Dallas CASA Volunteer Finds Her Calling
Christine LaGrone wondered what she could do to support children at risk of abuse or neglect. She was pleasantly surprised to find that becoming a Dallas CASA volunteer allowed her the chance to offer direct and meaningful support to children in need.
Through 23 Placements, Kiara Had Her Dallas CASA Volunteer
Kiara spent her entire childhood in and out of foster care, leaving trauma and deep scars from which she is still recovering. Today, after aging out of care, she carries with her memories of her Dallas CASA volunteer Mary, who stayed with her through 23 placements, including foster homes, residential treatment centers, emergency shelters, juvenile detention centers and behavioral hospitals.
Experienced Volunteer Finds Meaning in Advocacy
Now assigned as a sworn child advocate to her tenth case in 11 years, Linda Nichols came to Dallas CASA to gain some perspective while going through a hard time. Things soon improved in her life, but she's stuck by the children served by Dallas CASA. “I just love it,” she said of advocacy. “It’s interesting, it’s meaningful, it’s taught me so much. It’s been the perfect way to give back.”
Danny Needed Another Chance
Danny was 12 when he came to school covered in bruises from a beating at home. Over the next three years, Danny's Dallas CASA volunteer Cené fought for Danny to find a permanent, safe home where he could thrive. But after five failed placements, everyone was growing frustrated. Would another chance help?
Young Volunteer Represents Dallas CASA’s Volunteer Base
Abbigail Best is just 26, but she's already working on her third Dallas CASA case. Her commitment at a young age is not unusual for Dallas CASA, where 49% of newly trained volunteers in 2023 were in their 20s or 30s.
Volunteer Stays Committed to One Family Over Three Years
When Dallas CASA volunteer Shamika Williams accepted her first case in 2020, she was ready to say yes to whatever came her way. She didn't think her next two cases would involve siblings of the first child she was assigned to. But after three years working closely with one family, Shamika is pleased all three children are safe, thriving and know their siblings.
Two Boys Needed a Break From Chaos
For Bryson and Kason, ages 10 and 11, home life was chaos. They dreamed of the simple summer pleasures of childhood - swimming, backyard games and freedom. When their Dallas CASA volunteer Ashley found a sleepaway camp that would take them for one week, the boys jumped at the chance. Could a week away be the break everyone needed?
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?
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.
Where Could Caden Safely Grow Up?
Caden's mother was unable to care for him due to severe mental illness, but lots of other people were willing to step up. For his Dallas CASA volunteer Megan, the question was "What was in Caden's best interest?"
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.
Addressing Frequently Asked Questions about the state of CPS and the status of the Texas Foster Care Lawsuit
By Mindy Baxter|2016-08-25T10:08:57-05:00August 25, 2016|Categories: Community, Leadership|Comments Off on Addressing Frequently Asked Questions about the state of CPS and the status of the Texas Foster Care Lawsuit
Frequently asked questions about problems Child Protective Services is experiencing and the pending Texas foster care lawsuit
See the Dallas CASA playhouses now through July 31
By Mindy Baxter|2016-09-12T09:13:54-05:00July 17, 2016|Categories: Community, Events & Supporters|Comments Off on See the Dallas CASA playhouses now through July 31
Dallas CASA Parade of Playhouses is almost here!
Dallas CASA Board Member Cynt Marshall Tells Her Story
By Mindy Baxter|2016-07-11T10:53:43-05:00July 11, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Leadership|Comments Off on Dallas CASA Board Member Cynt Marshall Tells Her Story
Dallas CASA board member Cynt Marshall tells what CASA means to her.
Mark Your Calendars for North Texas Giving Day!
Join Dallas CASA for North Texas Giving Day and learn about Adrian and Anna, siblings removed from their home and placed in foster care.
Dallas CASA Thanks You!
Were you at the Cherish the Children luncheon April 5? If so, we need to thank you. What an amazing day supporting vulnerable children in our city!
Casey Gerald to Speak at Dallas CASA’s Cherish the Children
Dallas CASA's Cherish the Children luncheon speaker's story starts in Oak Cliff, travels through a chaotic childhood and all the way to Yale and Harvard.
Thank you, Dallas CASA Angel Tree supporters!
Thank you to our Dallas CASA 2016 Angel Tree supporters, who made sure Christmas came for children living in foster care.
Antwone Fisher Shares His Story
Have you heard of Antwone Fisher? Born in prison to a teenage mother just two months after his father was murdered, Fisher spent a lonely childhood in an abusive foster home.
3 Times Angel Flight and Dallas CASA Saved the Day
A unique collaboration between two nonprofits, Dallas CASA and Angel Flight, helps foster kids stay connected.
Dallas CASA Celebrates 40th Anniversary
09.28.20 MySweetCharity: Dallas CASA Magically Transforms Annual Champion Of Children Award [...]
Rick Rosenberg on Volunteering with Dallas CASA
10.15.20 Texas Jewish Post: Dallas CASA volunteer Rick Rosenberg shares [...]
KDC Finds Perfect Fit With Dallas CASA
06.22.20 D Magazine: Developer KDC is using its far reach in [...]
Advocating for children during the COVID-19 crisis
The Dallas Morning News: Columnist Sharon Grigsby talks with CEO [...]
Child Abuse Concerns During COVID-19
IHeartMedia: Anna de Haro talks with Dallas CASA President and CEO, [...]
20 Under 40 — Megan Sterquell
People Newspapers: Megan Sterquell has been recognized by Park Cities People [...]
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.”
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."
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 Language 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.





