TO RSVP: Click the link below and enter the password “TPPF” when prompted

Children are our most precious resource—not just to parents, but for the future of the state as well. There are so many things that we need to get right for our kids, from education to opportunity and more, but one thing for which the state of Texas is uniquely responsible—and, historically, has had unique problems with—is caring for the children in our foster care system.

However, we’ve found new ways to care for our children and improve our foster care system. ​Please join the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Casey Family Programs for a special screening of the new, award-winning film, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. This film tells the powerful story of how one Texas community came together to care for children in foster care. The screening will be followed by a brief panel discussion of how the Texas Legislature is working to improve its child welfare system and ensure every Texas child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving home.

Please join the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Casey Family Programs for this special evening event. The event will be in-person only, and complimentary refreshments will be provided for attendees.

Agenda

5:30-5:40PM – Guest Check-In, Complimentary Reception & Seating

5:40-5:55PM – Opening Remarks & Film Introduction

• Andrew Brown, J.D. (Moderator) – Vice President of Policy, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Christine Calpin – Managing Director of Public Policy, Casey Family Programs
• Joshua Weigel – Director, Writer & Producer, Sound of Hope; Adoptive Parent
• Rebekah Weigel – Writer & Producer, Sound of Hope; National Ambassador, CarePortal; Adoptive/Foster Parent

5:55-8:05PM – Film Screening

8:05-8:30PM – Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A

• Andrew Brown, J.D. (Moderator) – Vice President of Policy, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• The Honorable James Frank – Texas State Representative (TX-69); Chair, House Human Services Committee
• The Honorable Lois Kolkhorst – Texas State Senator (TX-18); Chair, Senate Health & Human Services Committee
• The Honorable Charles Perry – Texas State Senator (TX-28); Chair, Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee
• The Honorable Kevin Sparks – Texas State Senator (TX-31)

8:30PM – Event Ends

Movie Information

Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible–adopting 77 children–this East Texas community proved that, with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won.

Click here to see the trailer and learn more about this film.

Parking

Please see the parking options below and click here for a parking map:

• Metered parking – pay per minute/hour Congress Avenue – 9th Street and surrounding streets
• Peak Parking LLC – $6.00 for first 30 minutes then $3.00 for each additional 30 minutes -176 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78701
• Capitol Tower – $9.00 per hour – 206 E 9th Street, Austin, TX 78701

TO RSVP: Click the link below and enter the password “TPPF” when prompted

*This event is in-person only. When you RSVP, you will receive more event information and a reminder before the event.