Welcome to another edition of CASA Up Close Monthly. Please feel free to contact CASA for more information about anything you read. And, as always, thank you for your continued support! Use these quick links to get involved.
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- April Proclamation
- Training Dates
- CASAblanca
- Darkness to Light
- Information Sessions
- CASA Classic Golf Tournament
- Legislative Update
- CASA Superhero Run
- Help Us Pave the Way
- Events Benefiting CASA
- Cars for CASA
- Community Support
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Letter from the Executive Director
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As Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month comes to an end, I am reminded of the saying "it takes a village to raise a child." In the fight against child abuse, we must all join together.
In 2018, there were 1,223 children in the CASA of Central Texas four-county service area (Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays) that were confirmed victims of abuse and neglect. These children are the true definition of victim. Through no fault of their own, their lives have been turned upside down. Even those who were fortunate to have their abuse reported still faced the turbulent waters of foster homes, court appearances and separation from their family and all that is familiar.
CASA's passionate and dedicated advocates are working with these children to ensure they receive the attention and help they need, but one organization can not tackle the issue alone. It takes all of us.
We thank all of our local communities and partner agencies who recognize that child abuse and neglect is a real concern and needs local action. We deeply appreciate the individuals and leaders who proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, announcing their commitment to this fight.
I encourage each person reading this to stop for just a moment in our busy activities and think about the children who are suffering in silence. We ask for you to make a commitment to ensure these children get a fair chance in life. Although the month of April will end with the flip of the calendar, abused and neglected children will continue to need our voices until each and every one has been given the safety and security they deserve to grow and thrive.
Norma Castilla-Blackwell
CASA of Central Texas
Executive Director
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Local government officials read proclamations throughout the month, officially recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.
Thank you to the following counties and cities in Central Texas that joined the national movement.
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Caldwell County
, Lockhart, Luling, Martindale,
Hays County
, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Wimberley, San Marcos, Buda,
Comal County
, Garden Ridge, Bulverde, New Braunfels,
Guadalupe County
, Marion, Schertz, Seguin, Cibolo and Selma.
Click
here
to see photos of proclamations
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Upcoming Training Dates
Wednesdays - San Marcos
May 8 - June 5
1 - 5 p.m.
Thursdays - New Braunfels
May 9 - June 6
4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Monday - San Marcos
June 17 - July 15
4:30 - 8:30
Tuesdays - New Braunfels
June 18 - July 16
1 - 5 p.m.
Saturdays - Lockhart
July 13th - July 27th
9 - 3 p.m.
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For more information on training courses, contact Layla Coleman at 512-392-3578, 830-626-2272, or by
email.
One-hour pre-training interview to occur at least one week before start of each training cycle. Mandatory 10-hour online class to be completed during the training cycle.
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Application deadline prior to each cycle is two weeks before start of training.
Submit your volunteer application
here
.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us at CASAblanca on April 12th.
It was a night full of fun to support CASA, and to honor long-time supporters
Barry Williams, Regional President, Prosperity Bank and
Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe
, Commissioner, Precinct 1 – Hays County.
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Click
here
to see photos from a great night!
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Thank you to our sponsors:
Marrakesh
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Tangier
Broadway Bank
Colette Wollenberg-Keller Williams Realty
Greater
Texas
Credit Union
Germer Farms
Paula Vacek
Rodger & Maria Broderick
Rabat
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Airforce Turbine Service
Corridor Title
Felicia James, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
John Manthey
J&R Gymnastics/cheer/dance
Justin & Brittanie Meadows/Frank & Joyce Yannuzzi/Barry & Laura Buske
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The Kyle Law Firm
Mike & A.J. Keyser
Landin Lake Boat & RV Storage
Millennium Medi Spa
Property Professionals, Inc.
Huddleston & Company/Huisache Grill/Smith & Nephew Orthopedics
Texas Lehigh Cement Company
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Continuing Education for Volunteers and Public
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CASA of Central Texas held our very first Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training, offered to the community at-large for free.
Through video and discussion, 30 attendees learned five simple and proactive steps to protecting our children.
Awareness, education, and stigma reduction are essential in making a difference and empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse. One attendee mentioned that it’s important for adults to take risks – such as talking with our children about sexual boundaries or redirecting an adult who’s crossing a child’s boundaries – because a child’s safety is more important than our discomfort or uncertainty.
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Another discussion point was the importance of youth-serving organizations having a code of conduct to ensure a child’s safety, such as limiting one-on-one interactions and making any private discussions with a child easily observable and interrupted.
CASA’s authorized facilitator will offer this free training to the public on at least a quarterly basis. If anyone, involved in a youth-serving organization or not, wishes to receive this training, please contact
lcoleman@casacentex.org
.
Thank you to the San Marcos Public Library for providing the venue on April 22.
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"Voices" Information Sessions
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Want to learn more about the role of a CASA Volunteer?
Come to our one-hour information session and hear how our volunteers advocate for children who have been abused and neglected.
San Marcos
Wednesday, May 15th, noon
Historic County Courthouse, 1st floor conference room
New Braunfels
Wednesday, June 5th, noon
CASA office
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CASA staff and volunteers will be on hand to share their stories and answer your questions.
Please RSVP to Eloise Hudson by
email
or at 830-626-2272.
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CASA Classic
2019 Corridor Title
CASA Classic
October 29, 2019
San Marcos
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It’s time to tee up for CASA! We are truly honored to partner again with Corridor Title for the 3
rd
Annual CASA Classic Golf Tournament. More than a round of golf, participants and sponsors play an instrumental role so that CASA can train and support more advocates for children.
We also welcome our new partner and venue host Kissing Tree Golf Club - San Marcos’ newest and best course! Swing for an amazing cause and register today as a team, individual, or sponsor
here
.
Due to expected high demand, we recommend that you sign up soon. Otherwise you may miss out on a hole lot of fun!
Sponsorships Available:
Ace $5,000 – 2 teams included
Front Nine $3,000 – 2 teams included
Back Nine $3,000 – 2 teams included
Eagle $2,000 – 1 team included
Birdie $1,500 – 1 team included
Hole - $400
Team Registration (4) – $600
Individual Registration – $200
Space limited to 36 Teams/144 Players
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From Texas CASA - Legislative Update
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The work days at the Texas Capitol are getting longer and bills are moving more quickly. Our advocates are well-positioned to speak out on legislation that affects the welfare of children.
Texas CASA shares their appreciation for the efforts of the local Legislative Advocacy Teams (LATs) in reaching out to members on important legislation. LATs who are represented by legislators on key committees have been receiving Action Alerts on specific issues including CASA Champion Bills and funding – sometimes with very tight turnaround times.
And, of course, Texas CASA’s hardworking Public Policy team is at the Capitol nearly every day working with legislators and staff to improve services and supports for children in the child welfare system.
The Appropriations Bill, House Bill 1, is entering the final stages of negotiation. The House and Senate have each passed their proposed budgets. Two weeks ago, conference committee members were appointed and began the hard work of reconciling those two budget proposals.
The Texas House of Representatives and the Senate Finance Committee approved additional funding for CASA programs, but at different levels. The House approved funding for CASA at the full requested amount: an additional
$2.25 million
in annual funding for CASA programs. The budget passed by the Senate also provided additional funding, but by
$1.25 million
annually. Texas CASA’s goal will be to support funding at the level approved by the House during conference committee deliberations.
If you are curious about the progress of a particular piece of legislation, check out the
Bill Tracker
on the Texas CASA website.
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September 15, 2019
Broadmoor Campus
Austin, TX 78758
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE! Grab your capes and your running shoes. You don’t want to miss the 10
th
annual CASA Superhero Run! CASA of Central Texas is teaming up with Travis and Williamson County CASA programs for this MARVEL-ous event on Sunday, September 15
th
.
This year the CASA Superhero Run kicks off the renowned Austin Distance Challenge. Start training this race season with CASA!
You can walk, run, or fly to the finish line. If speed isn’t your super power, there are numerous activities you can participate in. Join the fight against child abuse and neglect – by registering to attend the CASA Superhero Run today.
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Register today
Don’t be a hero just for one day. Set up your own fundraiser for CASA or start your own fundraising team now! Learn more
here
.
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CASA of Central Texas invites you to be a part of a very special, yet limited, commemorative opportunity. The new Training & Support Center will increase CASA’s facility space and give CASA its first permanent home in Hays County after 30 years. This is an investment in the future of our children and community.
Engraved brick pavers will be installed along the entranceway of the new facility. Personalized pavers are a great way to honor a friend, volunteer, staff member or group; memorialize a loved one; encourage your favorite CASA volunteer; or show your family’s appreciation for CASA and our children, while leaving a lasting tribute in your name.
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We hope each and every CASA supporter will buy in to this unique opportunity and pave the way for impact!
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Events Benefiting CASA
CASA of Central Texas welcomes community initiatives to help promote awareness and funding for our program. By taking on this type of project, event organizers assume the responsibility of creating a successful event without a significant level of assistance from CASA. All special events and fundraising efforts conducted to benefit CASA are run by financially responsible and reputable organizations and individuals motivated by a genuine desire to help CASA. If you are interested in hosting a third-party fundraiser to benefit CASA, please review these
guidelines
.
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CASA Movie Hero Run
Saturday, June 8
Stars and Stripes Drive-in Theater
New Braunfels
5K and Kids Run.
Presented by Athlete Guild.
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Geezerfest
June 6-8
The Villa at Gruene
Gruene
An annual celebration of Geezerness and great Texas Music.
An A Major Funding production.
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Willie's Spirit Night
Tuesday, June 11
4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
2966 Coldsprings Drive
New Braunels
Mention CASA and Willie’s will donate 15% of your check!
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Cars for CASA
Have an old car taking up space in your driveway? Donate it to CASA of Central Texas! CASA partners with CARS on a vehicle donation program. We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV's, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment and other motorized vehicles.
Making a donation is EASY
! It's as easy as filling out an online donation form
here
or picking up a phone and speaking to a live operator at 855-500-7433 seven days a week.
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Why donate your vehicle to CASA?
* Avoid the hassles of selling a car * No need to pay hefty repair bills * Free up space in your garage * 100% tax deductible *
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Hays County Constable David Peterson (far left) and Constables for CASA hosted "Justice is Served" a hamburger fundraiser for CASA.
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CASA of Central Texas Volunteer Melissa Moore (center) delivered Care Kits for the children served by CASA. This was a service project from her local mom group.
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