Upbring News, Vol. 3: Summer 2023
Water For Wellbeing ??
A Social Impact Partnership
With summer in full swing, saying 'It's Hot in Texas' is an understatement. ?? Record-breaking temperatures contribute to stress and highlight a greater need to hydrate. This summer, Upbring announced its corporate partnership with J3 Distributors LLC and Tehuacan USA.
"At Tehuacan USA, we understand our role in society extends beyond providing a natural and healthy beverage. We see a shared responsibility to our communities, and this partnership with Upbring is our commitment to that responsibility. Together, we can create positive change, one bottle at a time." - Aquiles Jaime Garza Jr. , CEO of Tehuacan USA.
Starting in July 2023, Tehuacan USA will feature Upbring’s logo on its water bottles sold in convenience store retail locations in Texas including Buc-ee’s, Stripes, and 7-Eleven. With every bottle sold, Tehuacan will make a donation to Upbring with contributions estimated to reach $100,000 or more annually.?
“These funds will enable us to broaden our crucial work in child abuse prevention and intervention,” said Michael Loo , President and CEO of Upbring. “We deeply appreciate partners like Tehuacan USA.
Upbring encourages all of our supporters to stop by your local convenience store to buy Tehuacan for a unique way to create a better tomorrow for our children and families. Follow our social pages for more updates about how we'll be maximizing our partnership to support children and families.
"Where We're Supposed to Be"
The Knowles' Foster-To-Adopt Story ??
Extending a helping hand to children has been a way of life for Courtney and Jeff Knowles. As pee-wee sports coaches, they were sensitive to children from single-parent families who might need extra attention. At church, they worked with teenagers and in the nursery. Though they had two biological children, the Knowles felt called to love other children through fostering or adoption.
“I was determined that this was the right path for us,” Courtney explains. She wasted no time and immediately reached out to Child Protective Services, hoping to make a difference. Before long, a caseworker, understanding their situation, recommended Upbring. Curious and hopeful, Courtney and Jeff decided to attend an informational meeting at Upbring’s Fort Worth office. With a deep sense of certainty, Courtney thought, “This is exactly where we’re supposed to be.”
Throughout their fostering journey from 2014 to 2021, the Knowles’ primarily opened their hearts and home to infants and toddlers with diverse needs including conditions ranging from heart conditions to autism to fetal alcohol syndrome, as well as siblings who needed a safe haven. Courtney fondly recalls the first child they welcomed—an adorable six-month-old boy rescued from a drug house during a police raid. “He clung to me like a little baby koala bear to his mom,” she remembers. However, as time went on, they faced the reality that reunification was always the ultimate goal. When the young boy was reunited with his grandfather, the emotional impact took them by surprise. “We cried,” Courtney reveals. “We didn’t know it was going to be that hard.”
The Knowles foster journey led them to adopt three precious children, all newborns—starting a new chapter of love and stability Avery, now seven years old, and Adrian, six years old, were previously exposed to illegal drug environments, making their transition to a nurturing home more crucial. Additionally, Stella, born prematurely at 35 weeks, underwent a challenging journey, including a drug-induced coma, and underwent reconstructive open-heart surgery. Today, at the age of two and a half, Courtney beams with pride as she describes Stella’s vibrant personality, exclaiming “She’s ridiculously intelligent and bossy as the day is long.”
Courtney’s advice to people considering fostering: have a good support system. She’s grateful for the support of her mother, who lives nearby, as well as from Upbring and Family Services Worker, Kim Caldwell, who remains a friend of the family.
Taking a moment to reflect on the profound impact their adopted children have had on their lives, Courtney says, “Our children understand that their biological parents made regrettable choices that led to their current circumstances. However, they also recognize that their journey has brought them to a place that aligns with a higher purpose, guided by the will of God.” It is through this perspective that Courtney finds solace and hope, knowing that their children have found a loving and nurturing home where they are meant to be.
Making Philanthropic Wishes A Reality ??
Established in 1979 by four prominent Texas Lutherans, the Lutheran Foundation Of The Sw (LFSW) opened doors for people of faith to support their cherished Lutheran ministries, sparking a wave of philanthropy that continues to enrich lives today. With endowments exceeding $50 million as of May 2023, the Foundation distributes annual giving to eight sponsoring organizations, including Upbring, Texas Lutheran University , and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Philanthropists support Upbring because they are familiar with our long-standing programs, according to John Dellis , Director of Legacy Planning for the Foundation. “They see the blessings of Upbring’s work with foster families, through adoption, its efforts to break the cycle of child abuse and serving as the church’s disaster response partner.”
Legacy gifts play a vital role in the Foundation’s mission. These gifts are made by individuals through their last will and testament, ensuring that their chosen charity or nonprofit, such as Upbring, receives a contribution upon their passing. In contrast, the Foundation’s endowments provide annual support to the sponsored organizations.
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Upbring has already received substantial support through the Foundation. By 2022, we had received $2.8 million in endowment income and $887,000 in outright gifts or cash. The flexibility of endowment income allows us to direct funds where they are most needed, whether it be fulfilling specific goals or bridging gaps in project funding.
Anyone can plan a legacy through the Foundation, regardless of their financial means. Estate plans can range from $4,000 to substantial gifts in the millions of dollars. Contributions can include various assets such as cash, stock, real estate, personal property, life insurance, or retirement plans.
“Lots of times, when we meet with the donors and get details on their assets, people will say, ‘goodness, I had no idea we had this much,’ and that leads to some charitable generosity,” shares Mark Armstrong , Executive Director of the Foundation. “You know that term, 'a rising tide lifts all boats?’ Imagine if we both move toward the same goal. There’s no way we can’t achieve more!’” shares Mark.?
Recap: Texans Support Upbring Children at Spring Galas! ??
Thanks to our donors for helping us raise over?$410,000?through two fundraising events of 2023—Spring Gala in Lubbock and Healing Hearts Houston. The theme for both events was “Boots and Ballgowns” and our guests dressed to impress!
In April, Spring Gala raised $50,000 for children and families in the Lubbock community. During the event, long-time Upbring donors and volunteers Mary Lee and Larry Franklin were honored with a $1,000 donation to Mary Lee’s Closet. For many years, Mrs. Franklin has collected new and barely used clothes for babies, toddlers and children for the benefit of our Foster In Texas and Head Start Programs.
In May, Healing Hearts Houston set a record of raising over $360,000! “I am so grateful to all our supporters for their generosity and passion for the children we serve,” said Philanthropic Advisor Diane Covert, CFRE . “So many attendees and sponsors have come to this event for years, inviting their friends as an introduction to our programs.”
If you missed one of our events, there are still opportunities to attend or to support our efforts. Visit?Upbring.org/Events?to register or to learn how you can get involved.
Thoughts of Appreciation ??
The following quote is from Kevin Brown who describes himself as “a raving fan” of Upbring. He and his wife, Teri, have made financial gifts to Upbring for more than 15 years. His employer, NFP, an Aon company Corporate Benefits, has also sponsored Upbring events. Kevin also encouraged Austin insurers to partner with Upbring, resulting in a $100,000 donation by Humana used to build the “Humana House” at New Life Children’s Center. This fully-furnished duplex can sleep five to six family members— biological parents, foster parents or family members who may have traveled long distance to spend time with one of our New Life girls.
Over the past 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of having been introduced to organizations that are amazing in their mission to lift and serve children, and others that serve as wonderful ambassadors for Christ. Upbring not only possesses both of those virtues, but it is also a change agent for good, giving humans in need a hand up, not a handout. Breaking the cycle of child abuse and changing the trajectory of the lives of children who have experienced abuse is noble beyond words. Knowing Upbring’s mission, leadership and track record, it is easy for me and my wife to be eager participants in their efforts. It is an honor to partner with Upbring and be part of a very significant organization.”
Get Ready to Tee Off for a Great Cause! ???♂?
Upbring is excited to invite you to our annual golf tournaments in?San Antonio on September 25, 2023?and?Houston on November 15, 2023. Get ready to swing for the green and support the children, families, and communities we serve through our Texas programs.
By participating in our 18-hole scrambles and prizes, you can make a real impact on the lives of children in need. All funds raised will go directly towards empowering families and communities to break the cycle of child abuse. Join us as we work towards a world where every child is valued and cherished.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to have fun and make a difference. Save the date and register today! Visit?our events page?for more information on the event.?
We’ll see you on the course!
Join Us in Making a Difference! ??
There are many ways you can support Upbring:
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