As we leave 2022 behind, I want to thank our more than 260 CASA volunteers. Because of them, our program was able to serve over 620 children in the court system! I hope that through the year, you have seen the value of a CASA volunteer and why each additional child we serve, we see as an accomplishment.
But the reality is, we still did not serve every child in State care. There were children who went through foster care and the court system without the additional voice and support of a CASA volunteer; children without a screened, trained adult advocating both inside and out of the courtroom.
So how can you help in 2023? Spread the word that more CASA volunteers are needed in our community. Invite CASA to come speak at your community meetings. Follow CASA on social media and share our posts so your friends see the work our volunteers are doing. Attend one of CASA's information sessions and invite a friend to come with you. And of course, YOU can become a CASA volunteer!
I have always said that I know there are enough caring, giving people in our community to reach the goal of serving 100 percent of the children in care; they just don't all know about CASA yet - and that is how you can help.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make 2022 a great year for CASA and our children. I look forward to what this year will bring!
Norma Castilla-Blackwell Chief Executive Officer CASA of Central Texas
Spreading Holiday Cheer
To our supporters who participated in our Holiday Gift Drive, we thank you!
More than 200 children received personal gifts, hand-selected for them.
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! If these times don't work for you, contact Eloise Hudson and she can do a 1-1 at your convenience!
Show your support for CASA right in your own front yard or place of business! CASA yard signs are now available! Help 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.
Become a CASA Volunteer
The Advocate Training Course is a 6-part series - all 6 classes are required.
Upcoming Courses
Wednesdays February 22 to March 29 San Marcos CASA office 5 – 8:30 p.m.
Saturdays February 25 to April 1 New Braunfels CASA office/Zoom 1 – 4:30 p.m.
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 advocate Lisa talk about how training prepared her for her first case.
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.
On Thursday December 15, we held our Advocate Appreciation Social, Holiday style!
Thank you to Villa at Gruene, Texas Pie Company Downtown Kyle, and the The Dirty River Jazz Band for helping make it extra special. We could not do what we do for Central Texas children without our Board, staff, donors, community partners, and most of all our Volunteer Advocates! We celebrated some important milestones for staff, as well as our advocates that have closed cases since April!
Cheer on CASA
It is with great pleasure that CASA of Central Texas is hosting our annual fundraising celebration!
Tailgate with Team CASA Cheering on Children Since 1985!
April 28, 2023 at 6:00 pm The Chandelier of Gruene 1924 Bretzke Lane New Braunfels, TX 78132
This is CASA’s largest annual fundraising event and includes dinner, live and silent auctions, games, live music and entertainment as guests celebrate the accomplishments made in the fight against child abuse.
Get in early on the great sponsorship benefits and recognition here.
Tailgate with Team CASA will also be a time to
honor some of our biggest cheerleaders
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.
You can make a 107% difference today by supporting CASA through Champions fore Charity, a fundraising program that provides organizations like CASA the opportunity to generate contributions through the Valero Texas Open.
CASA will receive 100% of all donations PLUS a 7% match from Valero! That would certainly make you a champion fore CASA!
Donate here in a few easy steps now or pick up a donation form from one of the CASA offices today.
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.
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.
