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. Read the full story below.

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

1977

National CASA Was Formed

It was a judge’s idea.

Inspiration came to Seattle juvenile court judge David W. Soukup in 1976.


Judge Soukup had insufficient information to make a life-changing decision for a 3-year-old girl who had suffered from child abuse.


That’s where the idea came from: These children, who had experienced abuse or neglect, needed trained volunteers speaking up in the courtroom for their best interests.


And so, in 1977, Judge Soukup started the first CASA/GAL program in Seattle, Washington.

1984

CASA in San Antonio Was Formed

Betty Zinn & Ellinor Forland came into the scene.

In 1984, The National Council of Jewish Women in San Antonio, led by Ellinor Forland and office manager, Betty Zinn, founded Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA). They realized the foster children of Bexar County needed community volunteers to speak for their best interest. 


They were trained at the already established Dallas CASA, and then after a lot of work and meetings at kitchen tables, they started out with just 13 Volunteers and were assigned their first case February, 1984.

1988

Board of Directors Was Established

In 1988, Judge Tom Rickoff became the Juvenile Judge and arranged to provide a 150 sq. ft. rent-free office so that CASA could be located in proximity to the court.


Soon after this move, CASA established a Board of Directors in March, 1988, and received our Articles of Incorporation from the State of Texas and 501(c)3 nonprofit status.

1991-2013

Moving & Establishing

1991 - We moved from the very small office space at the Juvenile Detention Center to the Business Tech Center at 301 S. Frio.


1996 - We had our first fundraiser event called "Justice is Served": the judge served dessert and aprons decorated by CASA children were auctioned.


2001 - We moved into our last location, 406 San Pedro Ave, where CASA was headquartered for 18 years.


2009 - First Breakfast of Champions took place.


2013 - First Gallery of Hope took place.

2019

CASA moves to the Eastside

2019 - We celebrated 35 years of service, moved to 1956 S WW White Rd, which is twice the size of the previous location, and initiated our college docket program.

2021-Current

Major gifts donated by Harvey E. Najim and Holt Texas, LTD.

March 2021 - Harvey E. Najim generously gave CASA its first $1 million gift!


April 2021 - Holt Texas, LTD., gifted CASA the building at 1956 S WW White!


November 2021 - Kingdom for Kids, Harvey E. Najim, Rick Cavender, Rotary of San Antonio, City Year, and other generous partners and volunteers came together to build a playground for the children served by CASA!

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