Posted on Jun 30, 2019 in
HOMETOWN HEROES
Pat Somers. Photos by Mary Favre.
By Joan Frances –
Did you know there are hundreds of homeless and unaccompanied minors in Fort Bend County alone? It’s shocking to even think about. And one of the most surprising facts is this abuse, neglect and homelessness, is happening in all sections of Fort Bend. These facts alone are what keep our Hometown Hero, Pat Somers, involved and determined to make a difference, even if it’s just one child.
Somers is a retired teacher from Alief Independent School District where she taught Physical Education for 24 years, and then was a Prevention and Safe Schools Specialist for seven years. She is currently an Educational Consultant for Safe and Civil Schools where she trains teachers around the country on positive behavior and intervention supports. She is married to Brad, and has a son, Grayson, a daughter-in-law Amanda and a granddaughter Isabelle, who is the light of their lives.
The Somers moved to Sugar Land in 1983 and have lived there ever since. “First Colony was still very young then, and so were we. It has been a great place to raise our son and develop life-long friends. I started volunteering as a Big Sister in the Big Brother Big Sister program.”
Pat and Brad Somers.
In 1992 when Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) was introduced into Fort Bend County, Somers knew she had to get involved. “Being a teacher, it was obvious that some kids were hurting. I also learned that it takes just one caring adult to help a kid grow up to be healthy and productive citizens. Child abuse is a horrible stain on society, and I thought I could help mitigate some of its negative effects.” She attended the first volunteer training and continues to support CASA. She is currently the President of the Board of Directors for Child Advocates of Fort Bend and serves on the Friends of Child Advocates Council and as an Ambassador for the Voices for Children initiative.
Pat Somers was presented the “Carl Favre True Believers Award” in 2017 for her unwavering support and leadership at Parks Youth Ranch.
Somers is a passionate volunteer. “There are so many wonderful organizations in Fort Bend County, but I tend to support the children in our community. They are our future may sound cliché, but it’s the truth. We’ve got to help those who are least able to help themselves. We’ve got to be the caring adult when others have hurt them. On my first case with a sibling group of four, we were fortunate to have a mom adopt them all, keeping them together as a family. I have seen several other children find safe and loving homes with family members who now care for them and keep them safe. We work to heal the hurt, break the cycle of abuse and provide a voice so no child is kept from the help they need.”
Staying in step with her desire to help children, Somers also serves on the Board of Directors for Parks Youth Ranch, the only homeless shelter for youth in Fort Bend County. They provide emergency shelter, counseling and life-changing services to abused and neglected kids.
Somers said, “These organizations have been very fortunate to have wonderful leadership from executive directors, CEOs, therapists, case managers and boards of directors. Fort Bend County is an amazing place to live, and all these organizations help to make it a safe and nurturing community.”
Somers has also helped support Hope for Three activities, as well as the Literacy Council. For the past 34 years, she and Brad have been members of Sugar Land First United Methodist Church. Thank you Pat Somers for your undeniable commitment to making Fort Bend County an openhearted and munificent community for everyone.
