BeginningsThe Fifth Ward Campus expansion is up and running with 24 new children from some

of Houston’s most economically at-risk families. Small Steps’ four new teachers opened two of the four new classrooms on February 4th. The bright yellow walls and the inviting classrooms encouraged the new two, three, and four year-old children to begin their journey at Small Steps. Virginia Melo and Irazema Villarreal have started working with their new two and three year-old students on accepting their new schedule along with vocabulary and art. Bill Ward and Doris Mayard have had a great transition with their new three and four year-old classroom. The three and four year-old students are learning about weather and experiencing the outdoor learning centers. It takes time for Small Steps’ students to get acclimated to their routine, but with the amazing new facility and the excellent staff, the teachers have the resources they need to meet each child’s needs.

The students have especially enjoyed the enlarged playground area. The new bike trails and extended green space were an exciting addition for our seasoned students. On opening day children were running freely through the schoolyard. Mary Ellen Ellis, a kindergarten teacher at the Fifth Ward Campus, said, “It was like freeing birds,” about the students first experience with the expanded playground. With the opportunity to serve more children and the possibility of new friends, there is an overwhelming sense of joy for both teachers and students at each of the Small Steps’ campuses. By the fall of 2014, Small Steps will fill two additional classrooms and will serve a total of 180 students. We invite you to come by our Fifth Ward Campus to tour the new wing and meet the newest additions to Small Steps.

Heart &SoleSmall Steps Nurturing Center News

Spring 2013

4 Rodeo Time5 6 DedicationCeremony

Irazema Villarreal and a student working with building blocks in the new classroom.

NEW

Planting vegetables in the Fifth Ward garden.

Inside this Issue

Enjoying the new green space provided by the expansion.

What Kidsare Learning

Third Annual Nurture & Nourish LuncheonSeptember 17, 2013 at the Houston Country ClubPlease join co-chairs Elizabeth Jeffers, Marie Louise Kinder, Susan McConn, Jennifer Moore, Lacy Rieke, and Helen Schmidt for the Third Annual Nurture and Nourish Luncheon! We are excited to announce that this year’s luncheon speaker will be NBC News Correspondent, teacher and chair of UNICEF’s Next Generation Jenna Bush Hager. We are thrilled to have such a dynamic and engaging speaker and hope that you will consider sponsoring and attending this fun event! To learn more about the luncheon and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.ssnc.org.

Join Us!Event chairs Kelli and John Weinzierl and Nicole and David Zarr invite you to the 4th Annual Small Steps Wine Classic. Join us on Thursday, May 2, 2013 as we honor Lilly and Thurmon Andress, for their long-time commitment to Small Steps. The evening will be hosted by Master Sommelier Guy Stout who will lead guests through a five course meal paired with some of the world’s finest wines. To register for the event, please visit https://www.ssnc.org/register/.

SAVETHE

DATE!

Upcoming Events

May 23 Small Steps GraduationJune 3 Summer Program StartsJune 3 Volunteer TrainingJune 20 Young Professional Happy Hour at Kung FuContact Ashley Garner at agarner@ssnc.org for more information about the Young Professional events.

We are grateful for Small Steps’ Generous Donors

Upcoming Events

May 23 Small Steps GraduationJune 3 Summer Program StartsJune 3 Volunteer TrainingJune 20 Young Professional Happy Hour at Kung FuContact Ashley Garner at agarner@ssnc.org for more information about the Young Professional events.

Libby and James AdamsSeth and Katy AdamsKim and Marshall AdkinsAllen Boone Humphries Robinson LLPChinhui and Edward Allen IIIAlta Mesa Holdings LPAmegy Bank of Texas Anadarko Petroleum Corporation David and Carolyn AndersonKelley and Eric AndersonThurmon and Lilly AndressAndrews & Kurth LLPFrank and Evelyn AngelleAbigail and Robert AntablinAonArch and Stella Rowan Foundation, IncCourtney and Scott ArcherBrooke and Cody ArmbristerMatt AssiffAtwood OceanicsKaren BaerenstecherScott and Tamie BaggettCarole BaileyHeather Bailey Mary Michelle and Lorne BainJames BairdStephen and Heather BairdEllie and David BaleBank of America Matching Gifts ProgramBank of America Merrill LynchBank of HoustonBank of OklahomaBank of TexasLarry BarbourBarclays CapitalClint D. BarghiBarnes & NobleDanielle and Josh BatchelorRuth & Ted Bauer Family FoundationLafe BauerBBVA CompassLee and Leila BeckelmanJamie BenardWilliam and Suzanne BennMonica Benton Markley and Travis BergKristen and John BergerBlack Stone Minerals Company, L.P.BMO Capital MarketsRachel and Chris BoehlerBold Operating, LLCBookout Family FoundationRay and Martha BostianArlene and Sam BourniasBP Energy CompanyBP Fabric of America FundBracewell & Giuliani LLPCarl BradleyKristy and Chris BradshawKathryn and William BraganBrantaKatie BrassRetta J. BravoJessica and Fred BrazeltonLewis Brazelton IVShelley and Lewis BrazeltonBreitBurn Energy CompanyJimmy and Kathy Brooks

Kari BrophyThe Brown Foundation, Inc.Jennifer and Doak BrownJana and Greg BruceMarlo BruceDavid and Kristen BuckBurguieres Family FoundationBebe and Bob BurnsMark and Connally BurroughsPatsy BurrowPresident and Mrs. George H.W. BushPierce BushBonnie CabaudJane and Robert CabesCabot Oil & Gas CorporationCal Dive InternationalLarry and Allison CallenderCalyx Energy LLCCameron Jim and Mary Lu CampbellCanaccord GenuityCapital One BankCarey of HoustonLindsay CareyCargill Risk ManagementAnnie CarlKaroline and Tim CarlsonCarrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.January and Scott CarterTerri CarterCastex Energy Inc.Joseph L. Castillo Pat CavanaghCFP FoundationChamberlain HrdlickaCharles T. Bauer FoundationDebbie ChenevertKathryn ChildersJason ChildressRay ChildressNicole ChoiEvans and Charlie ChristCinco Resources, Inc.Citation Oil & Gas Corp.Richard ClarkSusan A. and C. Todd ClarkThe Clayton FundPeggy Ann CloningerCockrell Family FundGeoffrey ColeJennifer ColterComerica BankEdie Connelly Patrick and Kathleen Connelly Heather and Jason ConsoliLisa and W. Loch CookCopano EnergySteven M. CowanKevin and Frankie CoxCharlie CraigCrestwood Midstream Partners LPAnn and Jerry CrewsGary and Sylvie CrumThe Cullen FoundationVeronica Selinko-Curran and Michael CurranKendle DardisBarbara DaveyDavid Weekley Family Foundation

Renee and Charles L. Davis IVAmanda DavisSallie and Ted DavisDaVitaBeth and David DavitteAshley DayDeep Gulf Energy LPMichael DellingerDes Kohan, Inc.Elaine DeSouzaBrooks DespotDeutsche BankJill DeutserLynn and Ronnie D. DeyoDian Graves Owen FoundationRon DierkerDiverse Energy Management Co.Donna and Barry DonaldsonDrillingInfoGloria DukeElizabeth Montgomery DukesDynamic Offshore ResourcesLisa and Ralph EadsMary and John EadsEagle Energy TrustEagle Rock Energy Partners Jeff and Theresa EatonJudy and Charles EatonEclipse ResourcesEd Rachal FoundationPepper and William EdensFred and Claudia EdgertonBonny and Joseph EdwardsElizabeth EdwardsSusan EdwardsEl Paso CorporationRamsay ElderEllwood FoundationEmployee Benefit SolutionsEmpresa EnergyEnCap Investments L.P.Encino EnergyEndeavor International CorporationEnergy IV

Energy XXIEnergyQuest II, LLCEnerVest, LtdEpiscopal High SchoolEscondido Resources II, LLCJohn and Barbara EstesDenise EvansVirginia and Morrow EvansDoug EvasiukEvergreen Industrial ServicesExchange Club of FM 1960 Inc.Nadine Farmer-BrinkCatherine FarrellKathryn FayFidelis Class of First United Methodist ChurchCaroline and Thomas FieldJo Anna FinkelsteinFireWheel Energy, LLCFirst Reserve CorporationDeidra and Tim FisherFlatrock Energy Advisors LLCThe Fondren FoundationForest Oil CorporationDoug FosheeFossil Creek Resources, LLCJustin FountainStewart FowlerMichael FranceFrances and Paul Terry Jr. Family FoundationAnne and John FreemanFrost BankEleni FullerLana M. GarciaEd and Hilda GarzaLaura GenungGeorge and Mary Josephine Hamman FoundationJames and Karen GerstnerJennie and Doug GettenNancy and Tom GettenLesli and John GiannukosValerie B. GibbsCarl and Laura Giesler

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Each week the children of Small Steps are invited into the stories of the Christian faith through the creative process of Godly Play. Godly Play was developed by Jerome Berryman to introduce young children to the language of faith through stories, silence, and actions. The creative, hands-on process of introducing the Bible allows children to make their own connections among the stories and to make personal connections to each story. Through the invitation of the simple words, “I wonder,” Small Steps students enter into a life-long discovery of God’s presence in their lives.

The children at Small Steps bend and stretch both their minds and their bodies as Tanya Hill gently leads them through the art of yoga. Ms. Hill’s desire is for each of the young students to acquire the physical and emotional tools needed to be comfortable with him or herself. It is important for the children to feel comfortable within their own bodies, that they feel strong in spirit, and that they

develop a sense of empowerment as a personal attribute. The ability to self-regulate difficult emotions and calm oneself during challenging situations will grow within each child to become life-long gifts.

What Kids are Learning

Throughout the school year, the pre-k and kindergarten teachers use multiple techniques to teach their students how to count. The students start with the number one on their first day of school and count through the 100th day of school. The classes have practiced counting to100 by collecting 100 objects from home, identifying the numbers 1 through 100 and writing 1 through 100. On the 100th day of school, our classes had parties to celebrate their knowledge and spent time counting fun items.

Mignon A. and Stephen M. GillGM Southeast Energy VenturesGolding Foundation FundGoldman, Sachs & Co.Carmen GomezBecky and Thomas GottsegenGrace Bible ChurchHollis and Randall GraceBarbara and Joseph GradyChris GranberryJessica and Vean GreggPenny and Parker GreggJonathan and Connie GregoryGrenadier Energy PartnersJanita and Garney GriggsJamie GrissomMary GrovesGuggenheim PartnersBen GuillGulf Tex Energy II GP LLCHalcon ResourcesAllison HallHalliburtonPatrick HalpinThe Hamill FoundationStephanie and Mark HamiltonStacy and Michael HardisonEvan and Suzette HarrelHarrigan Energy Partners IncCecilia and Will HarrisLindsey D. HarrisKristan L. HarrisonAmy and Curtis HartmanKathie HartzogPhilip and Sara HawkStacy HeadBoyd and Erin HeathKarah HeimSusan HeldebrandRoger D. and Tami HellumsAnn and Howard HendrixHercules OffshoreTiffany and Eric HerlethLorie and Steve HerodStephani HessChristina and Randall HicksHilcorp Energy CompanyLisa HodgesElizabeth and Wyatt HoganMargot HoganShannon and Doug HolsteadLindsay and Rand HolsteadMarilyn and John HolsteadScott and Jill HolsteadShawna and Jason HoneycuttCourtney HopsonMartha HouseHouston Livestock Show and RodeoHouston Museum of Natural ScienceJulie and John HowieHeather and James HumphreyWill and Dinah HuthnanceIBERIABANKMelissa and Phillip IeroShelley and William IglesiasIndemCo, LPInergy Crude Logistics, LLCInvescoJ & S Oil & Gas LLCJ. H. Blades & Co.Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable TrustJackson Walker, LLPAdam JacksonJenna JacksonJessica JacobeEdward and Elizabeth JamesJefferies & Company, Inc.Elizabeth Jeffers

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Days Celebration!100

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has quickly become a huge supporter of Small

Steps. The Rodeo recently awarded a $50,000 grant to fund Small Steps’ early childhood education program. The Rodeo also featured Small Steps in its Chairman’s Message - the video that is shown each night of the rodeo between the rodeo events and the concert. This year the Chairman’s Message featured education programs that the Rodeo supports. Small Steps was fortunate to be included in the video, which was seen by hundreds of thousands of people during the 2013 Rodeo. Small Steps was also featured in the Rodeo’s Show Pride exhibit, which informs the community about the many educational programs that the Rodeo supports. Small Steps students created an armadillo art project, which was on display in the show pride exhibit for the duration of the Rodeo. The students studied armadillos for a week — reading books and looking at photos of armadillos, discussing the animal’s features, sketching armadillos and then making and decorating paper mâché armadillos. Small Steps students got to see their armadillos on display following their AGventure tour. We are grateful to be a beneficiary of The Rodeo’s continued commitment to education and the Houston community!

Christy and Webb JenningsKathleen and James JenningsEvelyn and Bob JewellJohn L. Wortham & Son, L.P.The John M. O’Quinn FoundationAmanda and Richard JohnsonRuth and Ted JohnsonJessica JohnstonKorie and Dusty JohnstonJones Energy, Ltd.Katherine and Stewart JonesLauren and Stanley JonesAllison and Zach JordanGeorge R. and Julie Jordan, Jr.Mike JozwiakJPMorgan Chase FoundationJenna and William JunellKristina and Kyle KafkaMichelle and Royce KallesonKayne Anderson Energy FundsThe Kayser FoundationKelly Gene Cook, Sr. Charitable FoundationMargaret and John KelseyWilliam and Laura KelseyKey Energy Services, Inc.KeyBanc Capital MarketsKelli KickerilloAlicia and Robert KimmelKristi and Robert KincannonDavid and Marie Louise KinderChuck and Carol Kingswell-SmithBailey KinneyKorn / Ferry InternationalNancy and Dale KornegayKroger Neighbor to NeighborBlake and William KunetkaL.E. Simmons & Associates, Inc.Lee and Virginia LahourcadeLaLaLuxeHollie LandrithMichael Anne and Thomas LaneLantana Oil & Gas PartnersLaramie Energy II, LLCLaredo EnergyRachel and Mark LawrenceJoe T. LearyAmy and William LeeLegado ResourcesKevin and Lucy LeonardPriscilla LeungAnne and Jake LewisGardner LewisLiberty Mutual GroupWalter S. Light, Jr.Carolyn and David LightSusan and David LightLime Rock PartnersLinn Energy, LLCCarrie and Brent LiumBobbie LivingsMarian LivingstonLocke LordLockton CompaniesMimi and Bob LodowskiElaine and Peter LoggenbergJustin and Audrey LowethKim and Richard M. LucasPat and Michael LucasKatherine and David LuckeElizabeth LucrezioClayton and Abby LuskieLynn Kiecke Lackey & Eason Insurance GroupMach Industrial GroupMacquarie Energy CapitalMacquarie Tristone CapitalRobert J. MagnerGina and Gerardo ManalacKathy Mann

Days Celebration!

Thank You to the

Small Steps students visiting livestock during the Rodeo’s AGventures guided tour. The students saw a calf that had just been born and watched chicks hatch from their eggs. The students also saw baby piglets and were able to pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

Small Steps students enjoying lunch at a BBQ cook-off party hosted by Cold River Cattle Company. This is the 13th year that Cold River has hosted Small Steps students to its BBQ cook-off tent at the Rodeo. This years’ festivities included lunch, a piñata, face painting, music and a magic show by Buttons the clown.

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On March 6th, 150 officials, supporters, Board members, and Small Steps’ families

came together to celebrate the expansion of Small Steps’ Fifth Ward Campus with music, words of encouragement and tours of the new space. All that attended the ceremony enjoyed the beautiful weather, music from the Harbor Light Choir, a dedication by West Brazelton of Grace Bible Church, and a blessing by Charlie Middlebrook formerly of Impact Church of Christ. Middlebrook, like many others that attended the event, has been a part of Small Steps from its inception. His reflection, blessing and words of encouragement moved all that attended the ceremony. As the Small Steps children enjoyed ice cream donated by Tasti D-Lite and the new play area, guests took tours of the new 7,945 square foot space. The Fifth Ward expansion was completed in late January and within budget, thanks to the hard work of contractor Steve Clark. The new

Mimi and Michael MarixMarlin Energy, L.L.C.Brandi and Chris MarrusAllison and Grier MartinScott and Kimberly MartinKristine MartinezMelissa MasseyDanny and Carla MatthewsChristopher MatlockAnthony and Mary MayoralSherry and David McCarverElizabeth and Robert McCeneyChristiana and John Luke McConnSusan McConnKirby McCoolMaria and Michael McEvoyStephanie and Thomas McFaddenJackie McGreevyMcGriff Seibels and WilliamsLydia and Eric McGuireJana McHenryThe Robert and Janice McNair FoundationMediterranean Resources, LLCTina and Thomas MeloMemorial Drive Presbyterian ChurchMemorial Resource Development LLCJan and Oniel MendenhallMerrick Capital CorporationLisa and Jim MeyerhoffRachael MicletteMilagro ExplorationElisabeth and Ron MillardCarrie and Ernest MillerEugenia MillerChristina and Christopher MilliganCaroline B. MitchellCourtney and Sean MitchellHeather and David MitchellMizuho Corporate Bank (USA)Bill and Kelly MontgomeryRachel and John MoodyCourtney MooreDeana and John MooreJennifer and Joel MooreKaren and Robert MooreCrawford and Zeina MoorefieldStanley MorganLibbye MorrellSara MorrowCarlin MorsteadJeanne and Jame MosesAnna and Ryan MossThe MST FoundationJohn and Christy MurchisonJohn Hardy and Amy MurchisonNabors Industries Ltd.Alix NakfoorJenifer and John NashNational Oilwell VarcoRick NelsonNetherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.New York Life Giving CampaignLeslie and Randy NewcomerNewpark ResourcesSheila NeylonNFR Energy LLCVerna NoackNoble Drilling CorporationJames NoeMary Helen NormanNorthstar Offshore Group, LLCPatti and David NoserLaura and Kerry NotestineNuevo MidstreamOak Valley Energy, LLCOasis Petroleum Inc.Kim OdomOFS Energy Fund, LLCOGX Resources LLC

wing includes four classrooms, two therapy rooms, two observation rooms, meeting space and five offices. Small Steps opened two of the four new classrooms in February adding 24 students and 4 new teachers. The new space will allow Small Steps to serve a total of 180 children by the fall of 2014. Thank you for celebrating with us! It was an honor to show you the new space and speak with you about the future of Small Steps. If you have not had the opportunity to see the new wing, please contact Holly Robbins at hrobbins@ssnc.org to set up a visit.

New BeginningsNew Year, New Wing,

Pictured right:1. Charlie Middlebrook, formerly of Impact Church of Christ, giving the closing prayer and blessing the new wing. 2. Children enjoying ice cream from Tasti D-Lite. 3. Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Choir serenading guests as they arrived to the dedication.

1 2

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AIM FoundationAmerican Fire SystemsElizabeth and James Adams, Jr., M.D.Chinhui and Eddie AllenLilly and Thurmon AndressEvelyn and Frank AngelleMelinda and Greg ArmstrongScott and Tamie BaggettLarry BarbourSuzanne and William BennCynthia and Ed BlizzardCharles BoltLinda and Sam BradshawJessica and Fred BrazeltonLewis E. Brazelton, IVThe Brown Foundation, Inc.Connally and Mark BurroughsMary Lu CampbellKaroline and Timothy CarlsonPatrick ConnellySteven M. CowanAnn and Jerry CrewsSylvie and Gary CrumThe Cullen FoundationKendle DardisDian Graves Owen FoundationPeter Hawkins Dobberpuhl FoundationHolly and Joel DobberpuhlEnCap Investments L.P.

The Fondren FoundationVean and Jessica GreggMr. and Mrs. James F. GerstnerGrace Bible ChurchConnie and Jonathan GregoryThe Hamill FoundationMaddy HankinsSuzette and Evan HarrelKathie HartzogSara and Philip HawkDiana and Russell HawkinsLorie and Steve HerodHildebrand FoundationShawna and Jason HoneycuttHouston Junior Women’s ClubThe Howie FamilyKathleen and James JenningsMr. and Mrs. George JordanChuck Kingswell-SmithNancy and Dale KornegayJoe T. LearyMarion LemanLucy LeonardMr. and Mrs. Gardner LewisDr. and Mrs. David W. Light IVLINN EnergyAudrey and Justin LowethKimberly and Richard M. Lucas, Jr.Elizabeth LucrezioJames Mayfield

Jennifer and George McCormickEric and Lydia McGuireTina and Thomas MeloJan and Oniel Mendenhall, Jr. Jim and Lisa MeyerhoffKaren and Robert MooreChristopher MorrisAnna and Ryan MossAmy, Ashley, Virginia and Hardy MurchisonStuart MurphyThe John M. O’Quinn FoundationPat and Helen PattersonMargaret and Michael PierceKathleen and Townes PresslerMarianna and Ken RascoPeggy and John RathmellThe Reed FoundationRene and Stephanie RichardMr. and Mrs. David N. RobertsSarah and Fred RobertsonKolja RockovMeaghan and Robert RubeyStacie and Ryan SaenzMari SalazarKatherine U. Sanders FoundationMargie and Brad SandersOswald ScottJudy and Darby SeréRobin and David Sigman

The Virginia and LE Simmons FoundationRobert A. Simms, Jr.Tambrey and Larry SimsJim and Geralyn SmithermanAimee and Wynne SnootsSpindletop Charities, Inc.Donald StarkStedman West FoundationClaudia and Alan StewartMeredith and John StilwellPeggy and Greg StirmanCourtney and Doug SwansonCarol and Dan TaylorFerrell ThorpeBrad and Fran UrquhartJamie and Larry VazquezKate and Logan WaltersAllyson and Walter WeathersWeatherford International Ltd.The Weinzierl FamilyMargaret WilbornMichael S. WilkWorld Oilman’s Tennis Tournament Corp. John and Vickie WorthyNancy YanochickBarb and Bob Zorich

Thank you to those who have pledged their support of Small Steps’ expansion! We are excited to report that we have pledges totaling $2,423,458 toward our capital campaign. If you would like to help us complete our campaign, please return the enclosed

envelope form to Small Steps or call the development office at (713) 236-0330. Please note that your gift is for the capital campaign.

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We are

Gratefulfor Small Steps Generous

Capital Campaign Donors

Oil States International, Inc.Kay OnsteadOpportune LLPWendy and Robert OrthChristina and Michael OshellTami and Les OwenPatrick and Katie OxfordAnissa and William PaddockElizabeth and Greer PaganKathleen PanusMeredith ParentiParker Drilling CompanyAllison Z. ParsleyPatterson-UTI Energy Inc.Lucas PayneGene PeeplesPennEnergy Resources LLCPeregrine Oil & Gas II, LLCAbigail and Pablo PerezEmily and Will PerryAnice C. PetersonPetroEdge Resources, LLCPhillips Energy PartnersPhillips Family FoundationMaria PickettMargaret and Michael PiercePlains All American PipelinePlantation Petroleum CompaniesPlatform Partners, LLCRussell PorterMatt and Olivia PorterJoy and Paul PosoliMary and William PowellKathleen and Townes PresslerLacy and Philip PricePricewaterhouseCoopers LLPDustin PriemerProtege Energy II LLCGeorge PurgasonQR EnergyQuantum Resources Management LLCJessica G. RadleMatt RamseyJoy and Edward Randall IVKenneth and Marianna RascoLouise RatzJames RaymondJennifer and Ben RaymondRaytheon Charitable GivingRBC Capital MarketsRebekah and Gary ReavesAngie and John RecklingIsla and Thomas RecklingThe Reed FoundationAmy and Michael ReevesRegions TrustReliant Energy Charitable Giving ProgramCatherine RentzRice UniversityRene RichardBrian and Lacy RiekeRK Harrison Insurance BrokersErika and Brian RobbinsRui and David RobertsBarbara an Corbin J. RobertsonBeth and Chase RobisonJim and Misty RoederBrian and Amy RogersDave De RoodePatricia and Richard RorschachCatie and Brian RossKatherine RossMelanie RothwellRowan CompaniesRR DonnelleyRobert and Meaghan RubeySabco Oil and Gas CorporationSafewayMari Salazar

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Founded in 1995, Small Steps began as a grassroots effort serving just six children in

a community park after a summer intern saw the need to serve the young children who were unable to attend Impact Church of Christ’s Vacation Bible School. By 1999, Small Steps had raised enough money through gracious donors and the annual Small Steps Energy Classic to build a 6,000 square foot facility and expand the program to serve almost 60 inner-city children. A second facility was opened in September 2006 in the Fifth Ward, increasing enrollment to 118 students. Small Steps began expanding the Fifth Ward Campus in 2012. The 7,000 square foot addition will increase Small Steps’ capacity to 180 students

Growth of a Dream: Small Steps from the Beginning

In my two months as Executive Director of Small Steps, I have seen us GROWING HOPE FOR THE FUTURE every day! It is a

privilege to work alongside talented, dedicated teachers, staff members, volunteers, Board members, and parents to foster the social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth of the precious children God has entrusted in our care. Small Steps is a very special place, and I witness examples of hope for the future as I read in the classroom, visit with a parent who was able to get a job because her children are cared for all day at Small Steps, and witness all of our staff working tirelessly towards our mission. When I think of the future for the families we serve, I think about offering hope and transformation – giving the families opportunities to choose a different path, to give them a “hand up” not a “hand out”, to offer them support, not judgment, and to set them on a course that will lead to positive changes in their lives and their children’s lives. I look forward to working alongside you to continue the mission of Small Stepsand grow hope for the future for the children and families we serve.

From the Executive Director:

GROWING HOPEfor the Future

by the spring of 2014. Small Steps has graduated 240 children to kindergarten or first grade and formed partnerships with area magnet programs and exemplary elementary schools to ensure our students continue to receive high-quality educational opportunities.

With Gratitude,

Children and former board members at the First Ward Campus groundbreaking in 1999.

Rhea SampsonBrad and Margie SandersDamon SasserLeslie and Shannon SasserLaurie and Matt SchaubDanielle and Peter SchidlowskiHelen SchmidtMelissa and Douglas W. Schnitzer Elizabeth and Matthew SchwiederOswald ScottSEBA Metals CorporationPhyllis and Jack SelberSelect Energy ServicesSeneca Resources CorpJudy and Darby SeréMary Eliza and Park ShaperSierra Buckeye, LLCDavid and Robin SigmanMark Oliver SikesBud Light / Silver Eagle DistributorsSilver Oak EnergySimmons Co.The Simmons FoundationThe Virginia and LE Simmons FoundationRobert SimmsCallie SimonsSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPTambrey and Larry SimsSM EnergyMarcia SmartKathy Smith Kendall and Christine SmithKristin and Ned SmithShirley Ann SmithJim and Geralyn SmithermanCindy and Richard SnellDavid Elder and Melinda SnellAimee and Wynne SnootsGregg and Sarah SnyderSouthern Bay Operating Geo Resources, Inc.Anne and Alan SpeedSpindletop Charities, Inc.The Springmeyer FoundationSt. John’s Presbyterian, Outreach CommitteeSt. Luke’s Episcopal Health CharitiesSt. Martin’s Episcopal ChurchBryan StahlStedman West FoundationSandra and Mark SteinhoffLiz StephensPamela and Rand SterlingSterling-Turner FoundationStan and JoAnn StevensonGeorgia StewartJohn and Meredith StilwellErin and Christopher StimmingPeggy and Greg StirmanKerry and Mike StovallBrad SuddarthSunny Sky ProductsSuperior Energy ServicesKaren SusmanDawn and Eric SwansonDoug and Courtney SwansonSuzi and Doug SwansonSwift Energy CompanyJenni and Nick SwykaT. J. Smith & Company, Inc.Tapeats FundTarget LogisticsCarol and Danny TaylorLeslie TaylorTD SecuritiesGloria and Gregory TenenbownTexas Capital BankTexas House Foundation, IncTexican Crude & Hydrocarbons, LLCTexoil Energy, Inc.

How You Can Help...

VOLUNTEER

Buddy Program : Be a buddy to a Small Steps’ student by establishing a one-on-one friendship with a 3- to 6-year-old by visiting the campus to play with the student for 30 minutes each week.

Women’s Auxiliary: The Small Steps women’s volunteer group plans a variety of events and activities for our students and teachers.

Weekend Warrior : Assistance with special projects is needed on occasion to meet the school’s current needs; projects may include painting, landscaping, carpentry, cleaning, or other maintenance tasks.

Thursday Night Child Care : Childcare is provided to children ages 0 - 14 years while their parents attend Bible Study and parent education groups.

Event Volunteer : Our events are successful in large part because of the amazing volunteers we have helping us the day of the event and leading up to the event.

Partner with Small Steps by offering gifts of your time. Small Steps offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for you to get involved.

Please contact Retta Bravo at RBravo@ssnc.org or Verna Noack at VNoack@ssnc.org for more information.

DONATE

$ 50 can pay for food for one student for three weeks.

$ 100 can pay for classroom supplies for a classroom for one month.

$ 250 can pay for two high quality teachers for one class for one day.

$ 500 can pay for five weeks of transportation at one campus.

$ 1,000 can pay for Speech Therapy for one campus for one month

Partner with Small Steps by investing financially in the lives of children livingin poverty in Houston. Your gift makes a vital impact in the lives of our students.

Every gift to Small Steps Nurturing Center, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated. You can send your donation in the attached envelope or visit our donation page at https://www.ssnc.org/donate/.

Young ProfessionalsSmall Steps Young Professionals group seeks to promote the education of children living in inner-city Houston through volunteerism and raising awareness. Members will enjoy fun opportunities to network and volunteer with other young professionals in Houston. Become a member to receive monthly updates on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved at Small Steps. There is an annual $30 membership fee that can be paid online(https://www.ssnc.org/donate/) or via check submitted in the attached envelope.

The Church of St. John The DivineThe Oil & Gas Asset ClearinghouseThe Royal Bank of ScotlandThompson & Knight LLPThompson & Knight FoundationTidewater, Inc.Bronwyn TiltonBetti and Michael TinerRobyn and Jeffrey TollefsbolLaura TorgersonTPC GroupTriad Energy CorporationTrini and O.C. Mendenhall FoundationTroop 642 BSATudor Pickering Holt & Co.Catherine and Kyle TurlingtonElaine and James TurnerLangston and Meredith TurnerChristine UnderwoodDuncan and Sarah UnderwoodMelissa and Jeffrey UnderwoodBrad and Fran UrquhartUS BankVaalco Energy Inc.Valence Operating CompanyKristina and Jimmy ValleeVanguard Natural Resources, LLCAjay VargheeseVenado OIl & Gas LLCThe Vermillion Family FoundationVinson & Elkins, L.L.P.W&T Offshore, Inc.Kristin WallisWalter Oil & Gas CorporationKate and Logan WaltersDavid and Glenda WardrupAmy WarmkeLori WatlerCathy WatsonJack WatsonPrissy and John WatsonJames WattWeatherfordAshley and Walter WeathersGinny and Will WeathersWalter and Allyson WeathersKristen and Scott WeberDavid WeekleyScott WegmannKelli and John WeinzierlWells Fargo BankWells Fargo Community RelationsWells Fargo Energy GroupDotty and Robert D. WellsJana and Peter WellsWhite Deer EnergyJames and Elizabeth WhiteheadKristi and Rex WhitesideLance WilbanksMichael WilkChristine and Blake WilliamsNancy WilliamsWendy Williamson-NakfoorMartin W. WilsonMarie and Bill WiseNeil and Jennifer WizelWorld Oilman’s Tennis Tournament Corp.Vickie and John WorthyScott YarboroughDonald YoungSalli and Michael YouttPiper and Matthew ZaleskiDavid and Nicole ZarrLauren and Ronald ZborilKarin and Rick Zieleck

Thank You JPMorgan Chase! Joni David a two and three year-old teacher at Small Steps’ First Ward Campus participated in Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture Project thanks to JP Morgan Chase. We are thankful to JPMorgan Chase for its continued support! Small Steps recently received a grant of $20,000 in support of the enrichment of its teachers through Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture Project. The grant also provided funds to support Small Steps arts program. On behalf of Small Steps students and staff, thank you for enriching our program through your generous support!

Community Highlights

Episcopal High School Eight seniors from Episcopal High School devoted two weeks this spring to volunteering at Small Steps. They helped the teachers in the classroom and participated in one-on-one activities with our students. In addition, the student volunteers wrote grants to have items of their choice donated for each campus. Thanks, Episcopal High School, for your generous support!

Rice Interns Help at Small Steps Small Steps had a group of six interns from Rice University’s Community Bridges Program this spring. The interns helped in a multitude of areas including development, volunteer organization, program research, and much more. We are thankful for our continued partnership with Community Bridges and the opportunity to have these six great interns at Small Steps! On behalf of our students, staff, and families, thank you to Lavanya, Kate, Meredith, Cristina, Austin, and Maria!

Small Steps Goes to the Zoo: Twenty-four Kinkaid School 6th Grade students and their chaperones sponsored a trip to the Houston Zoo for Ms. Joni & Ms. Maria’s 2 & 3 year-old class. The children and their buddies enjoyed seeing the BIG animals at the zoo. This field trip enhanced the zoo theme the teachers were using in the classroom. Thank you Kinkaid School 6th Graders for ourtickets and buddy time at the Houston Zoo.

Easter Egg Huntat Small StepsSmall Steps families enjoyed an awesome Easter party made possible by volunteers from the Jane Phillips Society, the Women’s Auxiliary, and Small Steps Young Professionals! On behalf of our families and staff, THANK YOU to all our awesome volunteers who made the Easter Egg Hunt possible!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Gold SponsorsEnergyQuest II, LLCHalliburtonKey Energy Services, Inc.Kohlberg Kravis & RobertsOak Valley Resources, LLCOceaneering International, Inc.Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.Platform PartnersSuperior Energy Services

Silver SponsorsAmegy Bank of TexasAmeriforge Group Inc.Aon EnergyAscende, Inc. Atwood OceanicsAtinumBaker Botts L.L.P.Bank of America Merrill LynchBank of TexasCadence BankCal Dive International, Inc. Cameron

Canaccord GenuityChamberlain Hrdlicka Crestwood Midstream Partners LPDeep Gulf Energy LPDenham CapitalDeutsche BankEmpresa EnergyEncino EnergyEndeavour International CorporationEscondido Resources II, LLCEvergreen Industrial ServicesFirst Reserve Goldman, Sachs & Co. Hercules Offshore, Inc. IBERIABANKKayne Anderson Energy FundsLaredo EnergyLatham & Watkins LLPLocke Lord LLPMach Industrial GroupMcGriff, Seibels & Williams of Texas, IncNabors Industries, Ltd.Newpark Resources, Inc.Noble Drilling Services, Inc.Opportune, LLP

Paloma Resources, LLCParker DrillingPrecision Drilling CorporationRaymond JamesSabine Oil & Gas LLCSCF Partners Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPStellus Capital ManagementTexas Capital Bank, N.A. TPC GroupUnion BankVinson & Elkins LLPWhite Deer EnergyWilson, Marty

In-kind DonorsHalliburtonLandmark Aviation

Special Thanks American Shooting Center, Jeani DukesBank of Texas, VolunteersMasami Mizukami, Photographer

Platinum Sponsors

Small Steps Nurturing Center2902 JensenHouston, TX 77026

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 1948

HOUSTON TXAddress Service Requested

Fred BrazeltonPresident and Board Chair

Jerry CrewsVice President

Wynne SnootsSecretary

Chuck Kingswell-SmithTreasurer

Ed BialasMark Burroughs, Jr.Ron DierkerJonathan GregoryCarol KatranaNancy KornegayLucy LeonardDavid Light, IV, MDJustin LowethDash Lane

Small StepsExecutive Director

Small StepsBoard of Directors

Ana Schick

Ryan MossMike PierceTownes PresslerMari Salazar John StilwellChris TransierKate WaltersJohn WeinzierlReverend John Worthy

The mission of Small Steps Nurturing Center is to provide an exemplary early childhood program to instill and fosterthe social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth of economically at-risk children and their families.