mend young hearts, one child at a time. Christina and her father, Mike Coffey. C A M P A I G N e Power of One Gift e 2008 Healing Hearts Campaign goal is $290,000. Our campaign kicked off with a total of over $112,000 raised in September. 100% of every dollar goes directly to providing programs and services for grieving children and families. • $5,000 provides 62 peer support sessions • $2,500 provides expressive art supplies for 25 children for one year • $1,200 provides one year of Peer Support Group services for a child • $1,000 provides grief support training for 50 elementary school teachers and counselors • $500 provides underwriting for five counseling sessions with a licensed professional counselor or social worker • $250 provides support for one “Understanding Grief ” community workshop • $100 provides one month of Peer Support Group services or counseling support sessions for one child Make Your Donation Today By pledging your gift and paying it throughout the year, you can assist more children. Contributions may be made by cash, check, American Express, Discover, VISA or MasterCard and can be mailed using the enclosed envelope. Final payment on your 2008 pledge need not be made until September 30, 2009, and e Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas can send you monthly or quarterly reminders to fulfill your pledge. Your generous contributions may be sent by mail using the enclosed envelope or you may visit the CBCST at 332 West Craig Place near downtown San Antonio. For more information or to volunteer for the campaign, please call Tracey Mather at (210) 736-4847 ext. 223 or send an email to [email protected]. Give to the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and Help Mend Hearts One Child at a Time A Moment in Time, Presented and Written by Christina Coffey wait for school to start. I placed myself on the hard gym floor and waited. It was just another day. e bell rang, and in a single file line my fourth grade class walked to Mrs. Palen’s classroom. I placed my bag in my cubby and sat at my assigned desk. We said the Pledge of Allegiance and listened to announcements. Mrs. Palen started off the class with a friendly hello. We went over the agenda and began the lesson. It was just another day. Mrs. Palen presented the topic of the day when suddenly I heard the intercom beep. “Christina Coffey to the front office.” It said. I packed my bag and headed out of the classroom as soon as my teacher instructed. I wondered to myself what was so important that I have to go home so early. I turned the corner just around the library to see my dad standing there looking at me. I suddenly was overwhelmed with worry, wondering if I had done something wrong. I quickly closed the space between us. e lady at the front office watched us go with sadness in her eyes. We walked down the long hall way to the double doors. “Is mom okay?” I asked my dad. “Well, no.” he replied in a painful voice. We sat down on a bench outside the school, and I stared out into the parking lot worried again, but for a different reason. en, he told me. Mom had passed away. It was April 23, 2003. We sat on the bench and cried until our eyes hurt. After what felt like years, my dad got up, and I followed with tears in my eyes. We slipped into the car and headed to our destination, the hospital. e car seemed sluggishly slow and the traffic seemed endless. Why me? Why her? Why now? I asked myself. Once we were in the hospital, my dad and I weren’t the only ones crying. My grandparents and my great aunt were there sobbing as well. Even my mother’s doctor was crying a little. en, it was time to see my mom. As I walked into the room, I saw my mom’s lifeless body. I stared at the lips that would never smile again. I looked at the brain that would never think again, the lungs that would never breathe again, the heart that would never beat again. is was not just another day.
Transcript
www.cbcst.org
A Newsletter to the Community from The Friends of the Children’s Bereavement Center of South TexasFall 2008
Nearly 100 guests enjoyed an intimate gathering at the San Antonio Country Club on September 16th for the third annual President’s Club Benefit. By the conclusion of the evening, over $112,000 had been generated toward the overall campaign goal of $290,000.
Guests were deeply touched by the heartfelt story of Mike and Christina Coffey, who lost their wife and mother from cancer when Christina was only nine years old. Christina, now 15, and her father shared how The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas helped them walk through their journey of grief following her death. A talented young writer, Christina also shared an intimate story she wrote that reflected
on the day her mother died. It is such an insightful glimpse into her heart that we asked her permission to reprint it in Heartstrings. My alarm rang awakening me from my dreams. A bowl of cereal was waiting as I settled myself at the kitchen table. Listening to the snap, crackle, and pop of my rice krispies, I thought of the day ahead. It was just another day.
I said goodbye to my father, my mother who was sick with cancer, my grandparents, and my brother who was only three years old. Out the door I ran headed for the bus stop on a lovely April morning. I took my normal seat and shot a glance back at the house where my family waved. The bus rumbled back to life and was on its way to pick up some other elementary students heading to Hardy Oak Elementary. It was just another day.
After what seemed like hours, the bus’s engine slowly went to a stop, and we parked behind the other buses which held many other students including my fourth grade class mates. The wind ran through my long, brown hair as I sprinted to the gym to
By age 16, one out of five children in the United States will experience the death of a parent. In addition, research suggests that approximately 90% of all students will face the death of a sibling, relative or close friend before finishing high school. For children living with the impending or actual death of a loved one, grief alters their understanding of family structure and blurs their sense of security and their ability to hope and plan for the future. Depending on their age and understanding of death and dying, children experiencing grief may begin to question their own mortality and the mortality of their surviving relatives and friends. They may vacillate between periods of acceptance and denial. Our programs implement therapeutic activities that aid in family communication surrounding matters of grief. At the heart of our services is the belief that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinct approach to healing.
The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) is the only non-profit organization in the south Texas region that provides on-going free-of-charge peer support group programs for children and their families. To continue these programs, we need your help. By giving to our Healing Hearts Campaign, you can help make sure that every grieving boy and girl and their caregivers can participate in peer support group programs at the CBCST. With your generous gift, you make it possible for us to mend young hearts, one child at a time.
Christina and her father, Mike Coffey.
C A M P A I G N
The Power of One GiftThe 2008 Healing Hearts Campaign goal is $290,000. Our campaign kicked off with a total of over $112,000 raised in September. 100% of every dollar goes directly to providing programs and services for grieving children and families.
• $5,000 provides 62 peer support sessions
• $2,500 provides expressive art supplies for 25 children for one year
• $1,200 provides one year of Peer Support Group services for a child
• $1,000 provides grief support training for 50 elementary school teachers and counselors • $500 provides underwriting for five counseling sessions with a licensed professional counselor or social worker
• $250 provides support for one “Understanding Grief ” community workshop
• $100 provides one month of Peer Support Group services or counseling support sessions for one child
Make Your Donation TodayBy pledging your gift and paying it throughout the year, you can assist more children. Contributions may be made by cash, check, American Express, Discover, VISA or MasterCard and can be mailed using the enclosed envelope. Final payment on your 2008 pledge need not be made until September 30, 2009, and The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas can send you monthly or quarterly reminders to fulfill your pledge.
Your generous contributions may be sent by mail using the enclosed envelope or you may visit the CBCST at 332 West Craig Place near downtown San Antonio. For more information or to volunteer for the campaign, please call Tracey Mather at (210) 736-4847 ext. 223 or send an email to [email protected].
Give to the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and Help Mend Hearts One Child at a Time
A Moment in Time, Presented and Written by Christina Coffeywait for school to start. I placed myself on the hard gym floor and waited. It was just another day.
The bell rang, and in a single file line my fourth grade class walked to Mrs. Palen’s classroom. I placed my bag in my cubby and sat at my assigned desk. We said the Pledge of Allegiance and listened to announcements. Mrs. Palen started off the class with a friendly hello. We went over the agenda and began the lesson. It was just another day.
Mrs. Palen presented the topic of the day when suddenly I heard the intercom beep.
“Christina Coffey to the front office.” It said.
I packed my bag and headed out of the classroom as soon as my teacher instructed. I wondered to myself what was so important that I have to go home so early. I turned the corner just around the library to see my dad standing there looking at me. I suddenly was overwhelmed with worry, wondering if I had done something wrong. I quickly closed the space between us. The lady at the front office watched us go with sadness in her eyes. We walked down the long hall way to the double doors.
“Is mom okay?” I asked my dad.
“Well, no.” he replied in a painful voice.
We sat down on a bench outside the school, and I stared out into the parking lot worried again, but for a different reason. Then, he told me. Mom had passed away. It was April 23, 2003. We sat on the bench and cried until our eyes hurt. After what felt like years, my dad got up, and I followed with tears in my eyes. We slipped into the car and headed to our destination, the hospital. The car seemed sluggishly slow and the traffic seemed endless. Why me? Why her? Why now? I asked myself.
Once we were in the hospital, my dad and I weren’t the only ones crying. My grandparents and my great aunt were there sobbing as well. Even my mother’s doctor was crying a little. Then, it was time to see my mom. As I walked into the room, I saw my mom’s lifeless body. I stared at the lips that would never smile again. I looked at the brain that would never think again, the lungs that would never breathe again, the heart that would never beat again.
This was not just another day.
Holiday Cards featuring CBCST children’s artwork. Now on sale at the Center. All proceeds benefit the CBCST.
Contact Tracey Mather at 736-4847, ext. 223 to purchase or for information.
Where compassion lives.
Our MissionTo foster healing for grieving youth, their families
and the community through peer support programs, counseling, training, education and outreach.
Advisory BoardDon Anderson
Patricia Shield AyresMargaret Berton, Ph.D.
Kathy and Albert Biedenharn Pam Bilbrey
Carolyn BrownLeticia Carrasco
Lila CockrellThe Rev. Buckner Fanning Susan and Bill GalbreathAna Laura and Ed Garza
Kathleen GunnJulianna Hawn and Peter M. Holt
Boxy HornbergerSusan and John Kerr
Ed KopplowKitty and Rich Lange
Paula Loring Bill Michaels
Ann and John E. Newman, Jr. Laura and Jack Richmond
Anne and Paul SmithEliza Sonneland
Jim SpickardJoanie Wolff
Mertie and Dale Wood Amy and Hal Zesch
Board of DirectorsPatrice Shinn – Chair
Mike Wood – Vice Chair Frank Patton – Treasurer Beth Stein – Secretary
Bennett AllisonAnn Barron
Meghan BishopJenifer Brown
Karen Catanzaro Tom Clark
Betsy Dippo Camille Mandigo
Wanda RohmLaura Nell Soules
Penny Viteo
Friends of the CBC BoardAngela Rabke – President
Jenifer Brown – Immediate Past PresidentTed Burkhart – Treasurer, Gala Treasurer
Kitty Lange – Recording SecretaryLinda Fugit – VP Membership
Jenifer Brown, Robin Sherrington, Lynn Thompson, Sarah Fox – Gala Co-Chairs
Almeda Hodge – AdvisorAmanda Williams – Special EventsRandall Hays – Fall Open House
Lucia Carter – Spring Membership LuncheonSusan Childers, Bonnie Gilley – Friends Raising Luncheons
The Children’s Bereavement Center Traci Burkhart Gomez – Executive Director
Tracey Mather – Director of Business Management
Professional StaffPatricia McNaught, LPC-SMichelli Gomez, LMSW
Michelle Muniz, LPC-InternMcCall Taylor, CLS
Natalie RossAnne Phillips
The Children’s Bereavement Center and its programs are supported solely through the
contributions of participating families, individuals, corporations, foundations, religious institutions
and the community.
We receive no state or federal funding. Donations are tax-deductible to the limit established by the IRS. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
This edition of the newsletter has been published by the Friends of the CBC.
Heart Strings a community newsletter for the
friends and families of
The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas332 West Craig Place San Antonio,TX 78212
(210) 736-4847 www.cbcst.org
Friends of the Bereavement Center:
It has been another period of growth for the Center. Our client base continues to grow as well as our fee-based counseling. The need continues to increase, and with your past and on-going support, the staff will be able to meet these challenges. What we do is so vitally important, and as our numbers show, so needed.
In November I will be leaving the Board. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life to see the Center, and our mission, be embraced by so many in the community. Patrice Shinn will be taking my place as Board Chair, and our board’s leadership could not be left in better hands.
On behalf of the Board and staff, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.
Sincerely,
TomTom Zurheide, Board of Directors Chair
Message from the Board of Directors Chair
It seems like the only topic any of us can talk about these days is the economic downturn. Like many of you, it definitely keeps me awake at night. The Center is solely dependent on donations from private individuals, corporations and foundations, so a great deal of my time is dedicated to this topic. Our work requires that we are good stewards of what we are given and also that we leverage our resources to the fullest extent possible. So,
even in lean times, we are called upon to ensure uninterrupted services to grieving children and families that need our help.
We are currently running our annual giving Healing Hearts campaign, so an uncertain economic environment increases our sensitivity to the crunch our donors are feeling even more. When discussing this very issue, I recently heard one of my mentors make this statement about the current financial climate…”When the going gets tough, the American people get going!” That statement reminded me of the real responsibility I have…to tell our family of donors that our clients need their support NOW more than ever!
The loss of a loved one through death is an inescapable reality for all human beings. Death is a universally shared experience and will not halt in the midst of economic uncertainty. Every man, woman and child will inevitably experience grief and it is our job to make sure that there is a place for children and their families to go for help. So, I ask each of you to consider making a meaningful contribution to support the programs and services we offer at no cost to the people in your community.
As you think about your year-end tax planning, we hope that you will make good use of the income tax charitable deduction. Your 2008 year-end gift can significantly reduce your income taxes, while providing meaningful support for us. Regardless of your income or tax bracket, if you itemize, you can almost always lower your income taxes through charitable giving. Giving is, of course, much more than tax brackets and charitable deductions. Your charitable gifts make an important difference in our ability to carry out the mission of the CBCST.
The true purpose of philanthropy is to leave the world better than you found it…I hope that you will continue to give from your hearts generously to the children and families that need your support. Every gift helps us heal broken hearts, one child at a time.
Many blessings, TraciTraci Burkhart Gomez, Executive Director
Message From Our Director
Message from Friends of the CBC President
Friends of the CBC is now in its third year, and what an exciting year it is turning out to be! The Friends group has seen steady growth over the last two years, and our hope is to continue supporting the CBCST through increased memberships and other fundraising endeavors. At our Fall Open House, we welcomed many new guests into the CBCST, and visitors had the opportunity to tour and learn
more about the Center. Many thanks to Randall Hayes for coordinating this special evening.
Our volunteers and members also have many exciting plans in place for the future: Mark your calendar for February 5th, when the Hearts in Harmony Gala will occur at the San Antonio Country Club. We are also thrilled to welcome Paula D’Arcy in early May-many thanks to Porter Loring for underwriting what is certain to be an interesting and inspiring evening for our community.
I am so thankful for each person who supports the CBCST and encourage you to share our mission with friends and family who might not know what a gift we have in San Antonio. If you are already a Friend, consider that memberships to Friends of the CBCST make meaningful gifts and provide an opportunity to support the mission of fostering healing for grieving youth, their families and the community.
Warm Regards,AngelaAngela Rabke, Friends of the CBC Board President
Please email us at [email protected] with edits to your contact information or the way you prefer to be listed for future publications so our records are current. Thank you.
CBCST is proud to offer this colorful tshirt featuring the artwork of CBCST client Jay Perez. Tshirts are available in youth, women and men’s sizes for a $20 donation to the Healing Hearts Campaign, you can stop by the Center and pick yours up today!
Thanks Jay for this beautiful artwork!
CBCST Tshirts - Available Now!
Pictured above is Jay Perez, a CBCST client, proudly displaying his artwork.
Goodbye to a Beautiful Friend
The Children’s Bereavement Center had a wonderful friend in Ellanore Sledge. Ellanore died on July 19, 2008. She had been a Thursday night house warmer for almost 7 years. She started as a receptionist at the Center in 2001 when we had just moved into our new house, but soon decided she wanted to be where the action was. Be careful what you wish for! The Thursday night she worked usually encompassed at least 65 people and she greeted them all and made sure the buffet style dinner was out and ready and plentiful. She smiled and talked to all the families and always gave the facilitators much needed hugs. She was a terrific cheerleader. After a while, Don
and Margy Heep joined her on Thursday nights and they were so popular that they had aprons made with their names on them. All three of them brought smiles through the tears of the families that came through our doors. Ellanore not only supported us with her volunteering but also monetarily; through galas, challenge matches and holiday cards. A month before she died, she joined the Friends of the CBC. And she continues to honor us through her death. To date, over $2000 has been given to the Center in honor and memory of this wonderful woman.
We have been very blessed to have Ellanore Sledge as a friend and benefactor of the Children’s Bereavement Center. She has left a wonderful legacy through her five children, her family, her friends and her giving. We will miss her tremendously and we thank her very much.
Pictured above, from left to right , are Don and Margy Heep with Ellanore Sledge.
Help Ensure The Element of Surprise This Holiday Season!For this holiday season, the CBCST would like to give to its families in a new way. We are eager to sponsor a holiday shop where our children will be able choose and wrap a surprise gift for their surviving parent. Our mission is to give our families a renewed sense of holiday spirit. CBCST will open its doors for the first holiday shop on December 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This will not be possible without your generosity. Please make a donation from our wish list:
Gifts for Dad:Small flash lightsToolsCombSocksWalletTieKey chain
Gifts for Mom:JournalHand lotionCandleHair accessoriesPicture framesSlippersMug
Reflections - Sibling Group The theme for the night was “Change.” After the death of a loved one, it feels as though everything has changed. For children, it is important to acknowledge not only those things that change, but also those things that have remained the same. We created a worksheet that the kids could use to frame their experience of change. Here are some of examples of their work:
(Images 1 and 2) These were created by 5 and 7 year old sisters whose 2 year old brother died in a drowning accident. (Image 3) This one was especially telling, this little girl pointed out that her parents changed, but she stayed the same. That speaks volumes to the family dynamics present in this group and the desire of all surviving siblings to have their parents “return to normal.”
The top of the page reads, “When Someone You Love Dies Some Things Change and Some Stay the Same”
Special Thanks and Congratulations to CBCST Staff
Welcome Natalie Ross! Natalie recently joined our staff as our full time program administrative assistant. Natalie came to the CBCST last summer as an internship student from the American Humanics program, a UTSA undergraduate program that provides education, training and certification in the non profit sector. Natalie ensures that our program record keeping is perfectly organized and that all our clients are treated with the care and respect they deserve as they move through the grieving process. Natalie is also a fulltime master’s student at St. Mary’s University pursuing her degree in counseling. So, not only does she possess the successful administrative qualities of a great program assistant but also the warmth and caring of a student training as a therapist.
Congratulations, McCall Wascher on your recent marriage to Ricky Wascher on November 8th 2008! Since 2005, McCall Wascher has run three of our group support programs. She has been our program coordinator for Sibling (when your brother or sister dies), SD1 (chronic illness death of a parent) and for our Family night (death of a beloved family member or friend). McCall has been very generous with her time and has always committed to serving our families. She was able to facilitate a high level of client interaction, establish group cohesion and engage our families in creative ways to heal through their grief. We wish McCall the best and will miss her enthusiasm and generous spirit flowing through our hallways.
Natalie Ross
McCall Wascher
3
1 2
Ellanore Sledge
The Children’s Bereavement Center Of South Texas
invites you to join us for…
Healing Through The Holidays
Who Should Attend?
Have you recently experienced the death of a loved one?Are you presently experiencing grief for a loved one
who died years ago?Does the holiday season intensify those feelings?
ORAre you interested in better understanding
how you can support friends, families, and community members through the grief process
this holiday season?
JOIN US… For Free!
Michelli Gomez, LMSWGrief In The Holidays Facilitator
Explore the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual dynamics of grief.
Learn to create new meaning out of the holiday season. (Adults Only Please)
Saturday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
at The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas
*Please RSVP by November 11th to: Michelli Gomez 210.736.4847, ext. 227 [email protected]
Community OutreachThe mission of the CBCST Community Outreach and Education Department is to arm the South Texas community with the necessary tools to assist children and families through the grieving process. Healing is a journey that need not be traveled alone. From June through September 2008 the CBCST conducted over 120 hours of education and specialized training in the community. Special thanks to the following community partners for requesting our outreach services:
Alamo Heights Chamber of CommerceChristus Santa RosaChromosome 18 RegistryCole Middle SchoolCrystal City Independent School DistrictCrystal City ISDExpress NewsFirst PresbyterianInsurance Women of San AntonioKTSALaurel RidgeLopez Middle SchoolNorth Chamber of CommerceOdyssey HospicePorter Loring MortuariesSA Fire DepartmentSan Antonio Independent School DistrictSan Antonio KiwanisSASSouth San Independent School DistrictSt. Luke’s Men’s ClubThe Health & Healing ConsortiumTrinity UniversityUnited WayUniversity of Texas at San AntonioUniversity United Methodist ChurchUTSA CACREPUvalde ISDVITAS HospiceIt is our hope that the partnership between The CBCST and these organizations will serve as a vehicle for healing in the lives of many.
Topics Where CBCST Staff Can Serve as Expert Resources:How to talk to children about grief and loss The science of griefDealing with grief through creative expression How to know when to get helpCase Studies of families and healing experiences Statistics about grief & healingDifferent types of loss: suicide, homicide, illness, etc. Crisis Intervention Community loss (mass killings or traumatic event) Dealing with grief during the holidays
Key Community Outreach Staff:
Michelli Gomez, Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)Program and Outreach Services Coordinator, 210-736-4847, ext. 227
Michelli Gomez received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from St. Mary’s University, a Masters of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and her Masters of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. Michelli assists in the coordination of the various support groups provided by the CBCST. In addition, she provides individual and family counseling to CBCST clients. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
“My heart is opened by the work we do here. Everyday I feel honored to step through the doors.”
Michelle Muñiz, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)Program and Volunteer Services Coordinator, 210-736-4847, ext. 228
Michelle Muñiz has received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Texas State University, and her Masters of Arts in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Michelle assists in the coordination of the various support groups and is responsible for the volunteer organization at CBCST. In addition, she provides individual and family counseling to CBCST clients. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Association for Creativity in Counseling.
“Working at CBCST has been a humbling experience in which I hope to continue to make a difference.”
••••••••••
IN HONOR OF (Noted in Caps):
MS. MARTHA ATKINS Ms. Lynne Perry THE BEIGHLEY FAMILY Mrs. Janet Fortune MRS. PAM BILBREY Dr. Charles P. Andrews MRS. JENIFER BROWN Dr. and Mrs. Willis E. Brown, Jr. MR. AND MRS. BILL DEHLINGER Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Chesney Ms. Hillary Conrey MS. KAKIE DEHLINGER Ms. Hillary Conrey MS. HOPE FIERRO Ms. Bede Ramcharan MISSES ANNIKA, BRENNA AND MEGAN GITTINSMr. and Mrs. Richard Warren MS. MARY ELIZABETH MARTINEZ Ms. Bede Ramcharan MRS. AMY MAVERICK Mr. and Mrs. Rollins Rubsamen, Jr. MASTERS WYATT AND DYLAN MCGINNIS Anonymous Ms. Jeanette Bedford Mr. Stephen McGinnis IN MEMORY OF (Noted in Caps):
MR. BOBBIE ARCHER Mr. and Mrs. Mac Chesney Ms. Terence Touhey MR. BRIAN ARMSTRONG Mrs. Julia Armstrong Mrs. Cheryl Remmert MRS. VIOLA BARRIOS Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Chesney BOB MORGAN’S BELOVED MOTHERMr. and Mrs. Arthur Solomon MR. LOUIS BISHOP Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lange MR. ELLIOT BROWN Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pettit MRS. BETTYE BULLOCK Association of Personnel Consultants Mrs. Carol Rippa Mrs. Dana Roper
Yantis Company L&M Steel MRS. KAREN CHRISTIANSON CASASMr. and Mrs. Robert Wells MR. RICHARD CATANZARO Mrs. Karen Catanzaro MRS. BETTY COLLINS Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Harrell MRS. SHARRARD DOUGLASS Mr. and Mrs. Clif Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stumberg MRS. RUBY DAVID Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hobbs MRS. GEORGIA DODD Mrs. Yvonne Dodd Brenan MR. HARRY FOLEY Heart of Texas Chapter MR. CHRISTOPHER GIESEY Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brown Mr. Jimmy Moses MS. JULIE JAMES GITTENS Mr. and Mrs. Richard Warren MS. SUSAN HARDY Dr. and Mrs. Ted Snider MR. AUGUST HERFF Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lange MRS. MARION HUDSON Jackson Middle School MRS. GAY KEAHEY Mr. and Mrs. Clif Anderson MR. DAVID KEAHEY Mr. and Mrs. Clif AndersonAugust Koontztom and Carrie greenMRS. CAROL KOPPLOW Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wyatt DR. DON MATHER Mrs. Zoe Mather MISS MARIN QUINN MCGRATH Mrs. Barbara Green MR. TONY MELTON Heart of Texas Chapter MRS. BARBARA MIDDLETON Ms. Frances D. Beckwith Ms. Terence Touhey MS. FLORINDA MORENO Walthall, Sachse & Pipes, LLC DR. WILLIAM PIPES Ms. Jean Bell MS. PATTY ROMANDETTI Ms. Judy Barreras MR. W. GUY SHOWN
Mr. Jimmy Moses MRS. ELLANORE SLEDGE Mr. and Mrs. Clif Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Anz Mrs. Dorothy Asbury Mr. & Mrs. Alex Bealer Mrs. Jean Bell Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Bourne Mr. or Mrs. Nick Campbell Mrs and Mrs. Bill Collins Mrs. Sarah Conger Ms. Elizabeth Curiel Ms. Laura Fronzaglio Dr. and Mrs. Roy Gonzalez Mr. and Mrs. Jim Goudge The Reverend andMrs. Laurens Hall Mr. and Mrs. Martin Harris Mr. and Mrs. James Hayne Mr. and Mrs. Don Heep Mr. James Kuykendall Mr. and Mrs. Don McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Jack McGuire Dr. & Mrs. Jim McMullan Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Center-North CentralMr. and Mrs. Robert Parrish Ms. Irene Quintanilla Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Sanford Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stumberg Mr. Jarrod Watson Mr. Ellis Wilson Mr. and Mrs. James Worth MRS. GRACE ROEGELEIN SPALTEN Mr. and Mrs. Mac Chesney MISS MICHELLE TURNER The Turner Family MR. SCOTT WENZEL Mr. and Mrs. Barrett Evans MR. JOHN WILLIAMS II Mr. and Mrs. Rich Lange MR. RICHARD WILLIAMS Mr. Jimmy Moses MISS ALEXA JO WOLF Ms. Carolyn Bell MRS JO ANN WOLIVER Mr. and Mrs. Clif Anderson MISS VICTORIA “TORI” NICOLE WRIGHT-BIPPERT Mrs. Eilene Wright
Tributes
Capturing grief through music. Pictured above are from left to right, CBCST clients Ava and Scarlet.
CBCST Family Night clients Scarlet, left, and Raven, right, with their spin art creations.
Volunteer Thank YouBest Buy once again came through for the CBCST. Over the summer the group, from Store #152, installed new sound and video equipment in our drama room. We now have a state of the art drama room that allows the children to record themselves as they do their plays. Thanks again Best Buy!
Lori Mach took on the tremendous project of raising money for potluck dinners. We want to especially thank her for her effort and success.
Pat Bose, our Little People greeter, sponsored dinner for SD2b. Her employer, Nix Realty donated a variety of sandwiches, chips, drinks, and dessert. The brownies were yummy!!! Thank you.
A special thanks to the Friends of the CBCST for volunteering to serve and sponsor potluck dinners for program group nights. Robin Sherrington of Robin’s Nest Gift shop volunteered the very same day the request was made for volunteers. The food was great!
Thank you to Debra Cox for supplementing our potluck dinners on Thursday nights.
Volunteers from Best Buy Store #152.
If you wish to submit a contribution in memory or in honor of a loved one, the CBCST will send a special acknowledgement card to the person of your choice. Contact Tracey Mather at 736-4847, ext. 223 for information.
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NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDSAN ANTONIO, TXPERMIT NO. 2888
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Visit The Children’s Bereavement CenterCome and see for yourself how children find healing through expressive arts, peer support and counseling in our beautiful home-like setting.
You will also learn more about the Center’s mission, its programs and services, and how you, too, can foster healing for grieving youth, their families and the community.
Join us for a Tour of the HeartEvery 4th Tuesday, Noon - 1 p.m.
To R.S.V.P. for a tour or for more information contact Michelli Gomez at 736-HUGS (4847) ext. 227 or at [email protected].
332 West Craig Place, San Antonio,TX 78212
Linking hearts, mending spirits
and transforming lives.
www.cbcst.org
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Special Thanks to the Lira Family Thank you to Celeste and Robert Lira for the use of your BEAUTIFUL lake house on Horseshoe Bay! Because of your generosity, the CBCST staff had a wonderfully productive retreat in August. We worked really hard, engaged in team-building, and got to relax on the lake a little as well. The work we do can be difficult, so we appreciate the ability to rejuvenate our spirits, minds and bodies in such a serene setting.
Thank you to Christopher Lira (pictured above with his sister, Megan, his mother, Celeste and CBCST staff member, Michelle Muniz on the right) and Boy Scout Troop 496 for donating reading books for the children who visit our Center! Christopher, you and your family have touched us all so deeply by your generosity and love for what we do at the CBCST. Celeste also serves as a member of the Friends of the CBC board.Thank you for the many ways you and your family contribute to the CBCST.
Special thanks to the Union Pacific Employees Club #66 Your donation to our Healing Hearts Campaign will help sponsor two children in our FREE grief support programs for one year each…children just like Gage and Sage Chain who came to the CBCST after the sudden, accidental death of their father. We couldn’t carry out our mission without your support. Thank you for supporting our children!
Union Pacific Check Presentation - Pictured left to right - Brian Gorton, General Superintendent, San Antonio Service Unit; The Chain Family: Mrs. Katie Chain, Gage and Sage Chain; Robert Moore, Union Pacific Employee Club #66 President; Charlotte Featherling, Employee Club #66 member.
