Letter from the Executive Director |
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Gathering with friends and family during the holidays is a tradition most of us take for granted. But for so many of the children served by CASA, the holidays provide a painful reminder that they are different from their peers - separated from parents, siblings, beloved pets and close friends as they reside in foster care and other safe placements to shield them from further abuse and/or neglect.
While you and I decide where and with whom we would like to spend our holidays, these children and youth wait for safe and stable homes. The holidays can be a lonely time.
Fortunately, this is also a time that caring members of our community offer help. This outpouring of concern and generosity makes me so thankful. Just when our volunteers and staff are overwhelmed by the tragic reality of new abuse and neglect cases in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties, the phone rings or my email inbox reveals a caring person or group ready to extend a helping hand.
This meaningful support makes our community special. Your financial donations to CASA, your in-kind contributions, your volunteer hours, and your creative and meaningful offers to share your time and resources truly make a difference.
With your help, we are making a difference one child at a time. As you gather with your loved ones this holiday season, please know that your generosity is truly appreciated, and your gifts are providing hope for the children served by our dedicated CASA volunteers. Your contributions exemplify the heart of giving, and we are thankful.
Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season,
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Norma Castilla-Blackwell
Executive Director
CASA of Central Texas
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TRAINING & SUPPORT CENTER
Open House and Ribbon Cutting
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4 – 6 p.m.
Chamber Ribbon Cutting at 4:30
2725 Hunter Road
San Marcos
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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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Upcoming Advocate Training Courses |
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The Volunteer Training Course is a 6-part series - all 6 classes are required. |
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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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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.
For more information on training courses, contact Brandi Raschke at 512-392-3578, 830-626-2272, or by email.
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DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR IRA IS WORTH MORE AS A CHARITABLE GIFT?
An IRA is an excellent vehicle for accumulating assets to use during your retirement – it is not a tax-wise approach for passing down an inheritance. There is a way, however, to use such accounts to their full advantage.
If you are between 59-1/2 and 70-1/2, you can make a charitable gift from an IRA during your lifetime without penalty. If you take distributions from your IRA – even if paid directly to CASA of Central Texas, Inc. – you will report the distribution as taxable income on your tax return in the year of distribution. The advantage of making a gift to CASA of Central Texas is that you will be eligible for a charitable income tax deduction , which may offset the income tax triggered by the distribution.
IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER
If you are 70-1/2 years old or older, you can take advantage of a simple way to benefit CASA of Central Texas and receive tax benefits in return. You can gift from your IRA directly to CASA of Central Texas. Funds must be transferred directly from your financial institution to CASA of Central Texas: the transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction. If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution (RMD) in 2021, why not consider a percentage directly to CASA of Central Texas?
STOCK MAKES A GREAT GIFT!
With stock market gains, many of your investments are likely worth more today than what you originally paid for them. Time to sell? If you do, you might have to pay capital gains taxes. There’s a better option that provides you with valuable tax incentives as well as the satisfaction of supporting a cause close to your heart: gift your stock to CASA of Central Texas!
For more information, contact Development Director Tricia Schneider at 830.626.2272 x120. As always, we advise that you speak with your family and your tax/financial advisor(s) before implementing any gift plan.
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Champions fore Charity has kicked off! CASA receives every penny raised through this fundraising program and a 7% match back. Your donation + a 7% match = 107% Impact.
For more than 20 years, the Valero Texas Open has assisted numerous schools and organizations across Texas. Champions fore Charity provides participants the opportunity to generate contributions through the Valero Texas Open. The Valero Texas Open takes place March 28 to April 3, 2022. CASA’s giving page is now open for donations here!
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Payroll Deductions for CASA |
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State and federal employees may donate to CASA of Central Texas through payroll deductions under the State Employee Charitable Campaign and the Combined Federal Campaign.
Watch for campaign drives at your office, or talk to your Human Resources Representative for information.
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State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC)
CASA of Central Texas Code
#475017 (Capital Area)
#475030 (San Antonio Area)
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Combined Federal Campaign
(CFC)
CASA of Central Texas
#60661
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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 on a vehicle donation program. We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV's, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment and other motorized vehicles.
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
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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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 should 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 the fourth Friday of each month. If this schedule does not work for you, you may schedule 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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Fraternal Order of Eagles
New Braunfels
Aerie No. 2999
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