CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties recently swore in seven (7) new volunteer advocates to serve children in our two counties. The seven new volunteers were the second new class of 2024 and gives CASA almost 20 new advocates for the year so far.
Judge Dallas Sims of the Centex Child Protection Court #2 had the honor of administering the oath and enjoyed the chance to visit with the new advocates prior to the ceremony. Sims thanked them for embarking on the journey to help children have a voice during a difficult process and assured the volunteers that all judges value the opinions and recommendations that CASA advocates make for the kids they serve.
Following the swearing in, a brief recognition event took place whereby all of the new advocates received their official training certificates framed along with other CASA goodies to help get them started as advocates. Executive Director, Kevin Kyle and Director of Volunteer Engagement, Melissa Ward presented each new volunteer with a gift bag to recognize the completion of the training process and officially welcome them to the CASA family.
Two CASA board members spoke to the new advocates, their families and friends who gathered for the ceremony. Advocate representative, Crystal Basham, gave a very inspiring talk about her experience as a volunteer over the past two years and urged each new volunteer to always “remember their why” as they serve on their cases. Long time board member Clarence Enochs also spoke and thanked the new advocates for their service and encouraged them to realize the value of their support for the children that CASA works with. He reminded them that it could be years before the children realize the impact volunteers had on changing their lives.
CASA appreciates all of our new advocates and asks that anyone interested in supporting children while they are in foster care to contact the CASA office and inquire about becoming a CASA volunteer. To learn more about the process, go to www.casabellcoryell.org or call Melissa Ward at (254) 774-1881. The next training class starts on July 9, 2024.