Herbalife distributors and the Herbalife Family Foundation have been generous supporters of Casa de Esperanza since 2011. In addition to annual grant funding from the foundation, local distributors have assisted in our work through donations of basic needs, gifts for the children, participation in fundraisers, and financial support.
The Herbalife Houston STS team has a special place in our hearts. Their motivation to help others is strong. For the last 13 years they have collected donations at the team’s monthly meetings to shop for Casa. Every 4 weeks without fail, team lead Maria Zepeda reaches out to ask about the Foster Care Neighborhood’s critical needs, and often goes to more than one store to get everything needed such as fruits and vegetables, cereals, paper towels, diapers, wipes, and other items. Maria and her team’s dedication, kindness, can-do attitude, and positivity brighten up Casa de Esperanza every time they visit.
“We always get excited to receive an Herbalife donation! Maria understands our needs and has never let us down, often exceeding our expectations with our requests,” says Lori Hudalla, Associate Director of the Neighborhood Foster Care Program. Maria says, “Casa is so dear to me; I love to help both the children and the adults. I am committed to Casa and want to keep this mission going forever. That is why it’s important to involve and inspire my team.”
We greatly appreciate the profound impact that Herbalife has had on our organization throughout the years. We feel so fortunate to have Herbalife as a community partner and to be a beneficiary of the Herbalife Family Foundation!
Congratulations to Maria and Houston STS on their 2024 Group Volunteer of the Year Award from Casa de Esperanza!
In 2017, Marris Golberg was introduced to Casa de Esperanza by a close friend and long-time Casa volunteer, Katie. Marris quickly became a beloved volunteer in the Casa neighborhood, coming each week to help with the children. Marris is also a valued member of the Gala committee, soliciting auctions items that have raised thousands of dollars for Casa’s mission.
About her time at Casa, Marris says “I marvel at how the AmeriCorps House Parents care for these children as their own. They develop bonds with each other and become a family unit. I am truly inspired by the comprehensive care and unconditional love given to each child along with the aftercare and follow-up provided to reunited families. This is why I remain a volunteer in the neighborhood and help raise money each year for the Gala.
One of my favorite memories is of celebrating a former House Parent’s adoption of the girl she raised from birth. I feel blessed to remain a part of their lives.”
A current AmeriCorps House Parent shared, “Marris is great with the kids and knows how to engage with them at their level. She is always super encouraging and positive around them. She is in-tune with our needs, identifying where she can help as a volunteer especially when it is chaotic, and makes efforts to play an active role during her time at our house. We love her and our kids love her!”
Congratulations Marris on receiving the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award from Casa de Esperanza!
