February 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. 

      Through my time with CASA, I have come to truly believe that one person can make a difference in a child's life. All it takes is one person willing to use their gifts and talents to make a child feel that they are important in this world.

     CASA is pleased to support a fellow non-profit organization- the San Marcos Artists Retention and Training (SMART) Orchestra - and recognize their efforts to improve the well-being of children. Here is what Artistic Director Christopher T. F. Hanson shared about his passion: 

     The music classroom is a place where students are allowed to be wrong in the hope of achieving something beyond their ability. In music, your errors are publicly advertised through performance, and are immediately assessed for your improvement. Moreover, your contribution is not solely your own! Your success is vital to the ensemble you serve. Your achievements are measured by the collective and equal contribution of your peers. In this environment, the student is offered the opportunity to embrace their shortcomings, and appreciate their mistakes as necessary steps to developing a skill. Who better to benefit from such an environment than the "at risk" student? This is a student, that needs music, to show them that: "It isn't where you came from; it's where you're going that counts." - Ella Fitzgerald

     If you are interested in seeing this process in action, you are invited to attend the SMART orchestra's fourth annual "Pops Concert" on Thursday, March 7^th at 7 p.m. at the San Marcos High School Performing Arts Center. The performance is offered free to the public and your attendance is valued as a public display of support for the tireless and invaluable efforts of the orchestra's members to improve their lot in life through music. Visit www.smartorchestra.com for more information. 

Sincerely,

Norma Castilla-Blackwell 

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.

What is a CASA volunteer?  Watch 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. 

    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. 

The saddest county western song can't do this story justice

It's about an abused child's need for safety, hope and guidance

For the good of a child, good people change the story

With time, thought, patience, work and love in all its a glory!

These keys can solve the puzzle of a child's life and fate

Bit by bit and piece by piece the puzzle comes together

With CASA's help the child will grow up strong and straight

It seems the happiest country western song is about human justice.

     CASA of Central Texas is always looking for more volunteers and you can help.

     If you would like to have a CASA banner or brochures in your place of business to help us recruit more volunteers, please contact Community Relations Coordinator Eloise Hudson at (830)-626-2272 or by email.

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

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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