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
- CASA Superhero Run
- Continuing Education
- CASA Book Fair
- Help Us Pave the Way
- Let's Go See a Movie
- Cars for CASA
- Support CASA
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Letter from the Executive Director
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Summer is coming to an end and this means back to school! I would like to take this time to thank all the teachers who are getting ready to head back to their classrooms and make a great impact on the children of our community.
Before I started my journey with CASA of Central Texas, I was one of these teachers who saw children every day and was there for them when they struggled. I was often the one who could see a change in their behavior, or was there for them when they needed to reach out and confide in someone they could trust.
Teachers across Texas take on this role of watchdog every year they commit to the classroom. In 2018, there were more than 64,000 reports of abuse made to Texas Child Protective Services by teachers, the highest percentage of reporters at 14%. Behind them are medical personnel and law enforcement.
Once abuse has been reported, a teacher is also one of the best resources for those involved in the child's life, including the CASA Volunteer. They provide not only educational history, but also a glimpse into the child's personality. This information is invaluable for understanding what is best for the child.
Teachers are an invaluable resource for children, but they must not be the only resource.
It is important for concerned community members to report suspected child abuse to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at
www.txabusehotline.org
or by calling 1-800-252-5400.
Keep teachers on your mind and in your hearts as school begins. They do so much to educate and care for our children.
Thank you,
Norma Castilla-Blackwell
CASA of Central Texas
Executive Director
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Welcome New CASA Volunteers
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11 new volunteers were sworn recently sworn in!
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 our final 2019 training courses. See dates below.
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Dixie Pape
of Comal County and
Helen Bauer
of Guadalupe County were sworn in on July 26 by The Honorable Thomas Stuckey.
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Anita Baldridge
of Caldwell County and
Shelly Holstine
of Caldwell County
were sworn in on August 1 by The Honorable Thomas Stuckey.
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Analisa Goldblatt
of Hays
County,
Shelby Williams
of Hays
County,
Julie Burnett
of Hays
County,
Gina Van Horn
of Guadalupe
County,
Lavonne Kiser
of Comal
County,
Kirsten Chadwick
of Hays County
and
Colleen Wesch
of Hays
County were sworn in on July 30 by The Honorable Melissa McClanahan.
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Upcoming Training Dates
August 10 - August 24
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
September 11 - October 9
4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
September 12 - October 10
1 - 5 p.m.
September 14 - September 28
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
October 16 - November 13
1 - 5 p.m.
October 17 - November 14
4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
November 2 - November 16
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Application deadline prior to each cycle is two weeks before start of training.
Submit your volunteer application
here
.
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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*Seguin training enrollment still open!! Contact us today if interested!
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CASA Classic
October 28, 2019
San Marcos
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The 2019 Corridor Title – CASA Classic Golf Tournament has received a hole lotta love thus far! If you haven’t yet, secure your spot today! With the tournament only three months away, team spots are filling up quickly. As of now, a total of 15 teams have signed up to tee off with CASA on Monday, October 29. We hope to see you then, too.
Whether you played with us before or you are joining us for the first time, you can look forward to an unforgettable experience, taking in all of the breathtaking views at Kissing Tree Golf Club. Plus, everyone will gather together for the tournament’s first ever helicopter golf ball drop!
If you’re not able to attend this year’s tournament, but would still like a shot at winning the helicopter golf ball drop prize, tickets are available for purchase now! Thanks to our wonderfully generous donors, the 2019 grand prize includes a 2-night stay at the beautiful Harper Hill Ranch (sleeps 22) located outside of New Braunfels as well as two rounds of golf (4 players each) at the Kissing Tree Golf Club in San Marcos. Purchase tickets
here
to become the lucky winner!
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:
Davidek Law Firm, PLLC
Jim Flynn Photography
Karl & Beth Hittle
Gene & Becky Lake
Taste of New Braunfels
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Win a 2019 Polaris Sportsman 850
MSRP $8,999
Compliments of:
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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
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
Seguin
Monday, August 12th, noon
Seguin Public Library
San Marcos
Wednesday, August 21st, noon
Historic County Courthouse, 1st floor conference room
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September 15, 2019
Broadmoor Campus
Austin, TX
We're not sure about you, but we didn't get nearly enough Spider-Man in Avengers: Endgame. We were so excited for the release of Spider-Man: Far From Home!
In honor of this young Avenger, and in celebration of this event's 10th anniversary, we're announcing our inaugural CASA Superhero Run Kids Council! The Kids Council is a chance for our community's youngest heroes to discover their superpowers and help their fellow kids as part of the 2019 CASA Superhero Run!
Then check out the
Kids Council to find out how kids 12 and under can be recognized and entered into an exciting prize drawing just for raising funds or friends!
We will see you and superheroes of all ages on September 15 at the 10th annual CASA Superhero Run!
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Register today
Don't worry, adults have a chance to show their superpowers as well by raising $100 to win a Tek-Tee, raising $500 to join the CASA Crusaders and be entered into their own prize package drawing, and/or joining the race as part of the 2019-2020 Austin Distance Challenge!
Don’t be a hero just for one day. Set up your own fundraising team now
HERE!
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Continuing Ed: Communicating as a CASA
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July 11
CPS, CASA, and foster parents gave advocates useful tips and reminders to effectively communicate with different parties and providers.
CPS Supervisor Christy Doerr suggested that when an advocate is assigned to a case, send an introductory email to the caseworker, let the caseworker know the best way to contact you, and ask how they prefer to be communicated with. Region 8’s policy for caseworkers is to respond to e-mail within 48 hours. We know CPS is overburdened, so please allow caseworkers some leeway, but do follow up with a copy to the CASA and CPS supervisors if you’re not receiving a timely response. Ms. Doerr highly recommended that advocates attend parent-child visits as an opportunity to see caseworkers, as well as attend treatment team meetings, ARDs, and permanency conferences.
CASA Supervisor Rob Edwards and advocate Carla Stovall reminded everyone about the minimum expectations of the Guardian ad Litem duties. Make timely contacts. Document observations, concerns, and recommendations throughout your case. And, be honest, direct, and supportive in your communications – especially with parents and placements.
Divinity Family Services and adoptive parents gave insight into the rollercoaster ride of being a foster and adoptive placement for children. Foster parents Taumi and Todd sagely stated that a placement can be well supported and educated, but never truly prepared to deal with the intricacies and trauma involved when caring for abused and neglected children. They suggest advocates communicate with the CPA case manager and ask foster parents about their support system and respite. Knowledge of Trauma-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) helps advocates immensely in serving the children. Ultimately, they say, get to know all the players in the case, dig deep, and be fierce advocates for the children!
Thank you, McKenna Events Center, for generously donating use of their space!
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On July 18, CASA of Central Texas hosted a summer book fair for advocates and their children.
Volunteers stopped by to pick books for their children to enjoy. Canine Classmates made a special appearance, too!
Books were donated by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas-Court Saint Joseph-Honey Creek #2260 and Denise Damron & Karen Jackson with Usborne Books - THANK YOU!
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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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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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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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