Latest news with #TexasBarFoundation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
CASA reaching 'end of the tunnel' with new building, donations still needed
For the past 23 years, court appointed special advocates with CASA for Hunt County have worked with children who have been removed from abusive living situations by the courts and advocated for those children while they're in foster care. In 2024 alone, CASA volunteers served 133 kids. On Saturday, members of the community gathered at CASA's new location-to-be at 2701 Washington St. where they 'blessed' the building by writing inspirational messages on the stud beams. Many of the messages written offered thoughtful prayers, while others quoted Bible verses such as 'By their fruits you will know them' or the words of people they admire like 'The most interesting information comes from children for they tell all they know and then stop' by Mark Twain. CASA purchased the building in May of last year and with it being nearly 60% larger than their current location, staff and volunteers hope to serve more children by including a large volunteer training and meeting room, individual offices for confidential casework as well as a volunteer networking area. With the long-vacant building in need of roof repair, a new heating and air conditioning system, flooring, paint, office buildouts, technology system installations and more, CASA has been collecting donations from within the community through its 'Renovation Required' campaign as well as through other means, including a $25,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation. 'Thanks to the incredible support of foundations, grants, civic groups, businesses, individual donors and CASA's own funds, we've already accomplished a great deal: architectural design; asbestos removal; interior demolition; and a brand-new roof, HVAC system, plumbing and electrical work,' CASA executive director Lori Cope said. 'We're now in the exciting phase of interior construction,' she added. 'Our target move-in date is mid- to late August 2025 and we are seeking funding to help us cross the finish line. Contributions will help cover vital interior items such as flooring, lumber, paint, bathroom fixtures and office furniture.' With about $80,000 needed to complete the remaining work, CASA is still asking for donations through the 'give' tab on its website, In addition to financial donations, the organization is also looking for people to volunteer labor; whether it be construction, painting or helping install its technology infrastructure. Those interested in helping with the actual renovation efforts can contact CASA by email at CASA@ or phone at (903) 450-4410. The organization is also planning to soon start another pre-service volunteer training course for those who would like to serve children in crisis more directly. More information on the duties required of CASA volunteers as well as an online application for volunteers can also be found on its website under the 'volunteer' tab.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
CASA reaching 'end of the tunnel' with new building, donations still needed
For the past 23 years, court appointed special advocates with CASA for Hunt County have worked with children who have been removed from abusive living situations by the courts and advocated for those children while they're in foster care. In 2024 alone, CASA volunteers served 133 kids. On Saturday, members of the community gathered at CASA's new location-to-be at 2701 Washington St. where they 'blessed' the building by writing inspirational messages on the stud beams. Many of the messages written offered thoughtful prayers, while others quoted Bible verses such as 'By their fruits you will know them' or the words of people they admire like 'The most interesting information comes from children for they tell all they know and then stop' by Mark Twain. CASA purchased the building in May of last year and with it being nearly 60% larger than their current location, staff and volunteers hope to serve more children by including a large volunteer training and meeting room, individual offices for confidential casework as well as a volunteer networking area. With the long-vacant building in need of roof repair, a new heating and air conditioning system, flooring, paint, office buildouts, technology system installations and more, CASA has been collecting donations from within the community through its 'Renovation Required' campaign as well as through other means, including a $25,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation. 'Thanks to the incredible support of foundations, grants, civic groups, businesses, individual donors and CASA's own funds, we've already accomplished a great deal: architectural design; asbestos removal; interior demolition; and a brand-new roof, HVAC system, plumbing and electrical work,' CASA executive director Lori Cope said. 'We're now in the exciting phase of interior construction,' she added. 'Our target move-in date is mid- to late August 2025 and we are seeking funding to help us cross the finish line. Contributions will help cover vital interior items such as flooring, lumber, paint, bathroom fixtures and office furniture.' With about $80,000 needed to complete the remaining work, CASA is still asking for donations through the 'give' tab on its website, In addition to financial donations, the organization is also looking for people to volunteer labor; whether it be construction, painting or helping install its technology infrastructure. Those interested in helping with the actual renovation efforts can contact CASA by email at CASA@ or phone at (903) 450-4410. The organization is also planning to soon start another pre-service volunteer training course for those who would like to serve children in crisis more directly. More information on the duties required of CASA volunteers as well as an online application for volunteers can also be found on its website under the 'volunteer' tab.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
El Paso Municipal Court receives $6K grant for teen driving initiative
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso Municipal Court announced a $6,000 grant on Wednesday, May 14, to its Teen Court program's Teens Behind the Wheel initiative for youth driving education and safety. According to the City of El Paso's news release, the Texas Bar Foundation awarded the Teen Court program a $6,907 grant. 'We are honored and grateful to accept this grant award,' El Paso Municipal Court DirectorAnnabelle Casas said. 'These grant funds will make a difference and support efforts to strengthen traffic safety with teens and families in our community. Thank you to the Texas Bar Foundation for investing in our community and support to the El Paso Municipal Court Teen Court Program.' Teen Court is a justice program run by teenagers for teenagers and serves as a peer court for misdemeanor and traffic offenses, the City said. The program has teens volunteer to perform roles of a juror, court clerk bailiff, attorney or prosecutor, the City said. According to a spokesperson with the City, if a teenager chooses to participate in the Teen Court program after receiving a citation and they receive a no driver's license citation, they can opt to participate in driver's education to acquire a permit. The Teen Court Case Managers will work to refer participants to a driving school. The Teens Behind the Wheel initiative assists in paying a portion of the driver's education program or in full, the City said. Typically, driver's education costs families $300 to $400. Not only will the grant cover the cost of driver's education for some teens, but also assist in expanding the Teen Court program by purchasing educational and promotional materials. 'I couldn't be prouder of this program and all that it has accomplished over the last seven years,' Municipal Court Judge Michelle Morales said. 'This grant will allow us to expand the program and spread the word all over the community about the Teen Court program and instill in our youth the idea of how important it is to serve your community in the best way you can.' For more information about the Teen Court program, you can visit the City of El Paso's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
