Shown at the check presentation are, from left, Brian Chavez, director of development at St. PJ’s; Jennifer Ramos, District 3 Councilwoman; Claude Koontz, Board chairman of St. PJ’s; Kirk Saffell, Valero Energy Corporation; B.J. Mamuzic, executive director at St. PJ’s; and Sylvia Rodriguez of Valero Energy Corporation. Jordan McMorrough | Today’s Catholic

SAN ANTONIO • The Valero Energy Foundation — the charitable arm of Valero Energy Corporation — recently announced a partnership with St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home (St. PJ’s) to continue the fight against child abuse and neglect. With a $1 million pledge of support, St. PJ’s will continue its legacy of helping children in need.

A check presentation was held May 28 outside of the Valero Recreation Therapy Enrichment Center on the campus with representatives from Valero, St. PJ’s and San Antonio City Councilwoman Jennifer Ramos.
The partnership will build a state-of-the-art emergency shelter focusing on children ages 12 to 17.

“These are children that unfortunately are extremely difficult to place into foster care, kinship care, and are in desperate need of a safe place to stay,” said B.J. Mamuzic, St. PJ’s executive director. “With the leadership of Valero Energy Foundation, we will be able to provide a much needed place of healing and nurturing.”

Currently, St. PJ’s does not have enough emergency capacity to meet the needs for children 12 to 17. So, St. PJ’s will be constructing a new 32-bed emergency shelter to serve 16 boys and 16 girls.

The Valero Emergency Shelter at St. PJ’s will consist of three one-story units with clear site lines to ensure proper supervision.

Texas law requires that a staff ratio of one staff member be available for every eight children. Thus, each of the residential units (boys and girls) will have a lounge and children’s study/common area, a houseparent room and staff offices.

An administrative unit will be built to form the bottom of a “U-shape” with each residential unit as one of the sides.

The new Emergency Shelter will be built on a five-acre tract on the St. PJ’s campus.

The total cost of the project is $3.2 million. “Valero’s pledge of $1 million provides incredible momentum in reaching our goal,” said St. PJ’s board President Claude Koontz.

The remainder of the funds will be sought through additional philanthropic support of the community.

“We have been privileged by the continued support and leadership of Valero over the years, and together, we enthusiastically look forward to making profound differences in the lives of our community’s children for many years to come,” said Brian Chavez, St. PJ’s director of development.

Along with the financial support from Valero, St. PJ’s is a frequent recipient of aid from Valero’s employee volunteers.

Through the Valero-sponsored volunteer events, the children of St. PJ’s are able to enjoy Christmas parties, summer fun days and special mentorships every year.

“Valero is committed to our community and especially to our children,” said Valero Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Bill Klesse. “We are so pleased to be partnering with St. PJ’s to make a major impact on the lives of so many.”