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Dear Friends of the Phoenix Center,
 When we turn on the nightly news, the problems facing the world can seem insurmountable. Can we really make a difference? At the Phoenix Center, the answer is yes. We are making a difference thanks to your generosity and support. The true story in this issue is just one example of a child whose life trajectory could have been drastically different without the Phoenix Center. We are excited to share her inspiring story with you in this issue. During this season of thanksgiving, we are thankful for the hope and healing that you have made possible for children in need. You are truly making a difference, and together, we can do so much.
"I have learned how to spread my wings and imagine a different future for myself."
~Phoenix Center Child, Age 13 In this Issue:
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Mark your calendar for our 2015
February 28, 2015
Don't miss our 2015 Gala -
a very fun evening & our main source of funds for the new year!
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WIN A STAYCATION
If you become a new monthly donor at
just $15 or more per month,
you will be entered into a drawing to win a free
"staycation" including
Complimentary 2 night stay at
Horseshoe Bay Resort
including breakfast
Plus a $100 gift card for spa or golf services
To pledge, please click here and select donate monthly.*
*If you are viewing our donation page on an iphone,
select "View Desktop Version" to see the monthly giving option.
In order to be eligible, please sign up as a new monthly donor
at $15 per month - the cost of just 1 lunch out!
Donate between October 5 - November 30, 2014.
Winner will be selected in a drawing on December 1, 2014!
Only new monthly donors will be entered,
so your chance of winning is great!
Help Children Heal &
win a getaway for you and a loved one... A WIN-WIN!
Please note that all the items above were donated by Horseshoe Bay Resort at no expense to the Phoenix Center.
Thank you for making it possible for us to serve more children.
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Did You Know?
- In 4 of the counties the Phoenix Center serves, the number of confirmed victims of child abuse is almost double the statewide average.
- Within Texas, there is an increasing demand for mental health care and a shortage of mental health professionals available, in particular for low income children in rural areas.
- In our community, the combined child welfare agencies are unable to meet the demand for mental health services due to the high rates of abuse and neglect in our area. The Phoenix Center is working hard to grow in capacity to meet this critical need.
- Instead of treating just the child, we address the health of the whole family through our therapy services and parenting programs.
- The Phoenix Center has low overhead, including donated office space. When you give, your donation goes directly to children in need.
- The Phoenix Center has established an endowment within Austin Community Foundation to ensure our long-term viability and sustainability. When donating, you may designate that your gift go to fund our endowment.
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 When 13 year-old Eva first came to the Phoenix Center, she scanned the room and jumped at the sudden construction noise outside. She was experiencing symptoms of PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Eva was referred to the Phoenix Center by CASA after experiencing physical abuse and neglect and multiple foster homes. She coped by pouring herself into her schoolwork and making straight A's, never missing a day of school. She retreated into books, which allowed her to "live in another world."
Over the course of over a year, the Phoenix Center became Eva's second home. She received quality therapy services 2 times a week and attended Camp Phoenix, all at no cost - thanks to generous donations from supporters like you.
Despite her history of abuse, after a year of intensive services at the Phoenix Center, Eva was thriving both academically and socially. Her dream is to become a children's therapist and write a book to help other victims of abuse.
Currently, Eva is in the process of being adopted by a family who looks forward to helping her prepare for college. Throughout the last year, Eva's CASA, CPS worker, and foster family all worked closely with the Phoenix Center.
Without the intensive wrap-around services offered by the Phoenix Center, Eva would currently be at higher risk for substance abuse, crime, pregnancy and suicide. But today, we can all celebrate that Eva's life is now on a positive trajectory. In her own words, she writes:
"I have learned how to spread my wings and imagine a different future for myself."
Positive outcomes are possible with our intensive, high-quality care. Right now, there are many other deserving kids like Eva, and together we can make a difference in their lives. Thank you for your generous donation so we can help more children in need.
* Please note the name and age of the child have been changed to protect confidentiality.
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Who We Serve
Children, ages 3 - 18, who have experienced:
- Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
- Complex trauma
- Clinical depression
- Suicidal ideation & self-harm
- Children served by CASA & CPS
We serve children without health insurance,
and children who do not otherwise have access to high-quality mental health care.
We are working hard to meet the need for
mental health services for victims of child abuse.
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Phoenix Fun Run
The Phoenix Fun Run will be part of the
2nd Annual Hill Country Marathon
Saturday, October 18, 2014
6p.m.
Mustang Stadium
2101 Mustang Drive, Marble Falls, TX
$10 on-site, race day registration
Click here to register online.
100% of proceeds benefit Phoenix Center
All children will receive a stainless steel
running charm / shoelace token.
The Fun Run / Walk is a 1 mile trail run or walk open to kids, families & adults of all ages. We hope you'll come out to show your support!
A special thank you to Brad and Nyla Quinn. We greatly appreciate your generous and continued support.
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A HUGE THANK YOU to our live music event sponsors:
Thank you to all who came out to support the children of the Phoenix Center at our live music fundraiser on October 5th! River City Grille & Blue Bonnet Cafe sponsored this annual live music benefit. A special thank you to Paul and Connie Brady, John and Belinda Kemper and the staff of River City Grille. We are grateful for your generous and continued support.
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"Until I started coming here,
I didn't realize I could do anything...
But seeing my art in the art book, and realizing
wow, that's mine... And you and Sarah encouraging me,
helped me see that I could do anything I wanted really.
I am not limited."
- Age 15, Fall 2014
"Phoenix Center is the bestest place in the entire world."
- Age 7
"I want to live here."
- Age 6
"You have a special place."
- Age 10
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Holiday Giving Campaign
During this holiday season, we invite you to be a part of our Holiday Giving Campaign.
Give a holiday gift that will make a significant difference in the life of a child.
When you honor a loved one with a gift, we will send the honoree a children's art note card - with art made by one of the children at the Phoenix Center - acknowledging your gift with room for
a personalized holiday greeting.
Many budget-friendly giving options are also available, such as a monthly gift of $10 or more that can be securely and automatically charged monthly for your convenience. Simply click on the donate button below.
Join the Phoenix Center to provide quality mental health care for children in need, such as children who have experienced trauma:
1) Consider a one-time, monthly recurring, or memorial/dedication gift. You may also designate that your donation go to specifically support our endowment.
2) Purchase our sunflower or butterfly children's art note cards as stocking stuffers or holiday gifts. To order a package of 8 cards for a $20 donation, please email Sarah at sarah@phoenixcentertexas.org. We will ship them to your home address.
Images on our blank children's art note cards:
 | | sunflower card |
| | butterfly card |
All gifts are tax-deductible and every gift is deeply appreciated.
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Ways You Can Help
$50 Parenting classes
$200 Day camp for one child
$500 Weekend camp for one child
$1,000 10 therapy sessions for one child
Our programs are made possible
by volunteers and private donations.
Your support is vital and deeply appreciated.
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Options to give include a monthly, quarterly, or
annually recurring gift, or a dedication or
memorial gift
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MAIL A DONATION
Phoenix Center
P.O Box 732
Marble Falls, TX 78654
(Click for more info)
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GIVE FROM OUR WISHLIST
- Blank sketchbooks and journals for children receiving therapy services
- Art papers: assorted sizes
- Healthy snacks for after-school programs
- Play-dough - volunteer to make
- Pottery wheels for after-school programs
- Donations to fund clay for after-school groups
Please contact us for more details at
info@phoenixcentertexas.org.
Your support is vital and deeply appreciated.
Thank you.
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Consider donating your used
car, truck, van, motorcycle,
boat, RV, trailer, airplane or
ATV to the Phoenix Center.
It's a tax-deductible donation, and we'll take care of
everything, including pick up.
for complete details. Call
877-537-5277 to get started!
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Family Fun & Relaxation
Aromatherapy Play-Dough
Ingredients
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cream of tarter
1 ½ tablespoons oil
Food coloring
½ teaspoon essential oil
Instructions
- Mix all dry ingredients together in a pot (flour, salt, cream of tarter)
- Next mix the wet ingredients (water, oil, food coloring) in a measuring cup - a glass one works best so the food coloring won't stain.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture in the pan. Carefully stir until combined.
- You want the mixture to be pretty homogeneous before placing on the heat so mix well. Cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds to a minute. The cooking goes fast so stay close, and be careful not to overcook since it dries out the dough.
- If using, now is the time to add a 1/4-teaspoon of essential oil.
- Mix in the essential oil and continue cooking, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds more.
- The dough will get clumpy and then start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Once it starts pulling together it's done. Hurry and scrape the dough into a ball and remove from the pan.
- Place the cooked dough on a sheet of wax paper and knead a few times until smooth.
- Store the dough in an airtight container so it won't dry out. Storing in the fridge lasts longer
Lavender Oil - calming and relaxing
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Who We Are
Phoenix Center, a 501c(3) non-profit, is committed to meeting the need for high-quality, affordable mental health care for children and families in need.
When children have experienced trauma or abuse, research shows early intervention is critical for long-term well-being and health. Through our services, children in need are able to access exemplary mental health services, and ultimately thrive as individuals and families.
Our Services
Phoenix Counseling: Research-based therapy services for children, ages 3- 18 - focusing on children who have experienced trauma, such as child abuse
Phoenix Parenting: Free of cost, research-based parenting classes to improve the health of the whole family
Phoenix After School: Therapeutic children's groups incorporating yoga/wellness and expressive art activities, which promote relaxation, coping, and social skills.
Camp Phoenix: Therapeutic camp sessions at Candlelight Ranch, including equine therapy - our own innovative therapeutic camp curriculum.
Who is a Phoenix Center Child?
Children ages 3 - 18 with an identified mental health need, such as children who have experienced abuse or trauma. The children we serve are often uninsured, under-insured or are otherwise unable to access high-quality mental health services.
Our Collaborating Agencies
Our Staff
Phoenix Center staff include licensed mental health professionals and graduate student counseling and social work Interns from the UT Austin School of Social Work and Texas State University.
Our Board
Members include J. Allan Garrett, Terry Gulden, Harry Born, Lindsay Plante, Patti McCormick, Patia Strickland, Molly Biglari, Liz Turner & Courtney Bowen
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Connect with Phoenix Center!
    
Phoenix Center
Post Office Box 732
Marble Falls, Texas 78654
830.637.7848
We believe childhood trauma can be overcome and every child deserves access to high-quality mental health care - regardless of their ability to pay.
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