Last week, CASA Volunteers and Staff from across the state came together in Denton for the Texas CASA Conference. This year's theme "Nothing about us, without us" featured several young adults who had experience in the foster care system. I was honored that one of the invited speakers, Ronika Allen, is a former foster youth from right here in Central Texas.
Although we heard stories of sadness, feeling alone, and confusion, there were also many stories which give us hope. As children and youth, they experienced so much. But now, they are thriving in ways we all must admire.
As a CASA program, we cannot improve the lives of the children we serve if we do not first listen. Their lived experiences tell us more than any statistic could. We share their stories with you so that more eyes are opened to the needs of our children and youth.
This month we have two great opportunities for you to hear directly from those we serve.
First, in addition to sharing her story with us at the conference, Ronika was recently featured on KXAN News in Austin. I encourage you to listen to her in the video I have included below.
We also added our newest episode of CASA Chat this week. Again with the theme in mind, "Nothing about us, without us," we spoke with Gabe and Jazmine, and their former CASA volunteer, in the CASA Chat section of this newsletter.
At CASA, we train and support community volunteers who provide quality advocacy to children and youth. But, we can't do that if we don't understand their lived experiences from their own perspectives. Each experience is different. Each child deserves to be heard. Thank you for taking the time to listen.
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CASA of Central Texas needs
hundreds of volunteers to help with caseload
KXAN Austin News
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Norma Castilla-Blackwell
Chief Executive Officer
CASA of Central Texas
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Welcome New CASA Volunteers |
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We welcomed 3 new advocates in July!
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 Sarah Story of Guadalupe County, Lewis Briers of Guadalupe County, and Chris Schaeper of Comal County.
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This month we celebrate Becky Lake, who reached the milestone of 10 years as a Board Member with CASAcentex.
"I was a juror on a case involving a little girl and her two brothers. After all the sadness, tears and sleepless nights, the children were taken away from the mother. That was 15 years ago. After the termination of custody, I visited with the attorney for the case and she wished CASA had been involved. That is where it all began. There was not a CASA in that county."
"My husband and I love purchasing gifts for children during the Christmas holiday. It breaks my heart to think a child may go through Christmas without a gift under their tree, if they have one. We have also supported the various fundraisers over the years. The last 10 years have gone by fast…CASA has tripled in the amount of donations and a new CASA office has been built. Thanks to all the individuals and corporations who have donated, to all the Advocates who volunteer and to our great staff. They are the ones who need to be noticed for their hard work."
"I want to help as much as I can and we need more people from Guadalupe County to volunteer to help our children! If you can’t be an advocate for the child, become a Board member!"
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In our latest episode in the CASA Chat series, we sit down with former foster youth Gabe and Jazmine and talk about how their CASA Volunteer, Sara, made a difference in their lives. |
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See all episodes of CASA Chat here.
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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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Show your support for CASA right in your own front yard or place of business! CASA yard signs are now available! Help us spread the word!
If you know someone in your neighborhood or circle of friends who would like one, grab a handful!
To pick up a CASA of Central Texas yard sign, please email Eloise at ehudson@casacentex.org.
If you have a sign, we would love to see it! Thank you Dezeray Chesser, current CASA Volunteer trainee, for supporting CASA!
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Reserve the dates for CASA!
The 9th annual Big Give kicks off starting on Thursday, September 22 at 6:00pm and ending on Friday, September 23 at 6:00pm.
With big hearts for children and families involved in foster care, on this community-wide giving day, help us reach the goal of training 25 more Court Appointed Special Advocates before this year ends! Multiple "minute match" opportunities will be available so that your gift will make double the impact! Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to support our children.
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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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Wednesdays
August 31 to October 5
San Marcos CASA office
5 – 8:30 p.m.
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Saturdays
September 3 to October 8
New Braunfels CASA office/Zoom
9:30 a.m. – 1 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 Layla Coleman at 512-392-3578, 830-626-2272, or by email.
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We’re calling on you to join the race against child abuse and neglect at the 13th annual CASA Superhero Run! This year, we are partnering with Circuit of the Americas to host the event on their 1,500-acre site and racetrack!
The CASA Superhero Run is a fun time for all! With an attendance mix of serious runners and families dressed in Superhero Attire, there is a little something for everyone! Now in the 13th year of the event, we are excited to partner with Circuit of the Americas to bring you the CASA Superhero Run like you've never seen it before. Come for the run and stay for the festival!
The CASA Superhero Run is hosted by CASA of Central Texas (Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe & Hays Counties), CASA of Travis County, and CASA of Williamson County.
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Here’s how to activate your superpowers for good:
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Register for the 5k or Kid's 1k on Sunday, September 18th along with thousands of attendees from Central Texas
- Sign up with your friendly neighborhood community and help children grow up to be their own superheroes
- Combine your superpowers with others to fundraise for your CASA Program
- Become an event sponsor
Sign up for the 5k for $35 and Kid's 1k for $15 before prices rise! We are activating the Bat-Signal! Will you answer the call and be a powerful voice for children?
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Want to get your business involved?
Booth sponsors interact with the nearly 3,000 guests at the CASA Superhero Run and will receive 3 complimentary race entries. Booth sponsor names will be listed on booth signage, emails (15,000+ email list), and the event website. Learn more 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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Get Your Golf Clubs Ready |
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Reserve October 31 and join us for the 2022 Corridor Title – CASA Classic!
Kissing Tree Golf Club has again offered to be our venue host this year!
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Registration for the 2022 Corridor Title – CASA Classic Golf Tournament is in full swing! With much excitement surrounding our 6th annual tournament, make sure to secure your team spot soon before registration closes. An exciting range of sponsorship and underwriter opportunities are available this year – learn more here!
You can play a part in ensuring children who have experienced abuse and neglect in our community are provided a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate by registering here today. Together, we can make a difference for children in need of safe, stable, and loving homes. Join us at Kissing Tree Golf Club in San Marcos on Monday, October 31 for a memorable round of golf as well as delicious food and beverages! This year, participants will have a chance to bid on awesome auction items! You won’t want to miss this!
Registration is NOW OPEN!
Team, sponsorship, and underwriter entries are now
available for purchase here.
If needed, an option to be invoiced is available through your online check out.
Player Opportunity
Team of 4 - $800
Sponsorship with Playing Opportunities:
Ace - $10,000
19th Hole - $7,500
Front Nine – SOLD OUT
Back Nine - $5,000
Eagle - $2,500
Birdie - $2,000
Non-Playing Underwriter Opportunities:
Lunch Boxes - SOLD OUT
Dinner - $2,500
Media - $2,500
Golf Gifts- $2,000
Golf Pro - $1,500
Golf Ball Launcher – SOLD OUT
Golf Carts - $1,000
Hole-In-One - SOLD OUT
Beverage Cart - SOLD OUT
Refreshments - $750
Breakfast – SOLD OUT
Entertainment - $750
Hole Underwriter (18 opportunities!) - $500
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2022 CASA Classic Sponsors |
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Golf Ball Launcher Underwriter |
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Beverage Cart Underwriter |
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Constable David Peterson, Hays County Precinct 1 |
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Constable David Peterson, Hays County Precinct 1 |
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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 8: Volunteer Administration
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Follows written policies for recruiting, screening, training, supporting, supervising, recognizing
and retaining volunteers to fulfill the role and duties of court appointed special advocates/
guardians ad litem, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and standards.
- Recruits Volunteer Advocates
- Screens prospective volunteers
- Trains volunteers
- Establishes and adheres to policies for acceptance, assignment and closure of cases
- Supervises volunteers
- Establishes and adheres to volunteer administration policies and procedures
- Takes corrective action when necessary
- Maintains volunteer records
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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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