Reyes Family Adoption Finalized in October

It’s official. The remarkable Reyes family of Laredo, Texas, has adopted the first three foster children placed in their care four years ago: brothers Ruben (age 7), Jacob (6), and Isaias (5).

Jaime and Carmen Reyes, now married for 17 years, became foster parents after receiving a message from God through their pastor that they would one day foster children. Theirs is a therapeutic group foster home, currently with eight children in their care. The Reyes are passionate and committed parents, thoroughly devoted to transforming the lives of the fragile children in their charge. Mr. Reyes, a supervisor with Border Patrol, and Mrs. Reyes, a stay-at-home mom, now mentor new foster families entering the program.

Ruben, Jacob, and Isaias (formerly named Julian, Rene, and Charlie), came into the Reyes’ care after the much-publicized death of their sister at the hands of their parents. The adjustment period was a difficult one due to the severity of their early traumas. Initial obstacles and difficulties sleeping, adjusting,  and trusting have diminished as the boys have become more confident and secure.

This nurturing couple epitomizes what foster care is really about – guiding, caring, and loving children as they transition toward healthy, happy lifestyles.

EVENT: San Antonio Golf Benefit to Support New Life

For the fifth year in a row, San Antonio-area golfers are supporting the Tomorrow’s Child Golf Benefit, held at Fair Oaks Ranch Golf Course Monday morning, November 2, 2009. Proceeds of the Benefit will support New Life Children’s Center in Comal County, an emergency shelter for girls who have severe emotional and behavioral problems stemming from past neglect.

There is no fee for golfers to participate, but each golfer agrees to raise a minimum of $150 in donations for the children at New Life and at as an ambassador for Tomorrow’s Child. The top individual fundraiser receives a weekend golf package. Over the last four years, the Tomorrow’s Child Golf Benefit has raised more than $250,000 for New Life!

“Every penny raised by our golfers goes to benefit the girls at New Life,” said Dr. Kurt Senske, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services, which owns and operates New Life. “Every year, San Antonio golfers answer the call and thanks to them and our other generous donors, New Life is literally the first safe ‘home’ environment most of these girls have ever experienced.”

7900 Fair Oaks Pkwy
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015-4399
Get directions here, or call Fair Oaks directly at 830.755.8110‎

VIDEO: New Life Re-Dedication Ceremony

Dr. Kurt Senske, President & CEO of Lutheran Social Services, tells the story of a young graduate from the New Life Children’s Center on the occasion of the recent campus expansion and re-dedication ceremony held at the Canyon Lake, Texas facility.

New Life specializes in caring for abused, neglected and troubled girls, ages 11 to 17.

EVENT, OCT 17: Fashion Show Benefit for Bokenkamp

Corpus Christi’s Bokenkamp Emergency Children’s Shelter, whom we serve, is hosting a benefit fashion show! We expect the event to be bigger and better than ever before, and hope to raise $50,000 for the shelter.

This year, the fashion show will feature clothes and shoes from local, Corpus Christi boutiques. The ladies will be wearing featured items from Chatelaine while men will be outfitted by Williams Fashion and Shoes. Models include former local athletes, students from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, and local ministers. Raffle prizes include an array of locally-donated items, including a handmade quilt and variety of themed-gift baskets. Local dance and cheer teams will also help add spirit and pep to the atmosphere.

While the event aims to put the “fun” in fundraising, the reality is children have often endured gut-wrenching tribulations before ending up at Bokenkamp’s doorstep. Bokenkamp offers shelter and educational and spiritual care to approximately 60 unaccompanied refugee children from Central and South America. Children range in age from infants to teens, and have experienced some form of traumatic separation from their families. Many are victims of the sex trafficking trade. Others are fleeing civil war and armies that draft boys as young as 12 to fight. Bokenkamp provides short-term care that will leave a long-term impact in these children’s lives.

We’d love for you to attend. Here’s the details:

• WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 11am-2pm
• WHERE: Omni Hotel – Bayfront Tower, 900 North Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78401
• ADMISSION: $35/ticket

EVENT, OCT 21: Celebrate Advocates of Texas Foster Care

On October 21, the 2009 Children’s Choice Awards will celebrate two extraordinary advocates for children in the Texas foster care system: Rep. Jim Pitts (R) of Waxahachie, Texas, and Anne Heiligenstein, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Commissioner.

Pitts has served as state representative for District 10 since January 1993. The district includes Ellis and Hill Counties, between Dallas and Waco. A Dallas native, Pitts currently serves as Chair of the Texas House Committee on Appropriations and Budget.

Heiligenstein has three decades of experience with human services. She directed health and human services policies for Gov. George W. Bush and worked with First Lady Laura Bush in the White House. Heiligenstein now serves as Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the former Texas Department of Human Services.

Here’s the details:

• WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 3pm
• WHERE: Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSSS), 8305 Cross Park Drive, Austin, Texas, 78754
• REFRESHMENTS: Will be provided.

The event will be a productive way of getting familiar with our ministry. We hope to see you there!

EVENT, OCT 3: New Life’s Campus Re-Dedication

Supporters of New Life Children’s Center, you’re cordially invited to celebrate the completion of our multi-phase expansion of the New Life Campus. Refreshments and a tour of the beautiful campus improvements will follow the re-dedication ceremony. The improvements include:

• new classrooms
• a new library
• a multipurpose center
• a brand new chapel

Want to come? RSVP to Lisa Brown, or call 830.964.4390, ext. 216.