January 2013  

CASA of Central Texas

Mission  

CASA of Central Texas advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system by recruiting, training and supporting community volunteers. 

     As we start 2013, I want to take a moment to say thank you for your support of CASA in 2012. Because of you, 372 children had the powerful voice of a CASA volunteer to speak up for them in the courtroom, in schools and in our community. This is almost 70 more children than we were able to serve last year.   

    
     We were blessed to have 197 dedicated CASA volunteers active on cases last year and we were able to help close 63 cases for 136 children!

     Of the 136 children whose cases closed, the number of reunifications with family members is one that should be highlighted. 110 of the children that we worked with found permanency with their parents or relatives:  

*  70 of the children were reunified with their parents
*  40 were adopted by or now live permanently with relatives
*  14 were adopted by new families
*  12 reached independent living (turned 18 years old)  

   
     Even though we made great achievements in 2012, we must work even harder in 2013. The 372 children who had a CASA volunteer were still just 49% of the children in State care.

     If you're already a volunteer, or you know that volunteering isn't the way you can help right now, please help us recruit more volunteers. Invite them to one of our monthly Voices Tours or invite us to one of your community organization meetings. 

    
     If you aren't already a volunteer advocate, consider becoming one. The first step is to complete an application and schedule a pre-training interview. More information can be found here. 

     We will work hard in 2013 to come closer to our goal of providing a CASA to every child in State care. We hope you will support us in this mission.

Sincerely,

Norma Castilla-Blackwell 

Advocate Yolanda Flores did a photo shoot
with her three CASA children last summer.  

Photograph by Lalo Garcia SAeventphotography.com Funding for photo session provided by the Mary Bonner Community Needs Grant

When reflecting on this case and the role she played as
the CASA volunteer, Yolanda said,

"Today these three children, living with their great-grandparents, are growing, thriving, and are experiencing great health....things which we did not believe could have been achieved.  These fantastic results have brought great satisfaction to me, making me feel like I made a difference in these children's lives...I do feel very valued and proud."

CASA of Central Texas Advocate Jeannette Sheridan.

 New Braunfels CASA office

 
March 4th through April 1st 

Mondays 

4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

April 25th through May 16th
Thursdays
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

San Marcos CASA office

March 6th through April 3rd 

Wednesdays 

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To learn more about volunteer training sessions, contact Training Coordinator Debbie Haynes at 512-392-3578 or by e-mail. More info on becoming a volunteer here.

Watch is a CASA volunteer?  What this video to see how we speak up for children.

     CASA requires that all volunteer advocates receive at least 30 hours of training before they are assigned a case. Now, CASA of Central Texas is excited to offer a new volunteer training curriculum option from National CASA: Flex Learning 

     This curriculum takes a blended approach to training, combining in-person and online delivery of information. The training occurs in five sessions.  Each session contains approximately 3 hours of self-guided work that participants complete online before attending a 3-hour in-person classroom session.  This training opportunity will be offered starting in April and will last 5 weeks. 

    If you are comfortable using technology and are a self-motivated learner, you may find this type of training experience beneficial.  

     Funding from this new curriculum was provided by "A Community Team" at HD Supply. 

  I hoped I could be somebody

And be all that I could be;

And I got there 'cause my CASA

Stood up for what's best for Me.

I hoped I could help somebody

Be the best child they could be;

And I got the chance as a CASA
'Cause they trained and empowered me.

     GreatNonprofits - a site similar to Amazon Book Reviews or TripAdvisor - conducts a campaign each year to identify the top-rated children and family nonprofit organizations in the country.

"The staff at CASA of Central Texas is supportive and professional--I always have help when I need it. As a mental health professional, I am impressed with the way this CASA program is organized and with the quality of training that is offered."    

Click HERE to see CASA's complete profile on the site.   

Advocates will receive detailed information about trainings as the dates get closer, but for now, mark your calendars if you would like to attend.   

February 19

Advocacy for Children with Special Needs and Talents 

Presented by Rebecca Felan

     Retired public school teacher 

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  

McKenna Events Center
801 W. San Antonio Street, New Braunfels  

March 26

Cultural Competency in Child Advocacy 

Presented by Amy Ford

    Consultant, Brown Babies Pink Parents Consulting and Coaching

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.   

The Price Center
222 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos
     

Presented by Mike Foster
    LCPAA, LCPA, Program Specialist, A World for Children
Time TBA
Location TBA 

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