Investing Early: Community Partner Meeting

Early Childhood Resiliency Fund: Community Update & Panel

Join HCDVCC for a community conversation on strengthening early childhood resilience for children exposed to domestic violence.

This session will provide an update on the Early Childhood Resiliency Fund—an investment in local organizations advancing innovative, developmentally responsive support for young children and their families. We’ll hear directly from practitioners about what’s working, where gaps remain, and how early intervention can shift long-term outcomes.

This conversation is designed for professionals across sectors working with children, families, and survivors, as well as those interested in prevention, systems coordination, and community-based solutions.

We’re joined by leaders and practitioners advancing this work across Harris County:

Robin Gandara, LPC
Director of Client Services, FamilyTime Crisis & Counseling Center

Robin Gandara is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Client Services at FamilyTime, where she oversees counseling, shelter operations, case management, outreach, and the 24-hour crisis hotline. Over eight years, she has advanced from counselor to senior leadership, helping shape the organization’s direct service approach.

She led the transformation of FamilyTime’s emergency shelter into a trauma-informed, healing-centered space—redesigning the environment, updating policies to center survivor voices, and expanding programming to better support survivors and their children.

Robin is deeply committed to providing culturally responsive, compassionate care and expanding access to mental health services. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and M.A. in Counseling from Sam Houston State University and is an active member of ACA, TCA, and Harris County SART.

Charity Eames, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Counseling and Family Services, DePelchin Children’s Center

Charity Eames is the Senior Director of Counseling and Family Services at DePelchin Children’s Center, where she oversees counseling, mental health, case management, and parenting support programs. With over 22 years of experience in child abuse prevention, she has worked as a home- and school-based counselor and family therapist supporting children and families.

She provides clinical supervision to staff and leads a range of state and federal grant-funded programs, including initiatives where DePelchin serves as both lead agency and service provider. Charity is trained in nine levels of the Triple P parenting model and brings deep expertise in family-centered, evidence-based care.

Charity holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and is a licensed counselor and family therapist. Her work is grounded in strengthening families and expanding access to high-quality mental health support for children and caregivers.

Pastor Raymond Steward II
CEO & Founder, Hope Active

Raymond Steward II is the CEO and Founder of Hope Active, a Houston-based organization supporting families and at-risk youth. With over 20 years of experience in community service, leadership, and team building, he launched Hope Active in 2017—following Hurricane Harvey—to create consistent, community-driven support for underserved populations.

He leads initiatives that partner with local schools and juvenile justice programs to connect youth and families with resources, guidance, and opportunities. His work is rooted in the belief that support should be ongoing—not only in moments of crisis—and focused on creating pathways forward.

Raymond’s approach centers on connection, accountability, and community care—offering a hand up, not a handout. His vision for Hope Active is to serve as a bridge between people and possibility, strengthening communities through sustained support.