Community partnerships help CASA provide essential supplies for children in foster care
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — As the new school year rapidly approaches, CASA of Walker, San Jacinto, and Trinity Counties is stepping up its efforts to ensure that children in foster care are prepared and equipped for the classroom. The organization, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, plays a vital role in the lives of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, providing them with a dedicated advocate to represent their best interests in court and in life.
“Our focus right now is on meeting the back-to-school needs of the children we serve,” said Rachel Drake, Program Director at CASA. “These children have been through so much already, and the start of a new school year can be an added source of anxiety. We want to ensure they have everything they need to start the year off right, from school supplies to a sense of normalcy and belonging.”
Drake noted that while foster caregivers do their best to provide for the children in their care, financial constraints can often make it difficult to cover the costs of new school supplies and other essentials. To bridge this gap, CASA has forged strong partnerships with local organizations that have stepped up to support the cause.
One of CASA’s most significant partnerships is with the Fellowship of Huntsville Church, which has generously provided backpacks filled with school supplies for every child in foster care within the three counties CASA serves. “This partnership has been a blessing,” Drake said. “We’ve been working with the Fellowship of Huntsville for the past six years, and their ongoing commitment has made a tremendous impact on the lives of the children we advocate for.”
The backpacks, which are filled with everything a student might need for the school year, are distributed to foster children across the area. The supplies are tailored to the individual needs of the children, with younger students receiving age-appropriate items such as crayons and scissors, while older students get notebooks, calculators, and other essentials.
In addition to the school supplies, this year CASA has partnered with Hopes Bridge, another organization dedicated to supporting foster children and families. Through this partnership, CASA has been able to distribute Stanley Cups to older youth in care. “Stanley Cups are really trendy right now,” Drake explained. “For these kids, having something that makes them feel like they fit in with their peers is incredibly important. It’s a small gesture, but it can make a big difference in how they feel about starting the school year.”
Catharine James, Advocate Supervisor at CASA, emphasized the importance of the organization’s work beyond just providing material support. “Being an advocate is about more than just ensuring that a child has what they need for school,” James said. “It’s about being a consistent, reliable presence in their lives, someone they can trust and depend on. Our advocates work tirelessly to make sure that the children in their care are safe, supported, and given every opportunity to succeed.”
James went on to explain that CASA’s work is not limited to the courtroom. Advocates are deeply involved in the day-to-day lives of the children they support, coordinating with teachers, doctors, therapists, and other professionals to ensure that each child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs are met. “Our advocates are the voice for these children,” she said. “They’re the ones making sure that no detail is overlooked, whether it’s ensuring a child has the right shoes for gym class or that they’re receiving the therapy they need.”
The recent success of CASA’s annual Bingo event, held earlier this summer, has also played a crucial role in supporting the organization’s mission. The event, which raised approximately $125,000, saw an outpouring of generosity from the local community. “The support we received was overwhelming,” Drake said. “To see so many people come together for a common cause was incredibly moving. It really drives home how much this community cares about its children.”
Drake recalled how the live auction portion of the Bingo event was particularly emotional, with many in attendance moved to tears as they watched community members make significant contributions to support CASA’s work. “There were a lot of tears shed that night,” she said. “People were giving not just because they wanted to help, but because they genuinely believe in what we’re doing. It was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we all work together.”
For those in the community who are interested in getting involved but may be hesitant to take on the full commitment of becoming an advocate, James offered reassurance. “We understand that becoming an advocate can seem daunting,” she said. “But I want people to know that they’re not in this alone. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to all of our advocates. When you go to court, for example, you’re not standing there by yourself—we’re right there with you, every step of the way.”
In addition to advocating for children in foster care, CASA also offers opportunities for community members to get involved in other ways. For example, the organization regularly seeks volunteers to help with events like Bingo or to serve on committees dedicated to supporting CASA’s mission. “There are so many ways to contribute,” Drake said. “Whether it’s volunteering at an event, joining a committee, or even just spreading the word about what we do, every little bit helps.”
As the new school year begins, CASA of Walker, San Jacinto, and Trinity Counties remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable children in the community. With the help of local partners and the generosity of the community, CASA continues to provide a voice for children in foster care and ensure they have the tools and support they need to thrive.
For more information on how to support CASA or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit CASA of Walker County’s website.
Watch the Full Interview on Good Morning Huntsville with Rachel Drake and Catharine James Below
More About CASA
Mission Statement
CASA of Walker, San Jacinto & Trinity Counties provide trained, court appointed volunteer advocacy to every abused and neglected child in the custody of Children’s Protective Services.
Vision
A safe, permanent, nurturing home for every child.
History
CASA 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.
CASA has continued to serve abused and neglected children in Texas for 25 years, providing trained community volunteers for every child who was assigned to the program through the court.
CASA of Walker, San Jacinto & Trinity Counties is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors.
CASA of Walker, San Jacinto & Trinity Counties is a member of the National and Texas CASA Associations. There are over 1,000 CASA programs nationwide and 71 CASA programs in the state of Texas.
