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C A S A O F T R AV I S C O U N T Y, I N C .

National CASA honors Travis County for diversity and inclusion workI very much respect and appreciate the work that CASA of Travis County is doing on the issues of diversity and inclusiveness….(the organization) is working with genuine dedication not only to educate their current volunteers and staff on the critical importance of a healthy racial and ethnic identity in the children they serve but is working to recruit a more diverse volunteer pool as well.

- Darlene Byrne, judge, 126th Judicial District

For the past three years CASA of Travis County has been on a mission to help address the disproportionate representation of children of color in the child welfare system. As National CASA adopts a new standard that requires local CASA programs like ours to examine racial disproportionality and disparities, CASA of Travis County is already a national leader in developing innovative strategies to increase diversity across our organization, strengthen cultural competence of our volunteers and staff, and work alongside community stakeholders to address racial inequities in the child welfare and court systems. National CASA took notice of our efforts and honored us with this year’s Award of Excellence for Inclusion.

This award recognizes Travis County for increasing diversity at all levels and in all

activities of the organization by dedicating staff time and organizational resources towards becoming a more inclusive program. National CASA applauded Travis County for reaching new audiences and changing our organizational culture through a range of initiatives, including a targeted media campaign, cultural awareness trainings and relationship building.

Through a written plan we developed two years ago, CASA of Travis County has cultivated new relationships and seen a steady increase in the ethnic diversity of CASA staff, board and volunteers. A grant from National CASA helped us initiate and engage in a much needed conversation about race by offering the powerful workshop, Race: The Power of an Illusion, which was attended by 500 volunteers, staff and community stakeholders in the past two years.

“Although we are receiving high honors from National CASA, we are still on a journey towards becoming a truly diverse and inclusive organization. There is plenty of work ahead in reducing racial disproportionality and disparities in the system. This award validates that we are on the right path and inspires us to continue moving forward as a powerful voice in our community,” said Executive Director Laura Wolf.

In June a handful of staff and volunteers accepted the award on behalf of the more than 600 staff, board and volunteers of Travis County at the National CASA conference in Washington, DC. As an award recipient, we also presented a workshop on ideas and strategies to attendees from other local programs to support their work in addressing disproportionality for children in their own communities.w

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The Voice

Jamie AgenRick AkinJessi AlexanderGabriela AllenBrian BastressRahul BatraColleen BuckMargrethe BurkettMary CalderonEverett CarmodyChristi CordillLinda Cordova

Kristi CrawfordPaul DeFuriaTina DukesEmily FaethVeronica FletcherCarolyn GallagherMelissa GarciaBrenda GreesonGregory HammondsEllen HansenJill HoffnerBrenda Holliday

Dale HunterSteve JandaRobert KierCeleste KingCeleste LopezMonica LopezChristine MannAmy MillerAmy NormanDeeDee OlsenBenjamin OrgainKatherine Orgain

Jason ParisMargaret PatkeRichard PatkeSusanne PringleDesirée RiosDeanna Sabo-GoldmanAnn SchneiderGloria Seidlin- BernsteinKaren ShanksMaria-Theresa SiguaJennifer Smiley

Haden SpencerRoger StorerGail SulakChristina TippitRebecca TuckfieldDiana UhlaenderJudith Van RijtDaniel WalkerKaren WangMark WeimerGracie WillisDagoverto Zavala

So far in 2012, CASA of Travis County has:

Served 305new children

Closed cases for 257 children

Advocated for 1,152 children

with 457 volunteer advocates

Meet the newest CASA volunteers!

“We are still on a journey towards becoming a truly diverse

and inclusive organization. There is plenty of work ahead in reducing racial disproportionality

and disparities in the system.”

National CASA CEO Michael Piraino (left) presents the award to the CASA of Travis County team at the conference in June

Key Richardson, Sonia Kotecha, Laura Wolf, Charron Sumler, Erin Findley, Lisa Rosenbaum, Veronica Forsyth

CASA helps teenager keep culture and traditions alive for her familyLana, a teenager in the foster care system, had a large and supportive family network, but no one with whom she could live permanently. Lana also had her own 3-year-old daughter, Serena, to care for. The two of them had bounced around from one relative to the next, through various shelters, and were living in a home in Round Rock when CASA volunteer Theresa was appointed to advocate for Lana.

It didn’t take Theresa long to realize that living in Round Rock was challenging for Lana, who is African-American and whose family and friends live miles away in East Austin. Theresa worried that Lana’s discouragement and feelings of not fitting in at school might deter her from graduating. Theresa pushed to find a foster home in East Austin so that Lana could return to a neighborhood where she had connections and the support of her family in raising Serena and finishing high school.

As a young mother, Lana wanted to establish traditions with her daughter and teach her about her family’s culture. However, the new foster family had different religious beliefs and didn’t celebrate Christmas. As Christmas approached, Lana wanted to offer her little girl the rich tradition of Santa Claus and presents, but her foster home did not want to budge on their beliefs.

Theresa stepped in to help make Christmas possible for Lana and Serena, setting up a meeting with the foster home and the caseworker. She helped them see how important it was to let Lana celebrate something she believed in. They agreed that Lana could observe Christmas in her bedroom. With a compromise reached, Theresa went to work creating Christmas.

They found a small tree and decorated it in lights, covered the inside of the door in wrapping paper and hung tinsel around the room. Theresa already had Christmas presents for Lana through CASA’s annual toy drive and CASA purchased gifts for baby Serena, even though she wasn’t appointed to CASA or in the foster care system. Thanks to Theresa’s advocacy and support, Lana and Serena were able to start their own family traditions to celebrate for years to come.

Who doesn’t love getting an award? One of the nice things about my job is being the spokesperson when people congratulate CASA; though the real work is done by my 37 inspiring colleagues and our 600 extraordinary volunteers and dedicated Board members, it is often my privilege to accept the praise. I was proud to stand in front of an audience of around 1,000 people recently and, on behalf of all of the wonderful people associated with CASA of Travis County, to say “thank you” to the National CASA Association for honoring us with their Inclusion Award.

In many ways, we are the envy of some of the 950 CASA programs around the nation. We are fortunate to work in such a supportive environment: our judges are exemplary among child protection courts and our community is full of generous folks who volunteer to speak up for kids’ best interest. I know of other CASA

programs around the nation who are trying to do the same work we are in the areas of disproportionality and diversity but who are basically alone in their efforts, unsupported by the other players in their communities. That would be very hard and I am grateful that we are not in that situation here. Nevertheless, building a diverse and inclusive organization is not a task that we will ever check off our list as completed, but rather will be a continuing process of self-examination, discovery, and deliberate and conscious effort.

And speaking of grateful, I was inspired anew by the compelling words of one of our volunteers, Lisa Rosenbaum, who went with us to visit our congressional delegation while we were in Washington. She shared her experiences and gave our representatives a really strong understanding of what it is to be a CASA volunteer. Lisa is one of so many remarkable people who are making a difference for children by being CASA volunteers, and I am thankful for all of you. If I could ask anything of our volunteers, though, it would be this: please help us recruit more of you! This spring we have seen an overwhelming number of children come into the CPS system here. If we are going to serve them all, we need more volunteers.

Thank you, every one of you, for your support of CASA! Our award is yours as well!- Laura D. Wolf, Executive Director

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The Endowment for CASA: Making a life-long difference

“If it wasn’t for my CASA volunteer, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” a young woman who spent part of her childhood in foster care recently told us. But as Austin grows due to our strong economy and positive lifestyle, can CASA keep up with the needs of children like her? During 2000-2010, Travis County grew 25%, but during the same period the number of children who depended on CASA grew 48%, from 870 children to 1,291!

One way we are preparing for tomorrow’s children is by launching the Endowment for CASA. This permanent source of revenue will help provide a CASA volunteer for children who need one—for as long as there are children in the foster care system in Austin!

The Endowment for CASA will be administered and maintained by the Austin Community Foundation, a 35 year-old non-profit organization that manages more than 1,000 charitable funds for individuals, families and organizations totaling over $120 million. Because building an endowment is a longtime

process, Austin Community Foundation has pledged to match the first $20,000 in gifts to the Endowment for CASA with a $5,000 grant—and to do so for the next three years. That means in 2015, CASA will have a nest egg of $100,000, at minimum, to save for tomorrow’s children.

You can make a life-long difference for tomorrow’s children by giving to the Endowment for CASA. To find out more, contact Robin Bradford, Development Director, at 512.539.2670 or robin.bradford@casatravis.org. If you’re ready to give, visit http://bit.ly/acfdonate and select “CASA of Travis County Fund.”

3MKelli & Ryan Agnell

Kathleen & David AllenMarsha & Gene Attal

Austin Community FoundationAustin Convention & Visitors Bureau

Balcones Pain ConsultantsMavis & Shawn Ball

Garth Bates Jr. Memorial FundDonna & Kevin Bell

Bethany United Methodist ChurchMargaret & James Bigger

Bimbo BakeriesJessica & Jimmy Blacklock

Jessica & John BloodStephanie & Gregory Bobrek

Wanda & Bill BonderPaula & R. Sterling Boon

Boon Insurance Management Services, L.P.

Jennifer BrockwellPam Brown

Lauren & Matt BuckCambridge SystematicsRobin Salzillo CampbellJuli & Everett Carmody

Spring & Orlando CastilloRhonda & Christopher Chandler

Chasis Consulting, Inc.The Cipione Family Foundation

Citizen GenerationCoca-Cola Refreshments

Concept ServicesTavia & John Conkling

Conway & Associates, Inc.Jamie & James Cotton

Jeanne & Michael CrosnoTheodore P. Davis Charitable TrustMichael & Susan Dell Foundation

DMX, Inc.Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.

Alicia & Jon DulebaMeghan & Stephen Elwell

Enoch Kever P.L.L.C.F & B L.L.P.

Ila & John FalveyFleckman & McGlynn, P.L.L.C.

Juliet & Ryan FosterJoLynn & Greg Free

Janet & David FreidbergFrost National Bank

Winnie & Leslie GageCarolyn & Thomas Gallagher

Lori GannRonald Greening

Stephanie & Jerry GregoireTracy & Matthew Hamilton

Cheryl & Corey HartHarutunian Engineering Inc.

Jackie & Albert HawkinsHeritage Title Co. of Austin, Inc.

G Herver & Brad HermesThe Heroes Alliance/Ikkicon

Debbie & Bryan HolleyJennifer Huff & David Pierson

Kim & Kyle HughesDebra & Brett HurtIBM Corporation

Jackson Walker L.L.P.Brenda & Ed Jones

Journeyman ConstructionThe Junior League of Austin

Dana & Kemp KaslingKasling Hemphill Dolezal & Atwell,

L.L.P.Debbie & Chick Kobelan

Louis J. & Millie M. Kocurek Charitable Foundation

KPMG, L.L.P.Kathy F. Lane

Kathy & Bodey LangfordMary & Bill LaRosa

Law Office of David H. GoodmanLCRA Employees’ United Charities

Lesley LedwellLee Tilford Agency

Robyn & Todd LeszczynskiJill & Kirk Lewis

Lisa & Todd LewisJoyce & David Lindsey

Lola Wright FoundationTeresa & Joe LongLowe Foundation

Sara & Mark LuttrellCara Magliocco

Laura & John MalnarKaren & George Manson

Julie & Nils MarchandJean & David Mattka

Teresa & Matt McCartyAnnie & Mark McKinnon

Alison & Jeff Meador

The Meadows FoundationSue Milburn Charitable Memorial

TrustMary & Lynn Moak

Daniel MondrikDorothy Morey

Kennedy & John NeffNFL Alumni Inc.

Carolyn & Tom NicewarnerNordstrom

Kathryn NowlinAlyssa NunezPDS Energy

Bee & Leif PedersenPGA TOUR Charities, Inc.

Jane & James PiperPiper & Turner P.L.L.C.

PlainsCapital BankKari & Lee Potts

Potts + Blacklock P.L.L.C.Tina & John ReckerBitsy & William Rice

Key & Hank RichardsonNicole & John Rivas

Rivas Goldstein AttorneysRoger Beasley Mazda

Melissa & David RubinAmy & Tyler Rudd

Daniel RussoPamela & Leonard RussoJoyce & John Sampson

Catherine & Charles SansburyMichael SconzoSerendipity Gifts

Pily & Alejandro SimonMichael Smith, Esq.Susan & Dale Spivey

St. Thomas More Catholic ChurchBeth & Frank StabileTige & Brian Stading

Tycha & Ronald StadingLisa & Erik StrandbergSullivan’s SteakhouseAllison & Wes Swank

SXSW Conferences & FestivalsDouglas A. Taylor

Pam & David TerresonTexas Bar Foundation

Texas Capital BankTexas Realty Capital

Topfer Family FoundationUnited Heritage Credit Union

Sarah & Andy ValenzuelaRachael & Ben Vaughan Foundation

Verizon WirelessCapital City Post #8787 VFW

Walmart & Sam’s Club FoundationTommy G. Warren

Sharon & Curt WebbNancy Webber

Wells Fargo BankLaura D. Wolf & Frederick Aus

Thank you to our major donors ($1,000 and up) between October 16, 2011 and May 31, 2012

Spring Event Season a Success for CASA!Thanks to you, the CASAblanca Gala raised $350,000 to give children a powerful voice. The 470 guests enjoyed casino games overlooking Lady Bird Lake, a Valentine’s themed photobooth and elegant food and drinks. The gala honored Gigi Edwards Bryant for her fierce advocacy for the rights of children in foster care. The moving story of Kevin, a teen planning to join the Marines, and his volunteer Robert inspired the crowd to donate $95,000 in less than ten minutes!

The CASA Kids Golf Classic raised over $112,000. PAR-TEE guests bid on exciting silent and live auction items, took their chances with raffle tickets for great prizes and enjoyed live music. On tournament day, 124 golfers headed to The Hills of Lakeway for a beautiful day of golf and prizes.

From Top: Kevin Benz & Olga Campos, Gigi Edwards Bryant & Sam Bryant; Kari & Lee Potts, Laura Wolf, G Herver; Anjie Frost, May Leal, Dana Kasling, Christian Meyer; Jerry & Denise Conway, Debbie & Bryan Holley; Dana & Kemp Kasling, Laura Wolf

If you feel you’ve been left off this list or we misspelled your name, please accept our apologies and kindly let us know so

we can properly thank you.

Meet CASA volunteer Blender HillBlender grew up as an Army Brat with her two brothers and one sister. They gathered many “aunts” and “uncles” from the other Army families they became close with. Blender also considers many of her friends to be just like family, sharing that she’s still in touch with friends from as far back as elementary school.

Blender received her MBA in Finance from LeTourneau University and now spends her days in the City of Austin’s Small & Minority

Business Resources Department, ensuring that small businesses owned by minorities and/or women have what they need to succeed when pursuing City contracts.

“I want to help other people who look like me, especially those who may not have had strong role models or mentors in their lives,” Blender says. She began volunteering with CASA in the fall of 2010. Blender says, “A lot of times we as minorities don’t volunteer because people don’t ask us, so right now I’m asking everyone to get involved and make a difference for these kids.” Blender supports this call to action by making connections for CASA with diverse organizations across Austin through her own career and community contacts.

“If you’re looking to volunteer and really make a difference, CASA is the best choice. You touch the lives of children who really need it. You may not always see the impact now, but you know you’ve planted a seed.”

You can speak up for children who’ve been abused or neglected!To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casatravis.org/volunteer or contact Director of Volunteers, Sonia Kotecha, at 512.539.2668 or sonia.kotecha@casatravis.org.

C A S A O F T R AV I S C O U N T Y, I N C .

www.casatravis.org 512.459.2272Want our latest news? S ign up for emai l updates on our webs i te .

Non Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDPermit No. 1678

Austin, TX

CASA of Travis County exists to promote and protect the best interest of children who have been abused or neglected, by training volunteers to advocate for them in courts, in schools and in our community to help them find safe, permanent and loving homes.

Board of Directors: President - Todd Lewis, Jessica Blacklock, Everett Carmody, Orlando Castillo, Jamie Cotton, Alicia Duleba, Matt Hamilton, Albert Hawkins, G Herver, Debbie Holley, Kemp Kasling, April Kubik, Kirk Lewis, Lee E. Potts, John Recker, David Rubin, Andy Valenzuela.

A Project of

7701 N Lamar Blvd, Ste 301Austin, TX 78752

If you no longer wish to rece ive th is newsletter, p lease contact Sharon Spar l in at 512.539.2653 or sharon.spar l in@casatrav is .org .

Volunteer Open House Drop by the CASA office anytime 10 am - 6 pm on the following

days to talk with us about volunteering with CASA: July 3, Aug 7, Sept 4, Oct 2, Nov 6

CASA SUperhero Run Run, walk or fly to the 2012 CASA Superhero Run on September 30th

at Mueller Lake Park & Hangar. Join us for this chip-timed 5K and Kids 1K with a superhero costume

contest, bounce house obstacle course, photobooth and more!

www.casasuperherorun.com

Blender Hill (center) with her CASA supervisors, Megan Basham (left) and Erin Findley (right)