New Dallas CASA Volunteer Carries on Three Generations of Tradition
Young Dallas CASA volunteer Claire Arnold is following in the steps of her mother Jannah Nerren and her grandmother Brenda Walters, who both serve as CASA volunteers for CASA of the Pines in East Texas. “Growing up, I saw my mom putting in the time and effort into being a good advocate for the children she served,” Claire said. “I knew once I got settled after graduating college, it was something I wanted to do.”
Could Kyle Have Found His Forever Family as an Adult?
For 18-year-old Kyle, childhood had been a series of losses. First, his mother died and his father was unable to parent due to drug addiction. He moved in with his aunt, but then she developed terminal cancer. Foster care had been one placement after another. But something felt different with the Hansons, a couple in their late 20s looking to foster a teenager. Even though he was now legally an adult, could he have found his forever family?
“We are the grownups, and it falls to us, it is all of our responsibility” to protect children, said Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen LaValle.
Picture your own child or one you care about. [...]
For Dallas CASA Volunteer, Representation Matters
For Dallas CASA volunteer Veronica Redmon, the journey to volunteering started with the example set by her grandmother. Today, she's setting an example herself by volunteering as a child advocate. She hopes the children she's serving see that and know how much they have to offer the world, too.
Would a Second Time in Foster Care Bring a Permanent Home for Jake and Josh?
Twins Josh and Jake were born early, addicted to illegal drugs and with lots of medical needs. After a year in a foster home, they were placed with a family member who quickly became overwhelmed by their medical needs. The boys' Dallas CASA volunteer Wathenia was there to recommend the boys be allowed to return to the home where they'd been for a year.
Father-Daughter Duo Volunteers Together at Dallas CASA
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.”
Danielle Moved 10 Times in Foster Care
For Danielle, foster care felt like a merry-go-round she could not get off. From the ages of 10 to 15, she moved 10 times. Each move meant a new home, new school, new therapist, new friends and new rules. Until, finally, one day she told her Dallas CASA volunteer Diane what she wanted.
Bonnie Did Not Want to Go to School
First-grader Bonnie was scared to go to school, but Dallas CASA volunteers Linda and Kim helped her focus on her future.
Back to School Means Back to Educational Advocacy for Dallas CASA
Educational advocacy can mean a lot of different things for the children served by Dallas CASA. One child might need reading support while another would benefit from classroom accommodations, but where do you start? Dallas CASA's Nicole Bienusa offers tips for advocates serving children as they return to school this fall.
Aaron Needed Help at School
Five-year-old Aaron loved school, but due to neglect he was behind academically, socially and emotionally. Together, his CASA volunteer, teachers, therapists, placement and others came together to try to get Aaron the support he needed to thrive in the classroom.
Spanish-Speaking Brothers Needed a Role Model
When brothers Adrian, Sergio and Tomas came into protective care, they needed a Spanish-speaking role model to look out for them. Bilingual Dallas CASA volunteer Juan was assigned to their case, bringing a focus on education but also an appreciation of who the boys are.
Twin Newborns Needed Lots of Support
Newborn twins Jonah and Josiah were born with medical needs. Their Dallas CASA volunteer Kathy knew they would need lots of support.
Meet Dallas CASA Volunteer Gabe Meadows
By Mindy Baxter|2016-10-24T10:29:52-05:00October 24, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Volunteers|0 Comments
A former marketing executive and jazz vocalist, Dallas CASA volunteer Gabe Meadows is currently advocating for four teenage boys.
Alaina and Natalie thank you for your help!
By Mindy Baxter|2016-09-15T10:31:28-05:00September 23, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Volunteers|0 Comments
Dallas CASA thanks you for your support on North Texas Giving Day
North Texas Giving Day: Alaina and Natalie get their forever home
By Mindy Baxter|2016-09-20T08:42:05-05:00September 22, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Volunteers|0 Comments
From foster care to Nana's house, Dallas CASA volunteer Rebecca has Alaina and Natalie's best interests in mind. Now Rebecca knew they needed adoption.
North Texas Giving Day: Alaina and Natalie’s Nana steps in
By Mindy Baxter|2016-09-19T11:48:25-05:00September 15, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Volunteers|0 Comments
As Nana watches Alaina and Natalie struggle in foster care, she decides to step up for the girls.
North Texas Giving Day: Alaina and Natalie struggle in foster care
By Mindy Baxter|2016-09-19T11:45:16-05:00September 8, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Volunteers|0 Comments
Alaina and Natalie are placed in foster care after their parents are arrested, but they struggle to adjust.
For North Texas Giving Day, read Alaina and Natalie’s story
By Mindy Baxter|2016-09-19T11:38:02-05:00August 29, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Events & Supporters|0 Comments
Home for Alaina and Natalie, 2 and 4, was yelling and fighting, drugs and police, chaos and instability.
Couple Uses Creativity to Help Abused Children
Dallas couple Phil and Casey Green have taken a love of design and a knack for woodworking and turned it into a way to help abused and neglected children.
Anthony Trucks Inspires Dallas CASA Foster Youth
Cherish the Children guest speaker Anthony Trucks, who spent his childhood in foster care, inspired many teenagers Dallas CASA serves.
Anthony Trucks Won’t Let a Childhood in Foster Care Hold Him Back
For Anthony Trucks, the best gift he ever received was a terrible childhood. He used the hardship as a stepping stone to the rest of his life.
Dallas CASA Playhouse Finds A Home
Have you ever wondered what happens to the playhouses from each summer's Dallas CASA's Parade of Playhouses? Dallas CASA wonders too.
North Texas Giving Day is Here!
Today is the day! North Texas Giving Day is here! Follow along as we tell you about Adrian and Anna, who were adopted August 21.
North Texas Giving Day is Tomorrow!
North Texas Giving Day is tomorrow. Until then, keep following along as we tell you about Adrian and Anna and their CASA volunteer Moira.
Dallas CASA volunteer Brooke Donelson in 20 Under 40
People Newspapers: Dallas CASA volunteer Brooke Donelson is highlighted in [...]
A Record Breaking Year for Dallas CASA
MySweetCharity: Dallas CASA breaks past records with the highest number [...]
Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen M. LaValle on CW33 Morning After
CW33 Morning After: Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen M. LaValle joined host [...]
Dallas CASA celebrates 40th anniversary with virtual party
Fox 4 Good Day: Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen LaValle talks [...]
A Bilingual Volunteer Makes a Difference for a Child
10.28.20 WFAA: Journalist and Host, Cynthia Izaguirre talks with Dallas [...]
African American Volunteers are Needed
10.27.20 Dallas Weekly: Journalist Catrina Satterwhite talks with Dallas CASA volunteers, Priscilla [...]
Dallas CASA Volunteer Sees the Power of Advocacy for Teenage Boys
David Roberson was inspired to become a Dallas CASA volunteer after he realized how few positive male role models young men in protective care have. "These guys need someone to talk to, someone they can relate to and someone who can understand them. I’m happy to do that for them."
Dallas CASA Names DEI Director
Dallas CASA names Shashaunda Williams director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Back to School Means Back to Educational Advocacy for Dallas CASA
Educational advocacy can mean a lot of different things for the children served by Dallas CASA. One child might need reading support while another would benefit from classroom accommodations, but where do you start? Dallas CASA's Nicole Bienusa offers tips for advocates serving children as they return to school this fall.
Dallas CASA Volunteer Finds Common Ground with Teen
Though only 27 and getting to know a new city after moving to Dallas for work, Rowland Henshaw was looking for meaning and impact when he heard Dallas CASA needed more Black male volunteer advocates.
Dallas CASA Volunteer Makes Cultural Connections
Dallas CASA volunteer Marypaz Medina remembers being a young immigrant to the United States experiencing language and culture shock, but she always had her family by her side. The thought of children navigating foster care with a language barrier brought her to Dallas CASA.
How to Support Children Sleeping at CPS
There are many ways Dallas CASA volunteers can help during the foster care crisis.