The Voice | January 2023
Where Could Caden Grow Up?
Caden's mother was unable to care for him due to severe mental illness, but lots of other people were willing to step up. For his Dallas CASA volunteer Megan, the question was "What was in Caden's best interest?"
Father-Daughter Duo Works Together
Father and daughter Jim and Annie Urbanus signed up to become Dallas CASA volunteers a few weeks apart. When they discovered the shared interest, they decided to share cases as well. It's been a win-win for their relationship as well as for the children they serve.

“I think I am the details person, while he’s the feelings guy,” said Annie. “I’ve got all the nuts and bolts, and he’s the relationship-builder. We make a great team.”
Join Dallas CASA at CASAblanca
You're invited to join the Dallas CASA Young Professionals at the annual CASAblanca casino party on Saturday, February 4 at The Hall on Dragon. Guests will enjoy an evening with casino games, dancing, cocktails, appetizers, prizes and much more. Casino games include blackjack, craps and poker, as well as a roulette wheel. The Special Edition Band will perform all night while guests hit the dance floor. All proceeds from the event will benefit children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are living in the protective care of the state.
Doswell Foundation Funds Dallas CASA's New Post-Case Mentoring Program
Dallas’ Doswell Foundation has awarded Dallas CASA four years of funding, totaling $584,931, to create a post-case mentoring pilot program.
 
As part of Dallas CASA’s new strategic plan, which aims to expand the agency’s impact in ways that match the most critical needs of children and families, the agency is launching a post-case mentoring program with staff support for advocates to mentor youth and young adults after their legal case has ended and they leave the child welfare system.
 
The program initially aims to support youth aging out of foster care. When a youth ages out of foster care, the formal relationship with their Dallas CASA volunteer ends, too. These young adults face increased risks of homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, human trafficking and many other challenges as they move into independent adulthood without support. More information on the program will be available in coming months.
Cherish the Children Luncheon Will Honor Hoglunds May 5
Dallas CASA's Children's Council will host the 2023 Cherish the Children luncheon Friday May 5 at The Statler. The luncheon will benefit the children served by Dallas CASA.
  
The luncheon will honor Sally Hoglund and Kristy Hoglund Robinson with the 2023 Caroline Rose Hunt Cherish the Children Award for their dedication to children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The mother-daughter pair are part of the philanthropic force that is The Hoglund Foundation, a longtime supporter of Dallas CASA.
Texas Legislative Session
The 88th Texas Legislative Session began meeting Jan. 10 in Austin. Follow along at Texas CASA's website for news on child welfare legislation.
La La Land Cafe
Francois Reihani, founder of La La Land Cafes, shared with the Dallas Observer how he wants his cafes to be a fresh start for former foster youth.
Become a Volunteer
Attend a virtual information session:
  • noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27
  • 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2
  • noon to 1 p.m., Friday Feb. 10