Letter from the Executive Director

     I am proud to say that during my 12 years as CASA's executive director, our volunteer numbers have steadily increased. In 2014, CASA successfully served 56% of the 831 children who suffered abuse and neglect so severe that they were placed into State custody through Child Protective Services. However, that left 365 children and youth without a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

     Our belief is that by matching one advocate to one case, we provide the best Guardian ad Litem services to each child we serve. But, we are limited in being able to serve more children to only when we have enough trained, available advocates.

     I know what a difference it can make in a child's life to have an adult who is looking out for their best interest. I strongly believe that every child in State care deserves a CASA. It is this belief that keeps me working toward the goal of serving 100% of children in State care.

     This is possible, but we need the help of the community. The children need people willing to commit to becoming a CASA. So far this year, we have trained 29 new CASA volunteers and have advocated for 395 children. If every person reading this either became a trained advocate or found a friend to become an advocate, then all of the other children would have a CASA, too. What a beautiful vision that would be!  

     I urge you to consider joining one of our upcoming training courses. I urge you to spread the word to your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. CASA of Central Texas will continue to strive toward serving 100%. We are here to train and support you as a CASA volunteer. Will you be here for the children? We hope to hear from you soon!

Mary Eisenberg, CASA of Central Texas Volunteer since 2011

     "When I retired in 2010 after 35 years of teaching, I knew I wanted to do something to make a difference in kids' lives. After attending a CASA info session in Lockhart, I decided to give CASA a try."

     "I never expected my first case to go into so many different directions as it did. As a result, I learned how resilient yet fragile my three kids were, how confusing and frustrating the foster care and the juvenile justice systems can be and how important perseverance is. It's sad to think of children having to navigate through this maze without a CASA to guide them."  

     "CASA is immensely rewarding for both parties. There are so many children who need the stability that CASA provides. Also it's not as hard or as scary as it might appear. CASA of Central Texas has a wonderful support team to help you with the rough spots."  

We Have Moved

     Our San Marcos office location has moved to the second floor of the historic Hays County Courthouse at 111 E. San Antonio Street.

     Thanks to the County Judge and Commissioners, CASA will be housed downtown while we work on our Capital Campaign and build our training and support center on Hunter Road.

     Join us for the official Ribbon Cutting hosted by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce on September 10th at 11 a.m.

     For more information on how you can support our Capital Campaign, contact Executive Director Norma-Castilla Blackwell at 830-626-2272 or by email. 

Painting with a Purpose 

     Join us for a night of fun and express your creative side as you Paint with a Purpose. The host company, Painting with a Twist, is generously donating 50% of the proceeds to CASA of Central Texas.

 Participants will paint the above piece of art with the help of an instructor, and support CASA at the same time.

August 12th

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

1551 N Walnut Ave #20, New Braunfels 

$40 Includes supplies and snacks and $20 goes to CASA!

Register here and share with your friends, family and neighbors! 

     Need your caffeine fix? Join us for a Coffee with CASA Meet and Greet. We will be there with an information table to answer questions you have about CASA and you can get some great coffee at the same time.

August 28th
3 - 5 p.m. 

Court Street Coffee Shop
111 West Court Street, Seguin

     If you have a coffee shop and would like to support CASA by hosting a Coffee with CASA, please contact Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator Laura Torres at 830-626-2272 or by email.

Sail with CASA

Join CASA for an evening of fun, food and drinks, live music and entertainment. Music by Texas Tide

Texas Agricultural and Heritage Center
390 Cordova Road, Seguin 

You Can be a Superhero

     CASA volunteers are superheroes, but being a CASA volunteer isn't right for everyone. So, we activate the Bat Signal and encourage everyone to be a superhero for children by participating in the CASA Superhero Run.

     The annual CASA Superhero Run, a 5K and Kids 1K race, features masked and caped runners, a superhero costume contest, family-friendly activities and vendors, and much more!

Sunday, September 13, 2015   

7:00 am

The Domain, Austin

Register here

     This year's event is hosted by CASA of Central Texas, CASA of Travis County, and CASA of Williamson County. Participants will designate which program they would like to support when registering.  Sign up today as an individual or create a super team.