There’s something magical about a space built just for play, especially when it’s created with love and purpose.
Thanks to our partnership with Houston Habitat for Humanity’s Playhouse Program and the generous volunteers from EOG Resources Inc., a deserving foster family of four in Houston in April 2025.
From the vibrant colors to the thoughtful activities tucked inside, every detail of the playhouse was lovingly crafted to inspire play and connection. The result is a space where children can dream big, explore new worlds, and simply enjoy being kids.
At BEAR, we want every child to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. This playhouse is a beautiful reflection of that mission in action, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the helping hands and giving hearts of our incredible community.
To Houston Habitat for Humanity, EOG Resources Inc., and every volunteer who helped bring this vision to life: THANK YOU. You didn’t just build a playhouse, you built a safe haven, a spark of imagination, and a lasting memory for a family that truly deserves it.
We invite you to watch the video below and see the smiles, creativity, and heart behind every brushstroke.
This past March, something sweet happened in Houston. For an entire month, Three Brothers Bakery chose BEAR as their nonprofit partner for Cookies for a Cause, and it was such a fun and meaningful way to give back.
The bakery created a special cookie, and for every one sold, a portion of the proceeds came directly to BEAR. These cookies didn’t just look and taste amazing. They helped provide real support for the children we serve every day.
Thanks to Three Brothers Bakery and everyone who stopped by for a cookie! Collaborations like these helped us continue providing essentials like clothing, diapers, shoes, and hygiene items through our BEAR Necessities program. These are the kinds of items that make a world of difference for children in crisis and the caseworkers who support them.
Cookies were sold at 4 of the Three Brothers Bakery locations:
• Braeswood: 4036 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77025
• Memorial: 12393 Kingsride Ln, Houston, TX 77024
• Tanglewood: 574 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77056
• Washington: 4606 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Did you know? Two of their locations (at Braeswood and Washington) are currently featuring our Heart Gallery exhibit, so stop by to see the faces of amazing children in need of loving families.
We are incredibly grateful to the entire team at Three Brothers Bakery for welcoming us into their stores and onto their shelves. Their kindness and generosity helped bring new supporters into the fold and showed how powerful a local business can be when it gives back.
To everyone who bought a cookie or helped spread the word, thank you. Your support means everything to us and the children we serve.
Every child deserves a safe, loving, and stable environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Yet, for thousands of children across Greater Houston, this basic right is taken from them due to abuse or neglect. Our mission at BEAR is to stand in the gap for these children and bring comfort, dignity, and support during some of the hardest moments in their lives.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that too often stays in the shadows, and there are many ways we can come together as a community to create change through our programs.
First, Why Awareness Matters
Child abuse is a community issue. It affects not only the children and families directly involved, but also the schools, neighborhoods, and cities they live in. In Texas alone, tens of thousands of children are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect every year. In Harris County, the numbers remain some of the highest in the state.
By raising awareness, we can:
Help prevent abuse before it starts
Support early intervention
Encourage more people to step forward as foster parents, mentors, and volunteers
Create a culture where all children are protected and valued
How BEAR Makes an Impact
BEAR partners with Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to provide critical support to children removed from unsafe situations. Our programs help ensure that children in crisis don’t go without the essentials, and that they are reminded they are not forgotten.a
Our core programs include:
BEAR Necessities – Providing new clothes, shoes, diapers, toiletries, and other basic items to children removed from their homes, often with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.
BEARing Gifts – Fulfilling holiday wish lists for children under CPS care during the holiday season.
BEAR’s Hope Chest – Equipping teens aging out of the foster care system with furniture, household goods, and supplies as they transition to independent living.
BEAR Back to School – Supplying backpacks, uniforms, and school supplies to help children start the school year with confidence.
These programs serve over thousands of children annually in Harris County and the surrounding areas.
How You Can Help
You don’t have to be a foster parent or a social worker to make a difference. When you support BEAR, you directly impact the lives of children in the foster care system.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Donate – Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue meeting the needs of local children.
Volunteer – Help us sort donations, assemble backpacks, or assist during seasonal events.
Host a Drive – Organize a collection of essentials through your company, school, church, or community group.
Become an Advocate – Share our mission with your network and help raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Thank you for all you do to support BEAR and local children in our area!
At BEAR, we are honored to partner with organizations that share our passion for helping children in foster care find loving, permanent homes. One such partner, Brookfield Properties, has gone above and beyond by opening their malls and hearts to be a permanent host of the Heart Gallery of Greater Houston, a powerful photographic exhibit that gives a face to children waiting for adoption.
Shoppers at all five Brookfield Properties mall locations in the greater Houston area now have the opportunity to see these heartfelt portraits and learn how they can make a difference in a local child in need of a family.
These include:
Baybrook Mall
Deerbrook Mall
First Colony Mall
Willowbrook Mall
The Woodlands Mall
What is the Heart Gallery?
The Heart Gallery of Greater Houston is a traveling photographic exhibit and community awareness initiative designed to highlight the children in foster care who are waiting for a forever home. With the help of talented professional photographers and dedicated local businesses, these exhibits introduce the community to children seeking adoption in a way that is personal, meaningful, and impactful.
Each portrait tells a story—giving a glimpse into a child’s personality, hopes, and dreams. By sharing their images, we aim to connect these children with families who are ready to provide them with love, stability, and the home they deserve.
Why is This So Important?
Every day, more than 6,000 children in Texas foster care are waiting for adoption. Many of them are older children, part of sibling groups, or have unique medical needs, making it even more challenging to find permanent homes. Without adoption, many will face uncertain futures, aging out of the system without the family support they need.
Children who age out of foster care without being adopted are at greater risk of experiencing homelessness, incarceration, or unemployment. The Heart Gallery is a critical initiative that helps change these outcomes by increasing awareness and creating meaningful connections between children and potential adoptive families.
How Brookfield Properties is Making a Difference
Brookfield Properties understands the power of community. By hosting the Heart Gallery in five of their Greater Houston malls, they are providing an invaluable platform to raise awareness and inspire action. Thousands of shoppers will see the faces of these incredible children, sparking conversations about adoption and encouraging families to consider opening their hearts and homes.
Their commitment to fostering hope and connection is truly commendable, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity and advocacy.
How You Can Help
Brookfield Properties is setting an incredible example of how businesses can make a lasting impact. If you’d like to join the effort, there are several ways to get involved:
Host a Heart Gallery Exhibit – Whether you own a business, attend a church, or lead a community organization, you can provide a space for these powerful portraits to be seen.
Volunteer as a Heart Gallery Photographer – Help capture the personality and spirit of a child in need of adoption through professional portraits.
Support Financially – Donations help us expand the Heart Gallery, increase outreach efforts, and support families post-adoption.
The Heart Gallery of Greater Houston is growing! Now serving all 13 counties in Texas DFPS Region 6, the Heart Gallery is expanding its reach to connect even more children with forever families. The counties included in this expansion are:
Harris
Fort Bend
Galveston
Brazoria
Matagorda
Wharton
Colorado
Austin
Waller
Montgomery
Walker
Liberty
Chambers
With this expansion, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community groups across all 13 counties can participate by hosting a Heart Gallery exhibit. By displaying these portraits, organizations can help raise awareness and increase the chances of adoption for children in the foster care system.
To learn more about hosting the Heart Gallery of Greater Houston, please visit heartgalleryhouston.org.
From all of us at BEAR, THANK YOU Brookfield Properties, for your unwavering commitment to these children and their futures!
Children who are involved with CPS often face unimaginable hardships. Many are removed from unsafe situations with just the clothes on their backs. BEAR has long been a lifeline for youth involved in CPS, providing them with essential items to bring a sense of comfort and stability. Now, BEAR is expanding its impact with the BEAR Mobile, a new initiative designed to make resources even more accessible to children and their caseworkers.
To make this vision a reality, BEAR is seeking to raise $200,000 to “Fill the Van” for an entire year, ensuring it remains stocked with the most in-demand necessities.
Why “Fill the Van”?
The BEAR Mobile will allow BEAR to reach more children in crisis by bringing much-needed supplies directly to CPS offices, emergency shelters, and partner agencies. This mobile resource center will consist of clothing, shoes, diapers, wipes, formula, car seats, hygiene kits, and more – all items frequently requested by caseworkers for children in urgent need.
With the demand for basic resources on the rise, the $200,000 goal will provide enough supplies to keep the BEAR Mobile fully stocked for an entire year, ensuring thousands of children receive the essentials they need to feel safe and cared for.
How You Can Help
Supporting the “Fill the Van” campaign is easy, and every contribution makes a difference, no matter the size of your donation! Here are ways you can help:
1. Make a Monetary Donation
A direct donation helps BEAR purchase the most needed items in bulk, allowing your dollars to stretch even further.
👉 Donate online by clicking here! *Make sure to check the “Fill the Van” fund to ensure your funds go towards our Fill the Van campaign.
2. Host a Donation Drive
Gather your colleagues, friends, or community group and collect essential items to help stock the van. Consider focusing on high-demand supplies like: ✔️ Clothing (infant to adult sizes)
✔️ Shoes
✔️ Diapers & wipes
✔️ Hygiene items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant)
✔️ Baby formula & bottles
✔️ Car seats *Please note that all items must be new.
3. Become a Monthly Supporter
A recurring donation provides ongoing support and helps ensure BEAR can replenish supplies throughout the year. Even a small monthly gift can have a big impact!
4. Spread the Word
Share BEAR’s mission with your network! Follow @BEARHouston on social media and use the hashtag #FillTheVan to encourage others to get involved.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of at-risk and CPS-involved children! Every dollar raised and every item donated ensures that our most vulnerable children in the greater Houston area have the essentials they need during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
Are you ready to Fill the Van and bring hope to a child in need? Donate today and be a resource for children who need it most!
We’re incredibly grateful to The Astros Foundation for hosting the Champions for Healthy Families Lunch & Fashion Show at Union Station. BEAR was honored to be part of this event, where we had the chance to talk about our mission to support at-risk and CPS-involved children throughout Greater Houston.
The Astros Foundation is more than just the charity arm of the Houston Astros. They’re a driving force in the community, focusing on initiatives like youth sports and education programs, military recognition, childhood cancer awareness, and efforts to reduce homelessness. Their work goes beyond the ballpark, creating real opportunities for kids and families to thrive.
The Champions for Healthy Families event was a great example of their commitment to making a difference. It brought together people who care deeply about helping children and families. For BEAR, it was a valuable opportunity to share how we provide essential resources—like clothing, shoes, and other necessities—to children who need them most.
We’re thankful to The Astros Foundation for giving us a platform to connect with others who share our mission, making a real impact in the lives of children across Houston. And to everyone who attended, donated, or simply stopped by to learn more about BEAR—thank you for your support.
The Stetsons & Stilettos evening event, BEAR’s largest fundraiser of the year, took place Oct. 6, 2024 at The Revaire. This year’s event did not disappoint with a sold-out venue of 700 attendees. Cash donations added to a record-breaking $683,000. If including in-kind donations, the amount raised comes to more than $700,000!
It far surpassed last year’s event, which had 500 guests and raised $500,000 for BEAR, with a portion of the funds used to purchase a van (the BEAR Mobile!) to help transport supplies for at-risk children to and from its community partners in Houston and around the 12-county region. The funds are also allocated to four of BEAR’s key programs: BEAR Necessities, BEAR Back to School, BEARing Gifts and its newest program, Heart Gallery of Greater Houston.
The 2024 presenting sponsor was Kinetik, and the event was chaired this year by an all-star team: Lindsey & John Hohlt, Paula & Johnathan Jones, Iva & Cutris Knobbe, and Sierra & Raj Mansukhani.
“‘Stetsons & Stilettos’ is more than an event—it’s a powerful gathering of people who share a common goal of uplifting children in our community. Each year, I am deeply moved by the generosity and passion of our supporters, whose commitment helps us provide crucial resources and a sense of security to children who need it most. This funding makes a real difference in their lives, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director of BEAR.
Guests took part in a seated dinner featuring protein dishes prepared and donated by restaurateur, Benjamin Berg, founder of Berg Hospitality Group. Maven Coffee and Cocktails were shaking things up with signature cocktails for the night and guests were sent home with a sweet treat from Crave Cupcake.
Lindsey Leigh Jewelry, known as The Houston Diamond Girl, made a special experience for attendees, while, the generous Kendra Scott sponsored a Jewelry Pull, adding extra sparkle to an already dazzling night. Artists Taft McWhorter and his wife, Dana, were live-painting throughout the event while Houston folk/country music duo The Magnolia Brothers performs live music. Guests enjoyed the Branded Hat Bar, where they can create custom hats in the Whiskey Lounge. Tenenbaum Jewelry brought a little puppy for live auction. Attendees also participated in the Silent Auction and the exciting Live Auction led by Johnny Bravo.
THANK YOU to all who sponsored, donated, attended and volunteered at this year’s Stetsons & Stilettos event. Your commitment to BEAR plays a key role in helping BEAR provide hope, help, and essential resources to children who are at-risk, abused, and neglected. We hope to see you next year!
Special thank you to CatchLight Group team for these amazing photos of our guests!
Above: Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director at BEAR, attends October 2024 reception for Impact 100 Houston Grant finalists.
BEAR (BE A Resource) has been announced as one of the five finalists for the esteemed Impact 100 Houston Grant. If awarded, this grant will provide crucial funding to advance BEAR’s mission to deliver essential resources to vulnerable children and families across the Greater Houston area. Winners will be announced at the upcoming Impact 100 Houston Annual Awards Celebration on Wednesday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Junior League of Houston.
“We’re beyond grateful to be named a finalist for the Impact 100 Houston Grant,” said Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director of BEAR. “For many of the children we serve, BEAR is their source of hope and vital essentials, providing necessities like clothing, shoes, and a sense of comfort during challenging times. Being considered for this award is incredibly significant for us, as it would allow us to deepen our reach and impact, ensuring that no child in our community is left without the resources, dignity, and compassion they deserve.”
Through its four core programs—BEAR Necessities, BEARing Gifts, BEAR Back to School, and Heart Gallery of Greater Houston—BEAR provides essential support for at-risk and CPS-involved children. Each program is designed to address specific needs, from providing clothing, diapers, and other necessities to helping children legally available for adoption find permanent, loving families. In 2023 alone, BEAR Necessities served over 32,500 children, BEARing Gifts brought holiday cheer to more than 26,600, and BEAR Back to School provided over 16,400 children with the supplies they needed to start the school year ready to learn. These impactful initiatives reflect BEAR’s vision to be a consistent resource for children, offering them stability and comfort during times of crisis.
The Impact 100 Houston Grant is awarded annually to nonprofits that demonstrate a remarkable capacity for positive, sustainable change within the Greater Houston area. The grant enables organizations to expand and enhance services, allowing for a wider-reaching community impact. BEAR’s commitment to improving the lives of CPS-involved and at-risk children aligns with the mission of the Impact 100 Houston Grant, making BEAR a strong candidate for this transformative support.
###
About Impact 100 Houston:
Impact 100 Houston is a community of women committed to addressing the needs of the Greater Houston area by awarding high-impact grants to local nonprofits. Through collective philanthropy, Impact 100 Houston empowers nonprofits with the funds to create lasting, transformational change.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Papa John’s Pizza! For every online order using the promo code “BEAR,” you will receive 20% off the regular menu price, and 10% of the discounted purchase price will be donated to BEAR!
Participating Locations
Papa John’s has numerous participating locations across the region, making it convenient for you to contribute to this cause. Here’s a list of where you can order your delicious pizza and support BEAR:
Baytown: 4605 Garth Rd Brenham: 228 Hwy 290 West Clear Lake: 1002 Bay Area Blvd College Station: 1741 University Dr East, 1740 Rock Prairie Conroe: 1201-A Loop 336, 10161 Highway 242 Cypress: 13503 Louetta Ste 200, 26281 NW Freeway #250, 7014 Fry Rd Ste 110 Deer Park: 4138 Center St Friendswood: 210 E Parkwood Ave #A Galveston: 6600 Seawall Blvd Houston: Multiple locations Humble: 7591 FM 1960 East, 239 FM 1960 Bypass Huntsville: 2128 Sam Houston Ave Katy: 3719 N Fry Rd ste A, 1514 S Mason Rd, 9727 Spring Green Blvd ste 800, 455 Katy Ft Bend ste 400 Kingwood: 2855 W Lake Houston Pkwy #109 Lake Jackson: 121-1 West Hwy 332 La Porte: 210-A Fairmont Pkwy League City: 2800 Marina Bay Dr, 2251 FM 646 West Ste 115 Magnolia: 6313 FM 1488, 18640 FM 1488 STE C Missouri City: 4340 Sienna Pkwy #112, 6262 Hwy 6 South Mont Belvieu: 13520 Lake Of Champions Blvd Montgomery: 18442 W Hwy 105 New Caney: 20875 FM 1485 G Ste G Pearland: 3405 E Broadway, 10223 Broadway Ste #S Richmond: 7770 West Grand Pkwy South Spring: 2725 Rayford Rd, 21187 Kuykendahl Rd Sugar Land: 11545 Hwy 6 South, 13582 University Blvd., Ste. 300 Tomball: 28418 C Tomball Pkwy The Woodlands: 25118 Grogan’s Mill Rd #A, 8000 Research Forest Dr #105
How You Can Help
Supporting BEAR through this partnership is easy:
Visit Papa John’s website or use their app.
Place your online order at any participating location.
Use the promo code “BEAR” at checkout to get 20% off your order.
Enjoy your delicious pizza knowing that 10% of your purchase will help CPS-involved children in Houston.
Every bite of pizza ordered through this initiative directly contributes to BEAR’s mission of providing hope and help to children in need. Your support aids in stocking the BEAR Room with essentials, filling backpacks for the BEAR Back to School program, and spreading joy through the BEARing Gifts holiday program.
We recently opened our doors to the community, inviting everyone to take a behind-the-scenes tour of our office and warehouse. This special event was an opportunity for the public to see first-hand how our nonprofit operates and the immense impact we have on children in the greater Houston area.
During the tour, visitors explored our operations and learned about our key programs that serve CPS-involved children and their caretakers, including:
BEAR Necessities– This program ensures that children entering CPS custody have access to the basic necessities they need. From clothing and shoes to diapers and hygiene products, our BEAR Room is a haven where CPS workers can find brand new items for children of all ages, from newborns to 17-year-olds.
BEAR Back to School – Our volunteers were busy packing backpacks, preparing to help 13,000 at-risk and CPS-involved kids in our area receive the school supplies they need for the upcoming school year. This program is vital in ensuring that these children can start the school year on an equal footing with their peers, ready to learn and succeed.
BEARing Gifts– This holiday program brings joy to children in the CPS system by providing them with personalized gifts during the holiday season. It’s a heartwarming initiative that ensures every child experiences the magic of the holidays, regardless of their circumstances.
Heart Gallery of Greater Houston – This touching exhibit at the BEAR warehouse features photos of children who have found their forever homes. Since its inception, the Heart Gallery of Greater Houston has facilitated 93 adoptions, highlighting the power of community and love in transforming lives.
BEAR’s mission is to offer hope and help to abused and neglected children and their families. Through our programs, we are able to make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. We hope that by inviting Houstonians to our behind-the-scenes tour, we can encourage more people to join our mission through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about BEAR.
Your support is crucial in helping us continue to provide these essential services to children in need.
Thank you to all who attended the July tour!
Did you miss this tour? Catch our next one!
Come visit for our next open house on Wednesday, September 18th from 4pm – 6pm at our warehouse (572 E TC Jester Blvd, Houston TX 77018).
Register for the event here or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Alexis Evans at Alexis.Evans@harriscountytx.gov.
