Mother Teresa was known for saying, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” As we enter the new year with hope in our hearts, I pray for peace in the world, in our country, for our neighbors and for our children. 

Back in July of 2019, CASA of Central Texas began our FY 2019-20 on a high note and could not have predicted the considerable cliff hanger the year ended on. As this past year unfolded, the critical role that CASA holds in the community was continuously reinforced. Now, as we are well into our next fiscal year 2020-21, we’re moving full steam ahead in our goal to provide a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate to every child in foster care.

The year started with a wonderful string of flourishing fundraising events. For the first time ever, we sold out of sponsorships and team spots to the 2019 Corridor Title – CASA Classic Golf Tournament. In addition, numerous donors generously gave through our 2019 End-of-Year campaign, doubling the amount we received in gifts the year before. We were absolutely thrilled by these individual outcomes and our excitement rolled over into 2020,as we prepared to celebrate 35 years of advocating for abused and neglected children on March 13.

However, the festivities became overshadowed with the onset of Covid-19. Life as we knew it completely changed. Our program swiftly pivoted in order to serve children and families in a different way. We launched virtual casework meetings, court hearings, mediations and trials – and accepted new cases every week as the number of children entering State Care continued to rise. We also forged ahead offering virtual community information sessions with increased frequency and virtual pre-service volunteer training classes.

During this time, we maintained a volunteer retention rate of 92%. Our outstanding CASA volunteers did not waver in their devotion to the children they serve. Because of their committed support, children were not susceptible to further social and emotional isolation and retraumatization. CASA staff and volunteers rose to many challenges brought on by the pandemic. But, our ultimate challenge came when we had to cancel our April 2020 dinner and auction - which was expected to be our most successful fundraising event of the year.

Nonetheless, we received an influx of support from the community not only in donations, but sweet messages of appreciation and admiration for the difference CASA makes in the community. We look forward to connecting with our friends again, once it is safe to host the grand opening of our newly constructed Training & Support Center. We now have a new permanent home base in Hays County, thanks to your phenomenal support! We dedicate our San Marcos Daily Record win as the 2019 Best Non-profit Organization to everyone who championed our mission. Together, we will make it through this turbulent time and emerge stronger than ever!

To read more and to see data about our cases and volunteers, see our Annual Impact Report FY19-20 HERE.

Executive Director

CASA of Central Texas

Use this link to join us at any of the times above!

For more information on training courses, contact Brandi Raschke at 512-392-3578, 830-626-2272, or by email.

Contact Eloise Hudson if you are interested in having CASA share with your group.

Still meeting virtually? Not a problem! CASA can also join your video conference meeting, too!

Champions fore Charity is a fundraising program that provides charities, like CASA, and schools the opportunity to generate contributions through the Valero Texas Open. Last year, they raised an outstanding $6.386M! They’re currently on track to meet their goal of $7M with your help. The Valero Texas Open takes place March 29 to April 4, 2021, but CASA’s giving page is open now! Become a champion by giving today!

Kayla Kostella came to us for an internship last Fall from the McCoy School of Business at Texas State University.

This incredible Bobcat was tasked with a job that few people would take on – but she fearlessly tackled it with patience and amazing attention to detail! Over three months, she completed various aspects of records management including scanning, completing quality review, and archiving two years of paper files (twice as much as she was asked) to improve easy-access to our grant documents and to reduce physical storage space.

She also assisted with facilities operations including setting up the file room in our new Training & Support Center, and she was instrumental in completing our holiday direct mail campaign. She helped at our annual golf tournament and was always, always willing to help with anything needed!

In December, Kayla earned her BBA in Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. She is moving back to her hometown of Victoria so, if any of our readers are looking to hire, she’s a great job candidate! Kayla shared that she loved working at CASA with our amazing staff. Thank you, Kayla! We miss you already!

"The GreatNonprofits seal is the second most trusted rating seal, after the Better Business Bureau" - Study by Software Advice.