DEVEREUX TEXAS ’ FRIENDS
OF DEVEREUX VOLUNTEERS enrich lives of youth and young adults
“ Our amazing volunteer group , the Friends of Devereux , always seems to know
how to bring a smile to the faces of the adolescents and young adults in our care .” -- Devereux Texas Executive Director Pam Reed
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Texas ’ Friends of Devereux volunteers enhance and enrich the lives of those served by the organization at its League City campus through donations and activities throughout the year , such as
Friends of Devereux preparing for their monthly birthday for the youth in Devereux long-term treatment program .
Right : Friends of Devereux provide an ice cream truck for a fun social gathering for the youth in Devereux care . party
birthday celebrations , holiday stockings and monthly “ Fun Nights ” – when individuals can spend time tie-dying shirts , playing bingo or watching movies .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , these volunteers have supported the center by :
• Making fabric face masks to help keep essential staff – and the individuals they serve – safe and healthy
• Donating bags filled with games , books and other recreational supplies to help adolescents and young adults stay engaged and entertained
• Holding weekly spiritual enrichment services via Zoom , for those who wish to attend , to provide hope and healing for individuals suffering from emotional pain
• Sponsoring an ice cream truck , as well as a visit by a petting zoo “ We want to thank our Friends of Devereux for all they do for our organization ,” said Reed . “ Whether they are sewing face masks or filling backpacks with games and other goodies , this group of volunteers is always willing to give so generously of their time and talents to show our individuals and team members how much they care . Their selfless and inspiring efforts have had a positive impact on the lives of those we serve – and we are truly grateful .”
ANSWERING A CALL TO SERVE The Friends of Devereux , which formed in 1999 , is comprised of 42 volunteers – all community supporters .
ASHLEY WALTERS , who currently serves as president of the group , began volunteering in 2013 .
“ I was working on earning my bachelor ’ s degree in psychology when I heard about Devereux from a friend – she knew I wanted to work with children who had a similar background as me ,” Walters explained . “ I was raised mostly by my grandparents due to severed relationship with my mother , and I would not be where I am today without them . Some of the children served by Devereux do not have someone in their family who can help them thrive . I joined this group because I wanted to show them there are people in this world who truly care and want them to succeed .”
DIANE MORRIS joined the Friends of Devereux in 2003 , noting that she was impressed by the group ’ s mission .
“ Having come from a family with its own unique challenges , I saw this as an opportunity to help the next generation ,” Morris shared . “ While social distancing guidelines have prevented us from holding some of our larger events this year , we are still providing birthday gifts and activity boxes , and sponsoring other activities to let the children know we are still here for them .”
If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Friends of Devereux , please contact Devereux Director of Development at 281-316-5423 .
Learn more about Devereux Texas , and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health .
JONI ROBERTSON Director of Development Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Texas
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