More than 600 people attended The Ark Gala on Sept. 6 at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center in Corpus Christi. Houston attorney Rachel Leal-Hudson presented the keynote address at The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth’s 13th annual gala.
Leal-Hudson has a passion for helping children in the Child Protective Services system because she knows what it is like to be in their shoes; she was an adopted child and a foster child herself. She relies primarily on her personal experience to achieve the desired results in her work with children and families.
Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey gave the invocation. KIII TV-3 News Anchor Joe Gazin served as the master of ceremonies. The Ark’s board Chairman Rene Esquivel and Delma Trejo, the organization’s executive director/administrator, also made comments.
Proceeds will go toward program services for the abused and neglected children housed at the shelter. Those who could not attend but would like to make a tax-deductible donation may do so by mailing it to The Ark at 12960 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410. All contributions will be acknowledged, and any amount sent will help the shelter to work toward meeting the residents’ needs.
The Ark is the only licensed facility within an 80-mile radius contracted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide emergency shelter and assessment services for up to 37 children and youth removed from their homes by Child Protective Services because their lives are in danger due to physical or sexual abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian.
Everything required for the residents’ well-being is supplied for up to 90 consecutive days while they are being evaluated for placement in an appropriate, long-term site where their needs can be met. Sometimes the children return to The Ark because their permanent placement was not successful or so they can be transitioned into adoptive homes.
*For complete report see October issue of the South Texas Catholic.*