During its regular meeting Sept. 16, the Van Zandt County Commissioners heard an update from VZC Child Welfare Board Vice-President Jeanne Deen of Wills Point regarding new officers as well as the board’s annual report.

Deen began her presentation with an apology to the commissioners’ court. “I have been the president of the board for 2-3 years. I had COVID. I did not come before the court for approval of these officers for the past two years and I apologize to you publicly for that. In addition to COVID, I have had a seizure. I totaled my car. I had a ruptured appendix. It has been difficult carrying on my responsibilities. This is quite a job, even as a volunteer. I have struggled to remain as a leader on this board for several years, but I have worked hard to do my thing, within my power, and to raise money.

“Being a volunteer officer on this board means that you need to be motivationally driven to serve those that are less fortunate,” continued Deen. “It takes commitment and dedication to keep on keeping on. It takes energy and time. It takes communication and collaboration to work together as a board without conflict. That has been a challenge. More than anything else, it takes trust, trust in each board member that he or she will work hard; trust that the money received from the public will be used for the children; and it takes your trust, the commissioners’ court, since we are under your jurisdiction. Thank you for the trust that you put in me, and I will do every- thing in my power to be a better board member. You have been patient with me through some difficult times and I appreciate you for that.”

Deen presented the board’s by-laws to the commissioners’ court. “One of the hardest things for me to do on this board has to do with membership,” pointed out Deen to the commissioners’ court. “The membership is supposed to represent all of VZC; occupationally, geographically, ethnically, and otherwise. I am trying to find members representing each town in VZC, if possible, every race, if possible, every socio-economic group, if possible, and every gender. This has been difficult, but we achieved this a year ago. We have a very good board. We have very good diversity.”

TheVZC ChildWelfare Board vice-president then discussed the list of officers with the commissioners’ court.

“We do not have a president at this time,” emphasized Deen. “At our next meeting in October, I don’t know if we will end up with a president or co-chairpersons. That remains to be seen.”

The officers for the 2022-23 VZC Child Welfare Board, approved unanimously by the commissioners’ court, are as follows: Vice-President: Deen of Wills Point; Secretary: Mike Matus of Wills Point; Treasurer: Pat Hickman of Grand Saline; Financial Officer: Jacques Cavasoz of Canton; Parliamentarian: Susan Warren of Martins Mill; Region IV Representative: Deen; Members: Pat Jordan of Ben Wheeler, James Fulton of Grand Saline, and Michele Harris of Wills Point; and Pending Members: Holly Huson of Canton and Joyce Mitchell of Canton.

Members of the Friends of the Board include Sandi Hilliard, Cary Hilliard, Manuel Alvarez, Frankie Wilson, Jan Lyle and Ann Mitchell.

The VZC Child Welfare Board currently serves approximately 125 children inVZC, according to Deen. “Allowance money is for the child to use as he or she wishes,” said Deen as she presented a breakdown of the annual report to the commissioners’ court which was as follows: Monthly Allowances: 5-10 year olds, $10 monthly ($120 annually); 11-15 year olds, $15 monthly ($180 annually); and 16-18 year olds, $20 monthly ($240 annually).

“For birthdays, we give a #20 gift card,” said Deen. “That is covered by Victory Church in Canton.”

Clothing Allowances: Pre-school (birth to age 4): $100 three times per year ($300 annually); elementary (grade K through fifth grade): $150 three times per year ($450 annually); and middle/high school: $250 three times per year ($750 annually).

High school senior and/or college reimbursement allowance: Reimbursement will be made up to $250 to the foster parent or foster child for senior-related expenses. This allowance is for items such as senior ring, cap and gown, prom expenses, trips, banquets, yearbook, etc. If funds are available, a foster child can submit college expenses for room and board if the state system does not cover.

There are sports equipment/fees to make a child’s life as normal as possible, according to Deen.

“We usually have to raise approximately $20,000 for Christmas toys,” said Deen to the commissioners’ court.

Rehabilitative Equipment: “We often receive special requests for equipment to address physical injuries inflicted to children of physical abuse such as wheelchair, helmets to reshape a child’s head, casts for broken arms, fingers, or legs, etc.” pointed out Deen.

“Special requests are usually granted for summons to court, passports, luggage for foster children to move from home to home or out of the foster care system, servings from court from other states,” said the VZC Child Welfare Board vice-president.

The next regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, in the VZC Courthouse.

Van Zandt County Child Welfare Board Vice-President Jeanne Deen presented an annual overview of activities and assistance to foster children and care facilities (expenditures, allowances, and reimbursements) Sept. 14 during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court.