Letter from the Executive Director |
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I want to use this as an opportunity to highlight the issue.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, in families where battering occurs, the rate of child abuse or neglect is 15 times higher than the national average. Children may be hurt indirectly when their parent is abused. They can also be injured trying to protect their parent. CASA often sees the result of this abuse so it's important for us to be knowledgeable about domestic violence.
Here is some information from TDFPS that I would like to share:
Also known as "domestic violence," family violence is an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to cause physical or emotional harm. It is against the law in Texas.
The first step in stopping domestic violence is to recognize it. It's hard to accept that you may be battered by someone you love. Still, you may be a victim of family violence if:
· you are being pushed, shoved, slapped, bruised, kicked, strangled or threatened with a weapon.
· you are verbally attacked or accused.
· your possessions are intentionally damaged.
· you are not allowed to come and go as you wish.
· you are being followed, harassed, or spied upon.
· you are forced to have sex or perform a degrading sexual act.
· you are kept in isolation.
No one deserves to be abused.
If something about your relationship frightens you, or
if you or someone you know is suffering abuse in a relationship, please call:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TDD for hearing impaired)
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Norma Castilla-Blackwell
Executive Director
CASA of Central Texas
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Welcome New CASA Volunteers |
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We welcomed 11 new advocates in September!
Thank you to these wonderful community members who completed an intensive 42-hour training and stepped up to be a voice for children in the court system.
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Welcome Ashlee Hickson, Kelly Connors, Wilma Binz, Susan Ellis, Cheryl Gillmore, Julie Jones, Christina Mendez, Carol Thompson, Allison Boechler-Lyautey, Jason Pashen and Barbara Colvin!
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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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CASA Classic Golf Tournament |
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Monday, October 25, 2021
Kissing Tree Golf Club
San Marcos
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Only a few weeks away, the fifth annual Corridor Title – CASA Classic Golf Tournament takes place at Kissing Tree Golf Club on Monday, October 25! Just a few team spots remain available, and we have a wonderfully wide variety of sponsor and underwriter options and benefits. Especially now, children and families involved in the foster care system are in need of support. All proceeds will provide them with just that!
A hole-in-one was scored by Cliff Bandy at last year’s tournament, so anything is possible in 2021! This year, five players will have a chance to make a hole-in-one shot worth $1 million! All novice golfers are eligible to compete for the grand prize, split 50-50 with CASA. To reserve a spot in the shootout, register for the tournament and purchase a million-dollar shootout ticket here now.
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Entertainment Underwriter |
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David Peterson - Constable, Precinct 1, Hays County |
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Team of 4- $800
(Act Now! Less than 10 teams remain available!)
Individual Player- $250
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Sponsorship Opportunities |
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Ace Sponsor- $10,000
19th Hole Sponsor- $7,500
Front Nine Sponsor- SOLD OUT
Back Nine Sponsor- SOLD OUT
Eagle Sponsor- $2,500
Birdie Sponsor- $2,000
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Non-Playing Underwriter Opportunities |
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Million Dollar Hole-in-One Shootout - $5,000
Lunch Underwriter- $2,500
Dinner Underwriter- SOLD OUT
Media Underwriter- $2,500
Golf Gift Underwriter- $2,000
Golf Pro Underwriter- $1,500
Golf Ball Launcher Underwriter- $1,500
Golf Cart Underwriter- $1,000
Hole-In-One Underwriter- $1,000
Printing Underwriter- SOLD OUT
Beverage Cart Underwriter- SOLD OUT
Refreshment Underwriter- $750
Breakfast Underwriter - $750
Entertainment Underwriter- SOLD OUT
Hole Underwriter- $500
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Continuing Education for Advocates |
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On September 24, CASA held a continuing education opportunity for advocates to learn more about Trial Preparation and duties of Guardians ad Litem. |
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Jessica Devaney, formerly an Assistant District Attorney for Comal County, is now in private practice. Her former experience as an attorney representing the Department of Family and Protective Services, as well as her experience now representing both parents and children, lends valuable multiple perspectives on what attorneys expect from CASA during trial.
Ms. Devaney highlighted the importance of CASA’s Guardian ad Litem duties and the best interest factors taken from Holley v. Adams. While the permanency plan for children is typically family reunification, in order to be prepared for trial, CASA must investigate and research as soon as they accept a case. CASA must interview parties and service providers not just once, but throughout the case. Both Ms. Devaney and several CASA Supervisors recommend creating a timeline and relying on your court reports and the Holley Factors. You must form a credible opinion as to what is in the best interest of children, and be able to articulate why.
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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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TRAINING & SUPPORT CENTER
Open House and Ribbon Cutting
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November 3, 2021
4 – 6 p.m.
2725 Hunter Road
San Marcos
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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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