Nonpro t
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
BE A Resource supports recently uprooted Houston-area children BE A Resource, or BEAR, provides resources for children in Child Protective Services. Looking back The nonprot started 25 years ago. “Some women that were volunteering at Child Protective Services realized that the caseworkers were having to spend their own money to buy items for kiddos ... [when] taking them out of traumatic situations,” Development and Events Coordinator Lauren Whidden said. Texas has about 16,000 children in CPS at any given time, Whidden said. “I want people to realize that Child Protective Services come to your child’s school, no matter what area you live in,” she said. About the program Each year, BEAR serves thousands of children in need through four core programs: • BEAR Necessities : Provides CPS-involved children with items such as toiletries, clothing, shoes, diapers, car seats and air mattresses • BEAR Back to School : Provides backpacks and school supplies • BEARing Gifts : Provides holiday gifts to at-risk and CPS-involved children • Heart Gallery Houston : A photo exhibit that helps children in foster care nd forever families Residents can support BEAR by volunteering, donating, sponsoring and raising awareness.
BE A Resource hosts a back-to-school program annually to equip students with the supplies they need.
PHOTOS COURTESY BE A RESOURCE
JUDIWAY ST.
W. 34THST.
N
3572 E. T.C. Jester Blvd., Houston www.bearesourcehouston.org
BEAR provides necessities for children in foster care.
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CYPRESS EDITION
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