This month two local churches organized and hosted baby showers for Casa Teresa residents in our Parenting Program, Transformation program and Emergency Maternity Shelter. Our moms were showered with gifts, games, food, and above all love. The moms had so much fun and were very grateful, some even shed tears of happiness. Here are a few excerpts from some of the thank you letters written by Casa Teresa Moms and House Moms who attended the Baby Shower: “Thanks for taking time to plan the shower with so much love, it makes us feel so special and the presents are just an added blessing!” -Delysa “Having the baby shower made me feel special and put me at ease knowing someone cares. I appreciate the time and effort everyone put in to make this special for all of us.” -Mom in Transformation Program “Thank You Vineyard Church for Showering Our Moms with Love and being a part of their healing process” -House Mom, Melissa As we like to say, “When you volunteer with Casa, you become a part of the Casa Teresa family” and that is exactly what has happened in our relationship with Mariners Church and Vineyard Church of Anaheim. Many thanks to both churches for honoring and blessing our moms with love, time, prayers, and thoughtful gifts.
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Providing healthy home cooked meals is one of the many ways that make Casa Teresa more like a home than a shelter. Today on the menu, I have added a special salad consisting of spiraled zucchini, ribboned carrots, shredded purple cabbage, julienned red bell peppers, minced green onions, sprinkled with sprigs of cilantro, garnished with diced dried chili mangoes and nutty pepitas. Are you drooling yet? The colors are beautiful and the ingredients are simple, but the presentation states, "let’s have fun with our veggies!" Once dinner is prepared, I welcome a parade of waddling pregnant women into the kitchen to start our house meeting. House meetings are Casa Teresa’s version of a family meeting. We have monthly house meetings in both the Parenting and Transformation programs. House Moms plan and prepare home cook meals for our residents to gather around to review program guidelines, express their concerns and share laughter while dining together. In addition to receiving a nutritious meal, house meetings provide a model for healthy habits in the areas of diet, communication, and problem solving. Some of our moms are motivated to learn how to cook, some of our moms step out and learn how to voice their opinions confidently, and some of our moms realize they have the answers to challenges they face. The thoughtfulness that we as House Moms dedicate in planning our meals convey that Casa Teresa is a safe home that provides security, comfort, and support at the end of the day. It’s these small details that we attend to here at Casa Teresa that allow our organization to make a big impact in transforming the future of our moms and babies. Written by a Casa Teresa House Mom We recently celebrated 41 years of service to the Orange County community with a Masquerade Gala, held at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach, CA on Friday, October 6, 2017. Our annual fundraising gala evening raised over $170,000 in net proceeds to help continue our mission of service to pregnant women in crisis.
Over 250 attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction and wine wall. Popular live auction items included an elegant dinner for eight at a private home overlooking Laguna Beach and a one-week vacation in Los Cabos, Mexico. The highest bid went to a Truckin’ Trip with Heidi and Cameron Steele through Mexico. “It was a magical night! Casa Teresa is so blessed to have such a loyal and giving family of donors, supporters and volunteers. Our program has touched thousands and we’re proud of the amazing young women who have worked so hard to improve their lives and those of their children,” said Lisa Wood, Casa Teresa CEO. Thank you to our 2017 Sponsors: Diamond: Regina and Richard Hunsaker The Thompson Family Foundation Von Der Ahe Family Sapphire: Akoubian Enterprises, Inc. Cameron/Day Families Emergent Success, Inc. Tim and Diann LeVecke Jack and Donna McNutt The Muzzy Family Piercey Automotive Group Schreyer Family Valet: Frome Family Foundation Audi Mission Viejo, Infiniti of Mission Viejo, Volvo Mission Viejo Emerald: Aquatic Technologies First Republic Bank Lisa Karos/Remax Sylvia Michler Bar Sponsor: PIMCO Foundation Topaz: Rich and Lissa Callaghan Samuel and Jannette Ingardia Sandra L. Mitchell Tim and Alanna Psomas John and Lori Stanton Don and Jean Vivrette |
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