San Marcos 

 Schertz 

     Last month, we shared with you one easy idea that you can implement to support CASA with a planned gift by naming us as a full or partial beneficiary of your life insurance policy. This month, we have another idea for you to consider...a bequest.

     A bequest is a way for an individual to transfer ownership of specific assets to other persons and/or charitable organizations upon death. A will is the document through which the transfer is accomplished. In a will, you state who you want to inherit your assets. By including one or more charitable organizations in your will, you retain control of your assets during your lifetime and then reduce estate taxes upon the transfer of assets. Another benefit is that you are helping your favorite charity with a very meaningful gift.  

     We invite you to include CASA of Central Texas in your will. There are many types of bequests but one of the easiest to implement is a Specific Bequest of a Fixed Amount or Percentage. Sample language:

     I give and bequeath to CASA of Central Texas, Inc., tax identification number 74-2403373, currently located at 1619 E. Common St., Suite 301, New Braunfels, TX 78130, the sum of $_______ to be used for its general* purposes.

     I give and bequeath ______% of my residual estate to CASA of Central Texas, Inc., tax identification number 74-2403373, currently located at 1619 E. Common St., Suite 301, New Braunfels, TX 78130, to be used for its general* purposes.

*You may also choose to designate your gift to our Endowment Fund.

     Questions? CASA's Development Director Tricia Schneider would be happy to talk to you. Email or phone at 830/626-2272.

The information contained in this email does not constitute legal advice or tax advice. Legal advice and tax advice must always be tailored to your circumstances and nothing contained herein should be viewed as a substitute for the advice of a competent tax advisor or attorney.

     Throughout the year, CASA offers various opportunities for continuing education for our volunteers and provides connections to community resources for even more educational opportunities.  In September, we collaborated with the United Methodist Women's group in Buda on a class about Human Trafficking.  In this class, Sergeant John Elizarde from the Office of the Attorney General of Texas gave an overview about this increasingly prevalent illegal activity and told us about red flags to be on the alert for (such as suitcases and sleeping quarters attached to workplaces) and how traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to control their victims, many of them runaways or former foster youth.

     In another learning opportunity this month, a Texas CASA webinar taught CASA volunteers about Surrogate Parent roles in the educational system: obtaining and reviewing school records, requesting evaluations, participating in ARD meetings (Admission, Review and Dismissal), and protecting student rights during disciplinary proceedings.  Also, a National CASA webinar called Living Well With Resiliency helped volunteers learn strategies for taking good care of themselves in order to be able to bounce back from adversity as well as flourish in their work as CASA/Guardians Ad Litem.  

Advocates participated in the latest Fostering Futures Continuing Education held in August and September.

     CASA of Central Texas also provided another in-house training course this month on Fostering Futures, our program services that focus on older youth ages 14 to 21.  This nationwide, grant-funded project under National CASA gives more knowledge and resources to our volunteers who advocate for older youth as they face tough odds and prepare for their futures.  CASA's Training Coordinator Debbie Haynes shared, "Speaking from personal experience as an advocate for teenagers as well as from the position of Training Coordinator, I see the Fostering Futures curriculum as very beneficial to our advocates.  It gives us another valuable tool in our toolbox to work with older youth and help them identify their dreams and goals for the future."  Attendee feedback reflected an appreciation for the "pragmatic" and "hands on" approach of this particular class. 

     Advocates are reminded to watch for upcoming course offerings to complete a minimum of 12 hours per year, and to refer potential outside resources for more learning opportunities to Training Coordinator Debbie Haynes.

     The cities of San Marcos and New Braunfels receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which is then distributed throughout the community through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). CASA of Central Texas is eligible for these grant funds and, for several years, has sought and been awarded CDBG funding from both the City of San Marcos and the City of New Braunfels. This has been a significant source of assistance to help CASA provide our services to advocate for abused and neglected children.

     Both cities are seeking public comments and suggestions on the type of programs and projects that should be funded using the CDBG funds. If you are a resident of either of these cities, we strongly encourage you to provide your feedback. We hope, of course, that you will select "abused and neglected children" and the CASA program as a priority for funding, but there may be other community needs that you wish to highlight as well.

     Please also ask your family, friends and neighbors to provide their input too!

City of San Marcos residents:

Survey: Online survey HERE (fast!). Paper survey HERE (short!). Return this by email to [email protected] or to the city's Planning Department at 630 East Hopkins.

Public Meetings: Tuesday, October 14th at 3:00pm, San Marcos Activity Center; and Thursday, October 16th at 6:00pm, San Marcos Activity Center.

For more detailed information: www.sanmarcostx.gov/CDBG.

City of New Braunfels residents:

Public Comment Period: September 22 - October 22

Public Hearings (Council meetings): October 1st at 6:00pm, City Hall, Committee meeting; and October 13th at 6:00pm, City Council Chambers (sign up early in the day to speak)

For more detailed information: www.nbtexas.org/CDBG. 

CASA needs your help to tell the city administrators that abused and neglected children must be cared for and are the community's #1 priority!

Questions for CASA? Please contact Tricia Schneider, CASA Development Director, at 512/392-3578 or 830/626-2272 or by email.

    

CASA Volunteers Calvin Rodriguez, Melinda Rapp, Sonya Rodriguez and Mary Hodges host a CASA information table and activity at the New Braunfels Crawfish Festival earlier this year.

Stop By and Say Hi!

Location: Bealls parking lot, Bulverde

Tuesday, October 7th 

Texas State University Employee Fair- A fair for employees of Texas State University to learn about community resources and volunteer opportunities. CASA will have an information booth. 

Location: LBJ Student Center Ballroom, San Marcos

Saturday, October 11th and Sunday October 12th
Community Bible Church Bulverde Community Involvement Sermons- Pastor Larry Andrews will speak in his sermon about how people can help others. We have been invited to set up an information booth to recruit volunteers.
Time: Saturday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Community Bible Church Bulverde, Bulverde

Saturday, October 18th
Kids Day in the Park- A community event for children. CASA will have an information booth and activity for children.

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Central Park, Seguin

Wednesday, October 22nd

Texas State University Nonprofit Fair- A fair for students of Texas

Location: LBJ Student Center Ballroom, San Marcos 

Saturday, November 1st
Canyon Lake Community Organization Fair- A fair where different organizations have been invited to set up information booths.
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Tye Preston Memorial Library, Canyon Lake

Saturday, November 8th
Belk Charity Sale- The retail store Belk will hold a sale where part of the sales that day will be donate to local charities. During the sale, the charities, including CASA, will each set up an information table.
Time: 6 - 10 a.m.