We want to recognize our volunteer Advocates for their many years of dedicated service to CASA in the Heart of Texas and our local children and families. This month marks 10 years for Susan King Richardson, 5 years for Larry Ringstaff, 9 years for Kathy Thornton, and 3 years for Carolee Smith.

These volunteer Advocates have served family cases in Brown, Mills and Comanche Counties. They have been a key part of many cases that have helped the children and families to heal. Our highly trained community volunteers passionately support the overall well-being and best interests of children in the foster care system and effectively collaborate with their families and other support systems.

CASA in the Heart of Texas is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 when Judge David Soukup in Seattle decided he needed to know more about the children whose lives were in his hands. His solution was to ask community volunteers to act as a “voice in court” for abused and neglected children. These Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASAs) provided him with the detailed information he needed to safeguard the children’s best interests and ensure that they were placed in safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. The program was so successful that it was copied around the nation.

Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country with over 1000 CASA programs nationwide. In Texas, there are 72 local CASA programs with more than 11,000 volunteers serving more than 30,000 foster children in 219 counties.

CASA in the Heart of Texas is a member of the National and Texas CASA Associations. CASA in the Heart of Texas is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors.

We are still in need of volunteers. If you are looking for a meaningful way to donate your time and help change the life of a child, CASA is still in need of volunteers for Brown, Comanche and Mills Counties. Planning for Fall training class is currently underway. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, call 325-643-2557, or visit the office at 901 Avenue in Brownwood, www.casabrownwood.org.