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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- Welcome New Volunteers
- Training Dates
- CASA Classic Golf Tournament
- Information Sessions
- Continuing Education
- CASA Superhero Run
- Help Us Pave the Way
- Let's Go See a Movie
- Shop for CASA
- Events Benefiting CASA
- Cars for CASA
- Community Support
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Letter from the Executive Director
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As a non-profit leader, I’ve begun to see the impact of how our new tax codes do not treat all charitable giving fairly. Some Americans receive a clear message from the federal government that their donations matter, but the vast majority do not. Let me say clearly, YOUR DONATIONS MATTER TO CASA!
A recently released report from Giving USA signals a warning about the alarming results of changes in our national tax code – at best, confusion – at worst, unfair. In fact, giving by individuals dropped 3.4% last year
in a strong economy
, compared to 5.2% growth in 2017. Total giving failed to keep up with inflation, and donations to the human services sector decreased last year. Further, the number of donors in our country has been declining since 2002. These trends threaten critical services, and may damage nonprofits, our work and our communities for the long term. (Sources: Giving USA and Independent Sector)
Every donation and every donor are critically important to nonprofit organizations’ ability to fulfill our missions. Here at CASA of Central Texas, we are committed to offering an easy and rewarding giving experience to our donors and being a fiscally sound, transparent and trustworthy charitable organization. While we are fortunate to not have been as hard hit as the national averages, we are aware of the need to inform and provide our donors with multiple options for giving to CASA as your charity of choice. One new and attractive option to many is a designated gift directly from your RMD.
Please join me
as we take a turn to focus on a different aspect of our CASA work – that of ensuring long-term sustainability of advocacy services for children.
We will host an information session about Planned Giving on July 23rd at 10:00AM
at the CASA office in New Braunfels where you can learn more about your options for making a charitable gift to CASA. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to CASA’s Development Director Tricia Schneider at
tschneider@casacentex.org
.
Thank you,
Norma Castilla-Blackwell
CASA of Central Texas
Executive Director
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Welcome New CASA Volunteers
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Nine new volunteers were sworn in last month. Each volunteer completed 5 weeks of training, background checks, courtroom observation and is now ready to advocate for children in court. CASA is now enrolling for July and August training courses. See dates below.
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Pictured above (l-r): CASA Training Coordinator Brandi Raschke,
Kerry Bechtel
of Hays County, CASA Board Member
Carol Gaultney
of Hays County,
Sally Butler
of Comal County, CASA Finance Director
Tina Fotinopoulos
of Comal County, Honorable Judge McClenahan,
Hal Lederman
of Guadalupe County,
Michael Duhon
of Comal County,
Shelly Ray
of Comal County,
Hope Tate
of Hays County, and
Brianna Bonnet
of Hays County.
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Upcoming Training Dates
Saturdays - Lockhart
July 13th - July 27th
9 - 3 p.m.
Wednesdays - San Marcos
July 31 - August 28
1 - 5 p.m.
Thursdays - New Braunfels
August 1 - August 29
4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Saturdays - Seguin
August 10 - August 24
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays - San Marcos
September 11 - October 9
4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursdays - New Braunfels
September 12 - October 10
1 - 5 p.m.
Saturdays - New Braunfels
September 14 - September 28
9 a.m. - 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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CASA Classic
October 28, 2019
San Marcos
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We’re here to tell you that can, in fact, have it all! You can have fun
and
make a difference for children, if you register to play in the 2019 Corridor Title – CASA Classic Golf Tournament today. This year’s participants are guaranteed a truly unique experience, unlike ever before. The Kissing Tree Golf Club will serve as an exciting new venue for golfers of all skill levels, including those who don’t feel quite up to par! An added bonus is the exquisite natural landscape of the course, which will most assuredly make participants catch their breath in awe.
Register as a team, sponsor, or individual for an unforgettable experience and to take part in the tournament’s first-ever helicopter golf ball drop! Don’t miss out on what’s destined to be a great time for a great cause, starting
here
!
Sponsorships Available:
Ace $5,000 – 2 teams included
Front Nine $3,000 – 2 teams included
Back Nine $3,000 – 2 teams included
19
th
Hole $2,500 – 1 team 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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Thank You to our Sponsors!
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Hole Sponsors:
Jim Flynn Photography
Karl and Beth Hittle
Taste of New Braunfels
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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.
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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Upcoming Information Sessions
Seguin
Monday, July 8th, noon
Seguin Public Library
San Marcos
Wednesday, July 17th, noon
Historic County Courthouse, 1st floor conference room
Schertz
Monday, August 5th, 6:30 pm
Schertz United Methodist Church
Lockhart
Tuesday, August 6th, 6:00 p.m.
Lockhart Public Library
New Braunfels
Wednesday, August 7th, noon
CASA office
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Continuing Education for Volunteers
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June 10
The
Hays Caldwell Council/Cenikor presented on Substance Use Effects on the Developing Brain and the Family
. Donna McCain, a Prevention Specialist, highlighted the risk factors, protective factors, and Adverse Childhood Effects in regard to a child’s likelihood of experiencing negative outcomes and long-term impacts. Ms. McCain explained that during the brain’s 25+ years in developing, any type of trauma could affect brain function.
Drugs specifically interfere with dopamine, a chemical messenger, and can affect parts of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. Signs, as well as both the short-term and long-term health consequences, of drug misuse were listed. The HCC provides substance abuse outpatient treatment programs, and support and education for youth and family to assist them in reducing the risks and developing healthy problem-solving skills as they seek to encourage their loved ones to be successful in recovery.
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June 14
The National Alliance on Mental Illness out of Bexar County presented their NAMI Provider Education Program
to volunteers through its peer approach, in which three panelists, all of whom are either living with mental illness themselves or are family members of individuals living with mental illness, shared their experiences.
Key components are the no-fault approach (mental illness is a neurodevelopmental condition and is not the result of one’s character flaws), the trauma theory (viewing mental illness as a catastrophic stressor), the bio-psycho-social model (an interplay of all three factors), and collaborative care (mental health providers, peer support, and family support). Furthermore, empathic guidelines were stressed, where providers and peers are to not criticize, to praise positive and independent behaviors, recognize and accept symptoms as separate from the person, and to treat people with mental illness like anyone else. Empathy must be extended to each of us!
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September 15, 2019
Broadmoor Campus
Austin, TX
Calling all Superheroes! CASA of Central Texas is teaming up with the Travis and Williamson CASA programs and your help is needed! Children and youth are in danger of slipping through the cracks of an overburdened foster care system. You are called to activate your superpowers so that every child can be provided with the voice of an advocate.
Sign up for September 15, 2019. Show off your super speed at the 10
th
annual CASA Superhero 5K & Kids 1K. If sitting back and relaxing is more your speed, there are numerous opportunities for you as well. Enjoy the food trucks or take in the high-flying aerialist performances and much more! Assemble your superhero team
here
.
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Register today
Don’t be a hero just for one day. Set up your own fundraising team now
HERE
! Also for the first time ever, the CASA Superhero Run is assembling our youngest superheroes to help their fellow kids.
This is an amazing opportunity to teach young heroes about community service and the spirit of giving back! Learn more about how to become involved
here
.
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CASA of Central Texas invites you to be 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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See a movie this summer and support CASA!
Alamo Drafthouse Kids Camp is an affordable way for families to watch great films together during most holiday breaks. Choose your own ticket price - $1-$3-$5 and buy your tickets online to reserve your seats in advance.
100% of ticket sales will be split between CASA and one other local charity.
Most Kids Camp screenings are ages 3 and up, but some locations are All Ages - please check drafthouse.com for local policies.
Click
here
for more information.
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AmazonSmile
is a simple and automatic way for you to support CASA of Central Texas every time you shop, at no cost to you.
When you shop at
smile.amazon.com
, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization.
Just go to
www.smile.amazon.com
, log on to your existing Amazon account, type CASA of Central Texas in the search box, select us and start shopping! CASA will receive .5% of all eligible purchases when you buy from Amazon!
To date, CASA of Central Texas has received almost $650, from your shopping!
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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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Thank You!
CASA Movie Hero Run
Stars & Stripes Theater
New Braunfels
5K and Kids Run
Presented by Athlete Guild
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Thank You!
Geezerfest
An annual celebration of Geezerness and great Texas Music
New Braunfels
An A Major Funding Production
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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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Downtown Rotary Club of New Braunfels
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