October 2008 Caseworker of the Month
Joni De Soto
DePelchin Children's Center
Houston, Texas
I would like to nominate Joni DeSoto as case worker of the month. I met Joni approximately one year ago after attending a post-adoptive parents retreat. We are an older couple that have adopted our five, yes, five grandchildren. The children were placed with us from Lubbock foster care system on December 22, 2003. The adoption was finalized on Feb. 1, 2004. We have been struggling along for over five years with these children that are now ages 5 - 11 years old (they were only two months to six years old when we got them). I contacted Joni DeSoto just to find out what post adoptive service was and what they do. WOW did she step in and take me by the hand…..now I have a friend! She sat down and talked to me about all the things I had gone through, was currently facing and even gave me a heads up on things to watch for in the future while raising these five precious children. My only child is 40 years old and boy have times changed!!!! It's a whole new world of parenting now days and Joni has been a tremendous supporter.
She stays in touch and keeps us updated on all the latest changes in the laws, resources that are available and services that we should utilize. I'm sure most all case workers do this, but Joni goes the extra mile. Let me give you just one example. You can image the school supplies that we need to get for five kids in school! I was at my whit’s end even thinking about trying to buy five pages of supplies the school was requiring this year when I get an email from Joni. She said, please send me your school supplies lists, I think I may be able to help you with some of your school supplies needs. Well, I sent her my list thinking any little bit would help. A few days later, Joni called me requesting I come and pick up the school supplies she had for me. It was unbelievable; she had been able to get almost everything we needed. What was most impressive is that she had to make a long trip to get it, load it, unload it and really put herself out. All that stuff was bulky, heavy and it had to be lugged in and out in extremely hot weather….she had to work hard! To think someone would do something like that for you is so special. She could have brought us a few pencils and a pack of paper and we would have been grateful, but she brought big bags of supplies. What a blessing she is! The kids thought Santa Claus had visited our house!!!
Joni is so down to earth, sincere, caring, thoughtful and ALWAYS keeping her families close to her heart. She truly cares about the families and the children. Her experience is invaluable and you know she does it because she has a passion for helping others. She has touched our lives, our hearts and our spirits. She is truly a blessing to all she serves and deserves to be recognized for her dedication, commitment and professionalism.
LaDona Landry
Adoptive parent
LaMarque, Texas
“I am the one that is blessed with the work that I do. I have worked in Foster Care, Adoption, and Post Adoption for a total of 17 years. In this job, I am constantly amazed by the huge hearts and selfless devotion of our adoptive parents. This family not only stepped up to the plate to care for five (5) very young children, but have shown the deep desire to have each one of these children succeed to their highest potential. The Landry family is truly Angels in Adoption.” – Joni De Soto
Read the press release.