DePelchin is excited to offer peer-to-peer fundraising as a new way for supporters to make a bigger difference in the lives of children and families in Houston and across Texas.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, honoring a loved one, running a marathon, or marking a milestone, peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising allows you to turn your passion into lasting impact.

Creating your own peer-to-peer fundraising page and sharing it with your network helps raise more awareness and critical support, allowing the children and families in our community to shine brighter each day!

What is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising? 

P2P is a fundraising method that empowers supporters to raise money on behalf of a charitable organization by reaching out to family, friends, colleagues and social networks.

Rather than making a single contribution, you can create a personalized donation page and invite others to make a gift toward the causes you care about. People are more likely to give when asked by someone they know and trust, making P2P fundraisers an effective way to expand a nonprofit’s reach and impact!

For DePelchin, P2P fundraisers help us connect with new supporters while raising essential funds that support children, families, and communities in need.

How P2P Supports Children and Families

Every dollar raised through a P2P fundraiser helps us deliver adoption and foster care services, parenting support, and critical mental health services to children and families so they can build brighter futures.

When you create a fundraiser, you do more than raise money – you become an advocate for those we serve.  Your personal story and connection to our mission can inspire others to join you, creating a ripple effect of generosity throughout the community.

Even individuals who are unable to make a gift can help by simply sharing your fundraiser with their networks to boost awareness of your campaign and DePelchin’s mission.

How to Create a P2P Fundraiser with DePelchin

Getting started is easy. We currently offer two P2P fundraising campaigns through GoFundMe: Brighter Days Birthdays and Give Hope.

Want to celebrate your birthday with purpose? Brighter Days Birthdays allows you to ask friends and family to make donation instead of purchasing birthday gifts. Your special day can help create brighter futures for children and families who need our services.

Our Give Hope campaign is designed for a variety of occasions including:

• Anniversaries
• Memorial gifts and tribute donations
• Marathon and races
• Personal milestones
• Community events
• Workplace giving campaigns

After visiting either campaign hub, you can begin creating your personalized fundraising page by:

• Adding your story and motivation for supporting DePelchin
• A personal connection to our mission
• Setting a fundraising goal
• Personalizing your message to supporters

Once your page is published, you’re ready to share with your network and start fundraising on behalf of DePelchin!

Tips for Sharing Your Fundraiser

One of the biggest advantages of peer-to-peer fundraising is the ability to reach your supporters through multiple channels. Here are some effective ways to promote your fundraiser:

Share on Social Media: 

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• X (formerly Twitter)
• TikTok

Be sure to share updates throughout your campaign and celebrate fundraising milestones along the way.

Send Emails or Texts Messages. Personal outreach can be an effective strategy. Send your fundraiser link directly to friends, family, coworkers, and community groups.

Use QR Codes. QR codes make it easy for people to access your fundraising page with a quick scan. You can create and add a QR code to:

• Birthday invitations
• Event flyers
• Community newsletters
• Workplace communications
• Event signage

How to Create a Successful P2P Campaign

The most successful fundraisers focus on authenticity, storytelling, and impact. Here are a few best practices:

Share Your “Why”. Explain why supporting DePelchin matters to you. Personal stories help donors connect emotionally and inspire them to get involed.

Explain the Impact. Help supporters understand how their contributions make a difference for the children and families we serve. Gifts to DePelchin help sustain critical programs and services like adoption and foster care, mental health counseling, parenting support and more. When the impact is clear, your network is more likely to make a gift or share your campaign.

Set a Realistic Goal. A clear fundraising goal gives supporters something to rally around and helps create momentum throughout your campaign.

Stay Engaged. Be sure to thank donors personally, provide updates, and continue sharing the link to your fundraiser throughout the campaign to maximize visibility. Consistent communication keeps supporters invested in your success!

Start Your P2P Fundraiser Today!

Ready to boost your impact? Visit one of our campaign hubs to get started:

• Brighter Days Birthdays
• Give Hope

Create your personalized fundraising page, share your story, and begin mobilizing your network. Together, we can uplift children and strengthen families so their lights can shine brighter each day!

Thank you for supporting DePelchin Children’s Center and for helping us build stronger families – one fundraiser at a time.

DePelchin volunteers power our mission to strengthen children and families in our community. Whether participating in beautification projects or sorting and organizing donated goods, our volunteers positively impact the lives of those we serve, and we are grateful for their dedication and support!

Some volunteers may not know that their generosity and time can qualify for additional benefits through their employers. If you’re a current volunteer or are considering volunteer opportunities with DePelchin, here is everything you need to know about making the most of your volunteer hours and service.

What are Volunteer Benefits? 

Volunteer benefits are employer-sponsored programs that encourage workplace giving and employee volunteer service. The two most common types of programs are:

1. Volunteer Grants: donations made by companies when their employees volunteer for a certain number of hours. Your volunteer service can unlock corporate donations to DePelchin, further maximizing your impact.
2. Volunteer Time Off (VTO): paid time off for employees to use towards volunteer service. Through VTO, there’s no need to use your own PTO hours to give back to your community!

How do I know if my company offers these benefits?

You can simply search for your employer using our Volunteer Benefits Tool. This search feature will indicate whether your company offers VTO or volunteer grants, eligibility requirements, and how to submit volunteer grant requests.

Why are volunteer benefit programs important? 

Your employer’s volunteer benefits amplify the value of the time you’re already dedicating to DePelchin – at no cost. By taking advantage of these benefits, you provide both service and funding which are essential to sustaining DePelchin’s operations.

Can I use VTO hours towards my volunteer shift at DePelchin?

Yes, if your employer approves it. VTO allows you to be paid during your volunteer service so you can participate in regular volunteer opportunities at DePelchin

How long does it take for a volunteer grant to be approved?

Processing times vary by employer, but it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. We recommend submitting a volunteer grant request as soon as possible to avoid delays.

What is corporate group volunteering? 

Corporate group volunteering is a company-organized group of employees who volunteer together. These groups can be part of employee engagement programs, team-building activities, or company-sponsored service days.

Can remote employees participate in corporate groups at DePelchin? 

Sometimes. If your company includes hybrid and/or remote employees, we may be able to offer virtual or flexible opportunities depending on the program. Please contact us at volunteer@depelchin.org to discuss these options.

How can my company become a regular volunteer partner with DePelchin?

If your company is interested in regular volunteering or if you would like to learn about other ways to get involved, please contact us at volunteer@depelchin.org.

How can I submit a volunteer grant request to DePelchin?

You can submit a request using our Volunteer Benefits Tool.

Will someone be able to sign off on my volunteer hours?

Yes, one of our volunteer staff will sign off on your volunteer hours. Please note that we are unable to sign off on court-mandated community service hours. If you have questions, please contact volunteer@depelchin.org.

Houston, TX – Texans Together proudly announces that it has entered Stage I Go Live of Community-Based Care, marking a significant step toward strengthening the child welfare system and improving outcomes for children and families in the region.

Community-Based Care is a model where local organizations work together to better support children and families, building a collaborative system that is responsive, transparent, and accountable so children in the community can thrive. Texans Together serves as the Lead Agency responsible for implementing these efforts across Harris County and the 12 surrounding counties.

Since being named Lead Agency for the 13-county area, the organization has worked alongside the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) and the Office of Community-Based Care Transition to prepare for Stage I Go Live – this includes building internal systems and procedures, hiring and training staff, cultivating partnerships with community organizations, and hosting town hall meetings to foster collaboration and encourage feedback.

While not a full implementation of Community-Based Care, Stage I Go Live is a significant milestone as it establishes operational readiness and ensures children and families receive uninterrupted, quality care as responsibilities begin to shift from the state to Texans Together. During this stage, Texans Together will work closely with DFPS staff and partner organizations to find supportive homes for children who are currently in care as well as those entering care in the region. Lastly, DFPS will closely monitor the organization’s early performance indicators, using data and feedback to refine processes in real time.

Jenifer Jarriel, CEO of DePelchin and Texans Together, comments: Community-Based Care represents one of the largest steps in [DePelchin’s] 134-year history, allowing us to positively impact thousands of children who need safe, loving homes to heal and grow. We are honored to take on this responsibility alongside the State of Texas and all of our valued community partners. In partnership, we look forward to building safety and well-being for the children and families in our community.

As Texans Together moves forward in Stage I, the organization remains focused on close coordination with DFPS staff, collaboration with care providers, and ensuring its processes best meet the needs of children and families across the region.

For more information, visit www.wearetexanstogether.org

About Texans Together

Texans Together, a nonprofit, serves as the lead agency for Community-Based Care across Harris County and 12 surrounding counties. Guided by a commitment to servant leadership, we work to unite the community around a shared vision for a stronger child welfare system.

Our focus is to transform child welfare into a model of family well-being—one that prioritizes prevention alongside intervention, fosters hope and resilience alongside trauma-informed care, and supports healthy families as the foundation for children to thrive.

Through collaboration with community partners, we are building a diverse, responsive network of organizations that tailor services to meet the unique needs of the children we serve.

Media Contact

Ashley Zustovich, Director of Marketing & Communications

azustovich@depelchin.org

As Child Abuse Prevention Month comes to an end, we share an important fact: protecting children often begins with supporting the adults who care for them. Children do not come with an instruction manual, but DePelchin’s Parenting Help program walks alongside parents and caregivers to build confidence, strengthen their parenting skills and teaches strategies that make family life feel more manageable. By empowering parents with tools, knowledge and encouragement, Parenting Help underscores that no one is meant to navigate parenthood alone.

The Parenting Help program understands that most parents try their best but need support in navigating their child’s developmental stages, big emotions and challenging behaviors. Others carry the stress of affording basic needs like housing and groceries, straining their mental and emotional health. The Parenting Help team works closely with caregivers to understand their goals and adapt curricula to fit their needs, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. The program also uses community partnerships to connect caregivers with housing and food assistance. Support is provided one-on-one in the home or in group classes out in the community, providing flexibility for parents. When parents receive support tailored to them, they are likely to be consistent and apply what they’ve learned in their home every day.

An effective characteristic of the program is its approach to providing practical, hands-on support for parents so they can apply what they’ve learned immediately at home.

“We provide tools such as behavior charts and routine charts to promote consistency and [set] clear expectations, which can decrease daily conflict and frustration”, says Laurel Hernandez, Program Manager for Parenting Help. She continues, “We also teach self-regulation and stress-management strategies so parents can manage frustration and daily pressures in healthy ways.”

One misconception about child abuse prevention is that it only begins once warning signs appear, such as physical indicators or abrupt behavioral changes. Hernandez notes, “Effective prevention happens much earlier – by strengthening families, building parenting skills, reducing stress, and increasing access to support and resources before a crisis occurs.” This proactive approach makes a life-changing difference for families who may otherwise feel alone during stressful times.

Program staff see many positive changes and wins from the parents and caregivers they serve. Hernandez reflects on a mother who felt nervous before attending a family event, fearing the environment would be overstimulating and negatively impact her child’s behavior. However, her hard work paid off. Hernandez states, “Throughout the day, she observed that her child was able to listen and engage appropriately, which reassured her that the strategies she had been practicing were effective. The caregiver gained confidence in applying the skills she learned through our program and saw firsthand the positive impact on her child’s behavior and enjoyment.”

Parenting Help plays a vital role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect and runs on the belief that supported and capable parents are the core of healthy families. Through its compassionate staff, practical tools and flexible program delivery, Parenting Help builds a solid foundation that enables parents to create safe, happy homes for their children.

Lastly, to parents, Hernandez offers encouragement: “It’s okay to ask for support, and every parent can grow and  learn as they go. Children don’t come with instructions, and seeking guidance or resources is a sign of strength, not failure. With patience, practice and support, caregivers can become the parents they hope to be.”

To learn more or sign up for Parenting Help, please visit www.depelchin.org/parenting/

As Child Abuse Prevention Month continues, we highlight a DePelchin program that strengthens families through practical, accessible services. Child abuse and neglect can often stem from parents facing constant stressors like food insecurity, unstable housing or lack of emotional support. DePelchin’s Family Resource Centers (FRC) help alleviate these stressors by serving as a welcoming, supportive hub where families can find resources, build community and strengthen resilience.

With locations in Houston, Texas City and San Antonio, DePelchin’s Family Resource Centers are accessible community spaces where families can drop by whenever they need help – no appointment required. As soon as they walk in, families are greeted by DePelchin staff who are ready to listen and support.

Project Supervisor for FRC Houston, Nydia Perkins, notes, “Most of the families who come to the FRC need assistance to locate basic needs support such as food, housing, utilities or help with other financial challenges. Many are also dealing with emotional stress, past trauma or difficulties with relationships.” Despite the diverse challenges faced by parents and caregivers, DePelchin leverages both is internal programs and community partnerships to connect families to an array of resources and support.

In addition to addressing urgent needs like financial assistance, the FRC offers support services that build positive, long-term outcomes:

Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) to help manage challenging behaviors at home, build positive parent-child relationships and increase confidence in parenting skills.

Seek Safety groups to develop healthy coping skills while addressing the impact of trauma to foster emotional safety and resilience.

Parent Cafes for parents to connect in a group setting, share experiences and learn ways to strengthen their families.

Money Smart program to increase financial literacy, budgeting skills, credit management and build long-term financial planning.

 As families participate in these programs, they gain new tools, community and stability that empower them to overcome the every day stressors in their lives.

Perkins reflects on a previous client who, “is no living independently in her own apartment, caring for her son and maintaining reliable transportation.” Perkins continues, “She expressed that through the guidance, resources and encouragement she received from the FRC, [we] gave her the foundation to maintain her own home and manage responsibilities. She credited the FRC with helping her move from a place of uncertainty to one of strength and self-sufficiency.”

Child abuse prevention happens when parents and caregivers feel empowered, connected and equipped to meet their families’ needs. The home environment improves when families have access to support during difficult moments and when they don’t have to navigate challenges alone.

Perkins reminds parents and caregivers, “Everyone needs help sometimes, no matter what your situation may be. The support you receive today can create positive changes and long-term benefits for you and your family.” Her words reflect the mission of the Family Resource Center, offering a compassionate and judgement-free space where families can find hope.

To learn more about DePelchin’s Family Resource Centers, please visit www.depelchin.org/additional-programs/

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – a time to remind our community that every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, happy, and loved. As we work together this month to champion children and highlight the realities of abuse and neglect, it’s also important we celebrate the resilience of children and families and the programs in our communities that keep families whole. Prevention is not just about identifying warning signs – it’s also ensuring families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to stay happy, healthy, and together.

Nearly three years ago, DePelchin launched to Together and Safe program to help prevent repeated occurrences of child maltreatment. This program partners with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and Child Protective Investigations (CPI) to offer mental health services and resources for families with cases that are pending closure. When DFPS and CPI find that no further involvement is needed, families are referred to DePelchin and are eligible to enroll and receive support free of charge.

Families who are referred to Together and Safe are often distressed after navigating their investigation, facing behavioral challenges at home, struggling to meet basic needs or are experiencing barriers to mental health services; these stressors increase the risk of repeat involvement with DFPS and CPI. Some families also have a history of trauma such intimate partner violence and are seeking safety.

Together and Safe stabilizes families using evidence-based, trauma-informed practices. Ashley Maynard, DePelchin’s Clinical Case Supervisor, says, “Our families receive access to multiple types of counseling including individual, family, child, and couples counseling in both English and Spanish. They also have access to [our] parenting curriculum and case management with resource linkage. If there is something our families cannot access here at DePelchin, our case managers do a wonderful job of connecting the family with another organization.”

“Without Together and Safe,” Maynard notes, “many of these families would fall through the cracks.”

Success often shows up in meaningful breakthroughs. Maynard shares, “We are lucky to have had many success stories through Together and Safe”, referring to a parent who was able to de-escalate a conflict between siblings after using techniques they learned in their sessions with DePelchin. By talking openly with each other, the family was able to get to the root of the issue and resolve it on their own. Maynard continues, “These are spaces where we can see parents being empowered to know they can handle a difficult conversation, they can regulate their own emotions and help the child regulate as well.”

DePelchin’s Together and Safe team works hard to uplift families that are facing some of the most difficult challenges in their lives. Without judgement, families receive swift, targeted support and resources so they can heal, grow, and thrive – and their children are kept happy and safe.

To parents and caregivers who may be struggling at home, Maynard says, “Baby steps are still progress. Any movement you make towards bettering yourself and your family is effort and we thank you for making that effort.”