LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The start of a new year often comes with a list of resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are different for everyone, but one of the most common is to live a healthier lifestyle. If you’re hoping to improve your physical and mental health, there’s one option that often gets overlooked and benefits others - volunteering.

If you’re looking for a new way to make changes in your life and in the lives of others, consider resolving to help children and families by volunteering with CASA for Kids of South Central Texas.

52,397 of children in DFPS conservatorship/state care children are currently in the Texas child welfare system. These children have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care, sometimes far away from their families and communities. They need a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate®) volunteer to stand by their side and advocate for them.

CASA volunteers are everyday members of the community who are recruited, screened and trained to advocate for a child or sibling group in foster care. They get to know the child on an individual level so that they can make sure their physical, emotional and educational needs are met.

They also get to know the child’s parents, family, foster parents and other important people in their life, with the goal of working towards reunifying the child with their parents whenever safe and possible.

CASA for Kids of South Central Texas has served 173 children in foster care this year with 75 CASA volunteers. CASA is always seeking more community members to step up and advocate.

In the New Year, consider becoming a CASA volunteer and make an impact in a child’s life, and your own.

The next information session is Jan. 15 at noon at our CASA office located at 1500 S Day street, Brenham, TX 77833.

Mandy Wright,

CASA ED