Letter from the Executive Director |
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CASA Volunteers are proven to improve the lives of foster children and to help them to thrive in safe and stable homes. One thing that makes the CASA program and our volunteers so effective is our network of partnerships with the many agencies in our community. CASA would like to take a moment to express our gratitude for social workers during March which is National Social Work Month.
We see firsthand how social workers juggle multiple cases, work in high-stress circumstances with families facing serious health and legal issues, and stand on the front lines to safeguard children by ensuring they and their families have the necessary resources to heal. Social workers sometimes see the worst of humanity, and yet they keep an optimistic view that, with support, people can change their lives.
Every day, CASA volunteers observe social workers doing very difficult jobs with skill and compassion. CASA knows they are an important piece in the network for protecting our children.
CASA of Central Texas extends our thanks and appreciation to the local social workers whom we work with every day as well as all those across the country who are working to care for our children.
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Norma Castilla-Blackwell
Executive Director
CASA of Central Texas
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New Advocates Ready to Serve |
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Welcome New CASA Volunteers!
Thank you to these wonderful community members who completed an intensive training curriculum and are stepping up to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
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Sworn in on February 22, 2022:
Front Row: The Honorable Judge Melissa McClenahan, Amree Trinidad of Hays County, Karen Johnson of Hays County, Lindsay Nelms of Hays County.
Middle Row: Brandi Raschke CASA of Central Texas Training Coordinator, Tiffany Sage of Comal County, Elizabeth Fowler of Guadalupe County, Lauren Goodley of Hays County, Tricia Andersen-Vie of Comal County.
Bottom Row: Denis Colbert of Guadalupe County, Candy Marciano of Hays County, Candice Richardson of Hays County, Daniela Esparza of Hays County.
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Virtual Information Sessions Online |
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Want to learn more about the role of a CASA Volunteer?
Join our 30-minute information session and hear how our volunteers advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Pick a time that works for you and use the link to register on Zoom!
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Mondays
10 a.m.
Wednesdays
5 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Noon
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Answered by a Volunteer Advocate
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CASA Volunteer Kristi Perkins answers questions like, What is the training like, What is the time commitment, Do you feel like you are making a difference, and more. You can see Kristi's interview on FAQs as well as other topics in our CASA Chat series here.
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The Advocate Training Course is a 6-part series - all 6 classes are required. |
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Upcoming Advocate Training Courses |
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April 13 to May 18
Wednesdays
In Person
CASA office, New Braunfels
5 – 8:30 p.m.
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April 14 to May 19
Thursdays
Blended
Zoom & CASA office, New Braunfels
1 – 4:30 p.m.
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Thinking about becoming a CASA Volunteer but don't know if you are ready?
Don't worry, we have you covered in our 42-hour training curriculum.
Listen to this CASA Chat to hear from new advocate Lisa about how the training prepared her for her first case.
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Application due two weeks prior to training.
One-hour pre-training interview at least one week before start of training.
Mandatory 10-hour online class to be completed during the training cycle.
For more information on training courses,
contact Brandi Raschke at 512-392-3578, 830-626-2272, or by email.
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Quality Standards, Meeting National Marks |
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As a longtime member of the National CASA/GAL Association, CASA of Central Texas is committed to operating based on a set of 11 standards for providing quality volunteer advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Through this monthly newsletter, we share with you a synopsis of each standard.
Standard 3: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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Commits to diversity, equity and inclusion and demonstrates these qualities in its own
operations, governance, management and quality advocacy for children. We aim to...
- diversify our staff, volunteers and governing board to reflect the population and meet the needs of the children we serve.
- promote equity and inclusion through governance, management, operations, recruitment, continuing education, retention and advocacy policies and practices.
- commit to an understanding of disproportionality and disparate outcomes.
- promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.
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Kickoff Amplify Austin with CASA starting at 6 p.m. on March 2 and ending at 6 p.m. on March 3.
Every dollar received through the 10th annual virtual event will stay local to help Court Appointed Special Advocates champion for children in our community who have experienced abuse and neglect.
By this summer, we aim to train 85 new CASA volunteers and serve a total of 630 children in foster care. Your support will make this possible!
In addition to making a donation (all amounts are appreciated) here, you can support CASA by spreading the word about Amplify Austin with an email or text to your friends. Post on social media about your love for CASA and connect potential CASA volunteers and financial supporters to CASA. Become a fundraising champion by driving people to our profile! To become a fundraiser, click on “Fundraiser” at the top of the page and get started here. Donate in advance here!
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You can support CASA by hosting a Third Party Event! Angel Jones with Water 2 Wine New Braunfels hosts Wine-O Bingo to support local charities including CASA.
"The cost of a bingo card is $10 and throughout the game players can win small prizes to make it even more exciting (i.e. cute wine glasses). The $10 benefits a local nonprofit each month that we choose. We try to choose one that is important to our staff, wine club members, and community.
Before the game starts, someone with or in support of the nonprofit tells the players about the organization being supported and shares information about other ways they can contribute or help. So it's not just about the one-time donation but also education about the nonprofit.
We do this because we believe in giving back to our community as we love this city and its people. Educating our patrons on the many great nonprofits in our area also allows good deeds to continue long after bingo is over. And who doesn’t love a fun neighborhood game of bingo and wine!"
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If you would like to learn how to host an event benefiting CASA, click here! |
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Walk Run Thrive with National CASA
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Walk Run Thrive is an annual signature event of the National CASA/GAL Association for Children. The event connects our nationwide network of volunteers and supporters to generate awareness for our shared mission through a fun and engaging virtual event.
Rather than traveling to one central location on a specific race day and time, you can walk or run (or skate, roll, ride, or move in any way) wherever you are – choosing your own day, time and pace.
Each registered participant receives a signature event t-shirt to help raise awareness for our vital mission.
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Supporting CASA of Central Texas through Champions fore Charity will make a greater impact for children and families involved in foster care. Out of hundreds, we are currently in the Top 20 of local charities who have fundraised the most so far in 2022! |
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You can bump us even higher on the leaderboard by making a donation here
or pick up a donation form at a CASACenTex office.
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Have an old car taking up space in your driveway? Donate it to CASA of Central Texas!
CASA partners with CARS (Charitable Rides and Services) to participate in a tax-deductible vehicle donation program.
We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV’s, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment and other motorized vehicles. For more information or to make a donation, click here.
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Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
Child sexual abuse is an adult issue. One in 10 children in the U.S. will be sexually abused before the age of 18. Darkness to Light ® believes that adults are responsible for the safety of children and that adults should be taking proactive steps to protect children from sexual abuse.
FREE TRAINING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Using an evidence-informed approach, attendees are provided with simple and practical actions to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. This is a free training for anyone who has interactions with children in various community settings. We strive to not only protect our own children, but all children in our community.
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This training is offered by an authorized facilitator on a quarterly basis this year (February 25, May 27, August 26, and November 18, 3-5 PM). If this schedule does not work for you, you may request a different date. Please encourage your colleagues, friends, and family to attend this two-hour training with you as it leads to improved learning through impactful discussion. |
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