National Kinship Care Month is recognized in September and is a time to celebrate kinship caregivers, promote the importance of kinship care and share essential resources for these vital relationships. Kinship care is the full-time protection and nurturing of children by relatives, members of their Tribes or clans, godparents, stepparents, fictive kin or non-related extended family members. [1] As of July 2024, approximately 28% of the total amount of Texas children in foster care are in kinship care —5,890 children— a number we hope continues to grow! At Texas CASA, we know the benefits of kinship care far outweigh traditional foster care placement.
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Celebrating 40 Years with CASA of San Antonio
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Since 1989, Texas CASA has been the statewide association for local CASA programs that serve most of Texas' 254 counties. As integral members of their respective communities, the local CASA programs recruit, train, supervise and support court-appointed volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children involved in the child welfare system.
Today, we are shining the light on one of the original local programs, CASA of San Antonio, established in 1984. Celebrating 40 years of operation this year, CASA of San Antonio has made a huge impact in the lives of children and families experiencing the child welfare system. Texas CASA is honored to congratulate CASA of San Antonio on their recent unveiling of The Harvey E Najim Campus remodel, as well as their award for 2024 Best Place for Working Parents(R). Read on to learn more about their newly remodeled campus and the intentionality behind the design.
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Register Now for the Texas CASA Conference!
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The Texas CASA Conference All Aboard: Mapping Uncharted Waters registration is now open and seats are filling up fast! Don't miss your chance to be a part of this impactful event exploring the foster care system, where you can connect with others, gain valuable insights and take home tools to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Registration closes September 20th or when full. Seating is limited so secure your spot today!
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Welcome New Texas CASA Board Members
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Our Board of Directors play an important role in governance, financial stewardship and ensuring that Texas CASA has the resources to fulfill our work and mission of supporting local CASA volunteer advocacy programs and advocating for effective public policy for children and families in the child protection system.
Meet our new board members below!
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The Poem “Little Me” by Ty Bale
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Texas CASA is honored to share the impressive works of Tylene “Ty” Bale from Austin, TX. Ty's heartfelt poem “Little Me” was sent to us by her CASA advocate of four years, Juli Gilson with Highland Lakes CASA. “Ty will turn 21 in October and she has taken advantage of all that the department has to offer. She just moved into her first real apartment and is making a beautiful life for herself. Ty wrote a poem with a powerful message and I believe it should be shared,” said Juli. Read on to learn more about Ty and her inspiring journey.
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The Fix Featuring Cathy Hamilton, CEO of San Antonio Threads
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On this episode of The Fix, we welcome Cathy Hamilton, CEO of San Antonio Threads, a nonprofit that provides free new clothing, shoes and other essentials to underserved youth and youth in foster care. Hamilton shares the transformative impact that clothing and essentials can have on this population and how others can take part in their mission.
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Additional Information of Interest |
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CASA on The Go episode featuring Gabrielle Cloudy
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| New Outcry Resources: Postcard + Trifold Brochure
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Texas Children & Youth Waiting for Adoption
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| The Heart of Volunteering: MiShon Landry, Texas CASA Board Member
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| Understanding Roles in CPS Case: English and Spanish Resources
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