According to Dallas CASA Board Chair-Elect Corey Anthony,
“Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) wishes for more members of our community to volunteer to stand up and support abused and neglected children living in the protective care of the state.
“Our ongoing, ardent wish for an end to child abuse has so far not been granted. And so we look to you and others in our community to join us in the fight against abuse and neglect in order to safeguard and protect our most precious resource, our children.
“Children like Laura are our inspiration. Laura’s big brown eyes overflowed with tears as she told her school counselor what was going on at home. An adult male family member had been assaulting the 14-year-old, and she was terrified he would move on to her little sister next.
“Laura was assigned seasoned Dallas CASA volunteer pair Marian and Stephanie. Over the next months, Laura’s abuser was arrested, Laura moved in with her aunt, and Marian and Stephanie advocated for counseling and support for Laura as they helped her weather the child welfare system. The volunteer pair grew very close to Laura, whose strength and resilience they admired.
“Then Laura’s abuser’s trial was scheduled. With Marian and Stephanie offering emotional support and encouragement, Laura told her abuser in court:
“’I will never forget how you let me down and shattered my heart,” she said to her abuser through angry tears. “I am here today to stand up for every other child who has been abused.’
“It’s children like Laura who keep us tied to our mission. In 2019, about 1,500 trained child advocates will serve more than 3,500 children like Laura. However, many more children are being removed from unsafe homes and will need to be served. We don’t want a single child to have to navigate a complex child welfare system alone during such a frightening time.
“If this isn’t the right time to volunteer as a child advocate, we have many other ways to stand up for children.
- “Join Dallas CASA Children’s Council or Young Professionals.
- “Ask your employer to be a sponsor of a Dallas CASA event.
- “Invite a friend to one of Dallas CASA’s weekly information sessions.
- “Attend an event like our CASAblanca casino night or the Cherish the Children luncheon.
- “Share Dallas CASA’s social media posts and spread the word about our mission and the children we serve.
“Children like Laura deserve our care and attention. They deserve a community willing to stand up for what’s right. Dallas CASA and its volunteers, board, and supporters are here to tell children they matter and they are valued. Please join us.”