Amber Knowles, Author at The Riverside Project Page 2 of 3

In this episode, I am joined by two incredible women from Decatur, Texas: Catherine Vannatta and Tiffany Maggret. Catherine currently serves as a CASA advocate, while Tiffany is the Founder and Executive Director of One Hope Village, an organization that helps deteriorating families recover by equipping them with robust community resources.

Once a teen struggling to navigate the challenges of growing up in the foster care system, Travis gained a strong passion for social work in college.

There are so many people who are making a difference (our list today could truly be miles long!), but we wanted to highlight a few difference-makers and share how they are working to impact the foster care community in Houston.

Shaundricka Easley is the Deputy Regional Director at the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. She has been with the department for over 15 years and had various roles during that time as well as served all 13 counties across the Houston area.

When we work together – each with our own unique focus, skills, and expertise – we can begin to build a better future for every family in our community.

Jenni Lord is a resolute advocate for fostering family healing through the power of genuine connection. In 2008, she established Chosen, a trailblazing nonprofit dedicated to nurturing children’s recovery from trauma by empowering their families.

Jesse Booher is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of DePelchin Children’s Center, which provides foster care and adoption services in Texas communities.

Every week, we get to see people invest their time, energy, resources, and care all along the River. They give of themselves. They care deeply. They show up again and again.

It all started with a simple napkin exercise. Chandler James was asked to write his dream on a napkin. Initially, it seemed like a silly exercise but when he was finished his napkin read: creating safe spaces for the next generation.

Every week, we get to see people invest their time, energy, resources, and care all along the River. They give of themselves. They care deeply. They show up again and again.