Letter from the Executive Director |
|
Summer is coming to an end and this means back to school! I would like to take this time to thank all the teachers who are getting ready to head back to their classrooms and make a great impact on the children of our community.
Before I started my journey with CASA of Central Texas, I was one of these teachers who saw children every day and was there for them when they struggled. I was often the one who could see a change in their behavior, or was there when they needed someone to confide in and trust.
Teachers take on this role of being a lookout every year that they commit to the classroom. In 2020, more than 49,000 reports of abuse were made to Texas Child Protective Services by teachers, the highest percentage of reporters. Next on the list were law enforcement and medical personnel.
Once abuse has been reported, a teacher is also one of the best resources for those involved in the child's life, including the CASA Volunteer. Teachers not only know the child's educational needs and history, but also give a glimpse into the child's personality. Their input is invaluable for understanding what is best for the child.
Along with teachers, concerned community members must also help look out for suspected child abuse and report concerns to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at www.txabusehotline.org or by calling 1-800-252-5400.
Keep teachers on your mind and in your hearts as children return to school later this month!
|
|
Norma Castilla-Blackwell
Executive Director
CASA of Central Texas
|
|
Welcome New CASA Volunteers |
|
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.
|
|
Welcome Stephanie Hester of Guadalupe County, Laura Jimenez-Castaneda of Guadalupe County, and Lisa Rupp of Comal County.
|
|
Virtual Information Sessions Online |
|
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!
|
|
Mondays
10 a.m.
Wednesdays
5 p.m.
Tuesdays/Thursdays
Noon
|
|
|
Upcoming Advocate Training Courses |
|
The Volunteer Training Course is a 6-part series - all 6 classes are required. |
|
Wednesdays
In Person
September 29 to November 3
5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
CASA Main Office, New Braunfels
|
|
Thursdays
In-Person and Zoom (blended)
September 29 to November 3
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
CASA Training Center, San Marcos
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
For her Silver Award Project with New Braunfels Girl Scouts, Beth Bowers made and donated Cuddle Buddies to CASA. Cuddle buddies are handmade emotional support dolls for children who may be in shelters, foster care, or placed anywhere else unfamiliar. The dolls can be loved, talked to and hugged by children that may be going through
circumstances out of their control.
Thank you Beth, for your kindness and thinking of CASA and our children!
|
|
Celebrating 18 Years with CASA |
|
As of August 4th, Norma Blackwell has served CASA of Central Texas for 18 years as the Executive Director!
Under Norma's leadership, CASA of Central Texas has trained and appointed more than 900 volunteers to advocate for over 2,700 children!
Thank you for all you do for CASA!
|
|
It is with great pleasure that CASA of Central Texas is hosting
this annual fundraising celebration:
Camp CASA: Where Every Kid Deserves to be a Happy Camper!
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to this evening benefiting the children in our communities.
August 20, 2021 at 6:30 pm
The Chandelier of Gruene
HONOREES
Caldwell County - Leonard Germer
Comal County - Belinda and Ron Frisk
Guadalupe County - Linda Douglass
Hays County - Laura Dupont
At this time, we are closely monitoring the spread of COVID19 and will notify our registered guests if any plans related to this in-person event need to change. Please watch your email inbox for updates.
|
|
Billionaire Boys Club
Camo Jacket
|
|
Buy your raffle ticket for this diamond necklace from Americus Diamond |
|
State of Texas
Rocking Chair
|
|
Fender FA-125 Signed by
George Strait
|
|
Hat Autographed by
George Strait
|
|
|
|
Thank you to our sponsors: |
|
Greater Texas Federal Credit Union |
|
Water 2 Wine New Braunfels |
|
Comal County Deputy Sheriff Association |
|
Dripping Springs Distilling |
|
|
|
Monday, October 25, 2021
Kissing Tree Golf Club
San Marcos
|
|
Presenting the 5th annual Corridor Title – CASA Classic is made possible by the unwavering support of the community year after year. Knowing CASA children need your support especially now, we invite you to participate in our biggest outdoor fundraising event of the year!
We have an exciting range of sponsorship and underwriter options and benefits, including team entries and tons of recognition for your business. This year we’re introducing a Million Dollar Shootout and we guarantee you don’t want to miss this! Register today here to reserve your team and ensure children in the child protection system receive the help needed for their physical and mental well-being.
|
|
Beverage Cart Underwriter |
|
Team of 4- $800
Individual Player- $250
|
|
Sponsorship Opportunities |
|
Ace Sponsor- $10,000
19th Hole Sponsor- $7,500
Front Nine Sponsor- – SOLD OUT
Back Nine Sponsor- $5,000
Eagle Sponsor- $2,500
Birdie Sponsor- $2,000
|
|
Non-Playing Underwriter Opportunities |
|
Million Dollar Hole-in-One Shootout - $5,000
Lunch Underwriter- $2,500
Dinner Underwriter- $2,500
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- $750
Hole Underwriter- $500
|
|
Save the minute for CASA!
The eighth annual Big Give kicks off Thursday, September 23, 2021 starting at 12:00am and ending at 11:59pm. Make your gift at exactly 11:15am on the community’s biggest online giving day to help CASA win prize money from the Najim Charitable Foundation! All online gifts up to $100 made during this designated minute will be matched dollar for dollar until the $10,000 runs out.
A few minutes before minute match, make sure to begin filling in your information here so that, once the clock strikes 11:15AM, you are ready to click "donate" to make your gift before the time is up!
|
|
All proceeds received through the Big Give 2021 will support CASA's work to benefit children and families involved in the foster care system in our community! |
|
We're excited to announce that the 2021 CASA Superhero Run, co-hosted by CASA of Central Texas, CASA of Travis County, and CASA of Williamson County will have both in-person and virtual options! You can enjoy the excitement of running the in-person race on Sunday, September 12, at The Domain in Austin, plus enjoy a full month of fun during “Super September!”
Since its inception, the CASA Superhero Run has brought tens of thousands of runners together to build community awareness for local children in foster care while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide highly qualified advocates for those children. Please consider joining us this September!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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. |
|
Events Benefiting CASA
CASA of Central Texas welcomes community initiatives to promote awareness and funding for our program. By taking on this type of project, event organizers assume the responsibility of creating a successful event without a significant level of assistance from CASA. All special events and fundraising efforts conducted to benefit CASA are run by financially responsible and reputable organizations and individuals motivated by a genuine desire to help CASA. If you are interested in hosting a third-party fundraiser to benefit CASA, please review these guidelines.
|
|
Divided Sky Roofing and Exteriors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
