The Great Pumpkin Run, My Princess & Me Raise Thousands for St. PJ’sOCTOBER WAS A BUSY MONTH FOR ST. PJ’S. THE AGENCY HOSTED THE 3RD ANNUAL GREAT PUMPKIN RUN AND BENEFITTED FROM THE 9TH ANNUAL MY PRINCESS & ME EVENT

There were lots of treats (and no tricks) at the third annual Great Pumpkin Run/Walk benefiting St. PJ’s. The event took place on October 13 on St. PJ’s Campus and had broad community support as City Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna served as the Honorary Chairwoman, and State Senator Carlos Uresti, State Representative Roland Gutierrez and County Commissioner Chico Rodriguez also served on the Advisory Committee.

More than 300 participants enjoyed a 5K run/walk through the historic Mission Trails area starting and ending at the St. PJ’s campus, followed by a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Magnolia Pancake Haus. The Great Pumpkin Run raised nearly $20,000 for St. PJ’s.

October was also a very special time for the girls at St. PJ’s, who were the guests of honor at the 9th annual My Princess & Me event. Terry Folawn and her daughter, Hailee have graciously led this event for the past 9 years. The day includes professional hair and make-up

as well as manicures, pedicures and a professional photo shoot for all the “Princesses.” There was also a special visit from Miss Teen Texas and Miss San Antonio. St. PJ’s was blessed to receive more than $17,000 from this event.

If you would like to participate in a special a event or contribute, contact St. PJ’s Development Department at 210-531-8554.

Notes From Home

ISSUE 1 WINTER 2013

S T. P J ’ S C H I L D R E N ’ S H O M E

What’s Inside:

ST. PJ’S RENEWS FOSTER CARE LICENSE

PAGE 2

LETTER FROM JAMES CASTROPAGE 2

BOYS AT ST. PJ’S DISCOVER MARTIAL ARTS AS AN OUTLET

PAGE 3

COMMUNITY STANDS BEHIND ST. PJ’S

PAGE 3

Runners Gather at the Starting Line

“Princesses” Pause for a Photo

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Have you ever felt so tired, scared or anxious that you didn’t even want to start the day? This may have been a moment in time in your childhood, teenage or adult life. Now, what would you have given if someone had come along who offered you the perfect nod, smile, word of encouragement or supportive touch where you knew you’d be okay? How might that have made you feel, think and go forward from there?

At St. PJ’s Children’s Home our days are filled with dozens of tired, scared and anxious children. The trauma they have endured is of no making of their own, the internal wounds they bare hurt as much as the broken arm from falling off the swing.

Yet, our society still does not recognize all that is necessary to heal their body, mind and spirit. However, at St. PJ’s we do! We are building the best environment possible to bring about positive change for the children we care for. You might wonder how we do this – we do it by offering the perfect nod, smile, word of encouragement and supportive touch at exactly the right time, in the right moment. Of course, there’s much more to healing children than this, it requires an assessment, evaluation and admissions structure that is second to none, the process must accurately identify all the individual trauma circumstances the child is experiencing. Then a unique, personal plan can be designed

to begin the healing process for the child. When access is also provided, the plan includes healing and preparing care givers for the child(ren) returning home.

Think of it like this, in order to accurately be diagnosed with a form of cancer you must undergo a very thorough set of tests, or in our world thorough assessments and evaluations. Once the physician determines the form of cancer, a carefully selected treatment procedure is recommended and begun. Which for us is the child’s personal plan; the plan must constantly be evaluated to assure it is being effective. For St. PJ’s

our entire staff is part of the treatment team! Every one of us contributes toward the healing, not just the counselor or case manager, but also the direct care staff, cook, the administrative personnel and even our volunteers. This begins with a caring heart, and

is most effective with the proper talent and training.

We believe this will help our children think, feel and be successful going

forward from St. PJ’s Children’s Home. The healing may not be fully complete though, that is your job – by offering the perfect nod, smile, word of encouragement or supportive touch at just the right moment in time!

IT’S A FACT: St. PJ’s will care for more than 450 children this year.

St. PJ’s RenewsFoster Parent

Program

LETTER FROM THE CEO

ALL OF US COULD USE A

POSITIVE WAY TO CHANNEL

OUR ENERGY. FOR ST. PJ’S BOYS,

J IUJITSU WAS A GREAT WAY TO

FIND FOCUS AND DISCIPLINE

WHILE HAVING SOME FUN.

Thanks to the generosity of the San Antonio community, kids at St. PJ’s are often exposed to positive activities and experiences, all of which are crucial to the overall healing process.

One of the boys at St. PJ’s competed in his first Brazilian Jiujitsu tournament this past Summer. He, along with several other residents, were

sponsored by Carlson Gracie Texas / Flex Gym San Antonio.

Over the summer, this group attended Brazilian Jiujitsu classes weekly and excelled. This program was such a success that Carlson Gracie Texas / Flex Gym San Antonio owners and instructors graciously offered to extend the program through the fall. One of the young men won all six of his matches which placed him 1st in his division. A huge thank

you to Carlson Gracie Texas / Flex Gym San Antonio formaking this possible.

The generosity of time and resources from Mr. and Mrs. Duron, owners of the Gym and Andre ‘Tim’ Monteiro, Marcus and Alex BJJ Black Belts, has made a positive impact in our kids’ lives.

If you are interested in getting involved with St. PJ’s children’s activities or volunteer projects, please contact Laura at lverette@stpjhome.org or call 210-831-8525.

More information is also available at www.stpjhome.org.

HEALING AT HOME: MARTIAL ARTS

“The opportunity to have our residents participate

in Brazilian Jiujitsu training is a great one. Martial

arts help teach self-discipline and socialization

skills. As well, the opportunity for kids to build self

esteem and improve physical fitness are natural

results of any martial arts training.”

THANE BISHOP, DIRECT CARE MANAGER

PJ’S PILLARS: SUPPORTING OUR MISSION - SECURING OUR FUTURE

St. PJ’s is pleased to announce the return of our Foster Parent Program. St. PJ’s Foster Parent Program is responsible for recruiting, training, verifying and monitoring homes for children whose parents are currently unable to give them the emotional or physical care they desperately need and deserve. Opening your home to children brings with it many benefits and challenges, and St. PJ’s foster families work closely with a Foster Care Specialist throughout the training, verification and placement process.

Foster Families also receive support and guidance from therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers who have experience working with abused and neglected children. Whether you are an older or younger adult, single or married, a working or stay-at-home parent, home owner or renter, there may be a place for you on our Foster Care Team. The foster care verification process involves a 5-week training program, in-depth

home study and criminal and protective services background checks.

St. PJ’s holds Foster Parent Orientation sessions Monday through Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm, at our campus located at 919 Mission

Road, San Antonio, Texas 78210.

James Castro, St. PJ’s CEO

Gifts of $50,000 +BANK OF AMERICA FOUNDATIONBEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION KRONKOSKY CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONMETHODIST HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES OF SOUTH TEXASSCANLAN FOUNDATIONVALERO ENERGY FOUNDATION

Gifts of $25,000 - $49,999BOEING COMPANY CHARITY BALL ASSOCIATIONGERTRUDE MCGEE HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH TEXAS INDO-AMERICAN PHYSICIANS SOCIETY

Gifts of $10,000 - $24,999CHESAPEAKE ENERGYCOWDEN CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONJOHN G. AND MARIE STELLA KENEDY MEMORIAL FOUNDATIONARNOLD J. AND IRENE B. KOCUREK FAMILY FOUNDATION MAYS FAMILY FOUNDATION SAN ANTONIO AREA FOUNDATION

STAN & GERRY SIGMAN FOUNDATIONSILVER & BLACK GIVE BACK ST. MARGARET MARY SECOND CHANCE MINISTRY

Challenge Grants:Please join the Texas Cavaliers and St. PJ’s in supporting children and youth placed in St. PJ’s Foster Family program. Such support will facilitate a sustained and successful placement for these children. We are so grateful to the Texas Cavaliers for the challenge award of $5,000. Money raised will also assist with sibling visits, summer camps and educational costs. The needs of these children are great, so we appreciate any help you can provide. Please join the Texas Cavaliers and St. PJ’s in this life transforming program! Make your donation to St. PJ’s to help us support children placed in foster family care.

If you are interested in adoption or foster care, please contact Pam at pmccloskey@stpjhome.org or call (210) 531-8507

or Jamie at jmoody@stpjhome.org or call (210) 531-8522 for an orientation meeting.

Special Thanks To These Generous Donors

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919 MISSION RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78210

10TH ANNUAL RED SHOES GALA

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! PLEASE CONTACTST. PJ’S DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT 210-531-8554OR VISIT WWW.STPJHOME.ORG TO MAKE A DONATION AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION OF HEALING.

Save these Dates:10TH ANNUAL RED SHOES GALA

MARCH 23, 2013GRAND HYATT ON THE

RIVERWALK

JOE REINAGEL GOLF TOURNAMENTJUNE 28, 2013

DOMINION COUNTRY CLUB

MY PRINCESS & MENEW DATE TBA

STAY TUNED!

ST. PJ’S GREAT PUMPKIN RUNOCTOBER 12, 2013ST. PJ’S CAMPUS

ANONYMOUS DONOR - GOLDHEB - GOLDNUSTAR ENERY - GOLDVALERO ENERGY - GOLDE-WATCHPORTER LORING MORTUARIES - SILVERSILVER EAGLE DISTRIBUTORS - SILVERALLEGRA PRINTING - BRONZEARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO - BRONZEMR. & MRS. BRIAN & YVONNE BAUML - BRONZEBLACK TIE AFFAIRS CATERING - BRONZEBROADWAY BANK - BRONZECARVAJAL PHARMACY-BRONZECENTRAL PARK LIONS CLUB - BRONZEERNST & YOUNG - BRONZE

FROST BANK- BRONZEGREEN JEWELERS- BRONZEJOANNA WEIDMAN- BRONZEJONES FAMILY & FRIENDS- BRONZELAUREL RIDGE TREATMENT CENTER - BRONZELAW OFFICES OF RAMON CERVANTES, III - BRONZEMR. JOHN KUNTZ, IV - BRONZEMALITZ CONSTRUCTION, INC.- BRONZEMILBERGER LANDSCAPING & NURSERY- BRONZEMR. & MRS. ROBERT NESLUND-BRONZESECURITY SERVICE FCU -BRONZESWBC- BRONZEMR. & MRS. MIKE & BETTY VENSON - BRONZEVIKTORY LAP -BRONZE

MR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS- BRONZE

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

Visit www.stpjhome.org or call (210) 531-8554 to learn how to become a Red Shoes Gala sponsor.

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