We are so happy to be able to celebrate our continued work and support of children experiencing foster care. We would not be able to do this without the devoted work of our advocates and supporters over the last 40 years. We hope to next 40 years allows us to continue to change lives and outlooks to positive ones.
Founded in 1984, incorporated in 1988
After the first CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) took shape in Washington in 1977, numerous CASA organizations began to rise around the country. Dallas CASA was one of the first Texas CASA's in 1979, and that's where our founders, Ellinor Forland and Betty Zinn learned how to run CASA, and then came back to San Antonio to implement it here in 1984.
1977
National CASA was formed by a judge in Seattle.
1984
CASA in San Antonio was formed by Ellinor Forland and Betty Zinn.
1988
Our Board of Directors was established and continues today.
1991-2021
Establishing, Working, Fundraising, and Moving!
Through their CASA Advocate, children in foster care have access to 95.3% of the services they need to recover from the trauma of removal, multiple moves, and school changes. CASA believes in a cycle of continual improvement, working to offer more training and development opportunities to volunteers and staff, more learning, service, and enrichment activities to children, and more collaborative engagement with community partners. Ultimately, we believe that every child in the child welfare system needs a CASA Advocate by their side.
"Through their CASA Advocate, children in foster care have access to 95.3% of the services they need."
Right now, we are serving about half of the children in foster care.
We need more volunteers to become CASA Advocates and show up for a child when perhaps no one else will.
Together, with an amazing group of supporters like you, CASA will be by the side of all of the children who need someone for years to come.
A Note from one of our founders:
From the beginning, beyond my expectations, many volunteers brought their considerable talents to ease a child’s anxiety or to find placements when less obvious alternatives were necessary. From CASA’s first thirteen volunteers in 1984 to the 600+ currently active, the volunteers’ caring, effective, and inventive efforts to expedite a permanent plan (return home or in a placement) for their assigned children has been, for me, a constant source of pride and respect. Thank you for all you do to continue this work.
-Ellinor Forland
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