January Edition: CASA Of Central Texas Up Close

The non-profit organization began in 1985 in Comal County with 18 volunteer advocates and the mission to recruit and train volunteers…

Staff Reports

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

The non-profit organization began in 1985 in Comal County with 18 volunteer advocates and the mission to recruit and train volunteers who would provide an objective viewpoint in civil child protection court cases.

By 1994 the program expanded into Hays and Caldwell counties and its fourth county, Guadalupe, in 1996.

CASA has grown to more than 200 active volunteers offering a unique service, advocacy for children who have been abused or neglected and are under State protective care.

Here is an up-close look at what CASA of Central Texas has been up to lately.  

On January 31, 2019, at 10:30 AM, CASA will host a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for the new CASA Training and Support Center in San Marcos, Texas.

Last month, ten new CASA volunteers were sworn in at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Mixer on December 12 by Judge Bruce Boyer.

Each volunteer must go through a 5-week process of training, background checks and courtroom observation before being sworn in to advocate for children in court. Applications are due two weeks before the start of each training cycle.

Training sessions for 2019 have already been set and can be found on the organization’s calendar.

CASA of Central Texas has released their official 2018 impact report, which can be viewed here.

In December, CASA of Central Texas casework supervisor, Carolyn Massey, celebrated ten years with the program. Massey was hired in 2008 as a casework supervisor.

Finally, CASA will hold two information sessions in January to talk with communities about what they do.

The first session will be held in New Braunfels at the CASA office on Wednesday, January 9, at 12:00 PM. Those who can’t make it can attend another information session on Wednesday, January 16, at 12:00 PM at the Hays County Courthouse in San Marcos.

CASA staff and volunteers will be on hand to share their stories and answer your questions. Interested individuals are asked to RSVP with Eloise Hudson by email or at 830-626-2272. 

In 2017, CASA volunteers served nearly 575 children in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties, but there were still another 550 children who did not have the voice of a CASA. More advocates are needed, and training sessions are held throughout the year.