Meet Board Member Jordan Stimpson

1. What is your professional and personal background?

• I studied journalism, business and Spanish at SMU. I worked at Good Morning America in New York during college. I was also a former speech writer for a Mayor of Dallas.

• I went to law school at the University of Houston Law Center. 

• I was a prosecutor for almost 10 years with both the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. While with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office I was named Prosecutor of the Year in 2014.

• I’m so proud to have worked not only in the trial courts, but also in the prestigious  Special Victims Unit (SVU)/Crimes Against Children and the Family Violence Unit. 

• I also did a stint in the Civil Division and provided legal counsel to elected and appointed county officials and advised the county on labor and employment issues, contracts, litigation and open records. 

• I’m currently a partner and attorney at Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson, LLP. I practice tax law and the work I do now helps keep our cities, schools and counties operating at their highest, most optimal level. Our services allow our clients to spend more of their time and resources providing the core services their constituents expect, while avoiding unnecessary tax increases and cuts to essential public services. Our firm is actively involved in the community and invests resources in organizations helping children and communities around the state.

2. Why are you involved in CASA?

• Children are my passion, and ensuring they are in safe environments and thriving communities is a responsibility we all bear as a society. 

• When our children thrive, our community thrives. When our community thrives, our children thrive. I genuinely believe that children are our future, and making sure children have a safe home life as they learn and develop is crucial to our success as a community. 

• Every member of our community, no matter how young, no matter how old, and everyone in between,  deserves to have a safe and happy home life. 

3. What first caused you to get involved with CASA?

• My mom was a public school teacher, so I’ve known about CASA forever. When I worked at the DA’s Office, I saw firsthand just how important the work CASA does is to our community. Children are my passion, and ensuring they are in safe environments and thriving communities is a responsibility we all bear as a society. I’m so proud to be on the Board and use my vast experience and talents to serve the foster children of Tarrant County.

4. What would you say to a potential supporter?

• YOU make an impact. YOU make a difference. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, you are changing the trajectory of a child’s life. Join us, I promise, you won’t regret it. 

• Every dollar counts, down to the penny. 

• It takes a village to raise a child, and how lucky and privileged we are to be a part of the village of the foster children we serve in Tarrant county. 

• Ensuring that all children are in safe environments and thriving communities is a responsibility we all bear as a society. 

• The abused and neglected children in Tarrant County deserve better. You can be the difference maker for them.

5. Why do you think it's important for the Fort Worth community to support CASA?

• Every child deserves a safe home, a bright future and to have their voice heard, and CASA ensures that happens.

• CASA makes sure our communities most vulnerable voices are heard and seen. 

Meet Board Member John Gerdes

Why CASA? I am involved with CASA because its mission is critical to the well-being of children whose lives have been thoroughly upended through no fault of their own. CASA volunteers work to minimize this trauma as much as possible so that the child's life can be stabilized, to ensure that child is safe and healthy, and so that normal development can continue. If it wasn't a CASA doing this work, who would do it?

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? My dear friend and fellow board member Debbie Cooley made me aware of the mission and introduced me to our CEO, Don Binnicker. Once I heard the story, I was compelled to help. With two young kids of my own, I lack the time to be a CASA today but I certainly aspire to that one day.

What keeps you coming bank every month in helping CASA? I keep coming back because I know how these experiences are massively transformational in a child's life and CASA is the only organization to fill this need. I cannot think of a more important mission in my community. The work CASA does not only helps individual kids with an acute need for advocacy, it reshapes the intergenerational habits and values of families. Additionally, my wife was in foster care for years and she tells stories that are so detailed and vivid - few of them are happy memories. 

What would you say to a potential supporter? I would encourage them to hear the stories. I would invite them to coffee with an active or former CASA so that they could hear first-hand the circumstances surrounding an example removal. Any person with a beating heart would be compelled to help with his or her time or wallet (or hopefully both!)

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? It's important because of our hearts and our wallets. We are doing two key things: First, we are solving for the immediate need to ensure that the kids are safe and healthy and developing as they endure a life-altering circumstance. (Your heart.)  Second, we are making a future economic contribution to our community, as these kids have a better chance to grow and develop into healthy, educated, functional members of our workforce. (Your wallet.)

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? I am humbled by the dedication of our volunteers, who selflessly give the most precious of resources: their time. Moreover, they heft a heavy emotional burden by making the problems of those for whom they advocate their own. They are the unsung heroes in the midst of our community.

Meet Board Member Nina Wollman

Please write a short message of support for volunteers. You, the volunteers, are the mission of CASA. I have lived and worked in Tarrant County for 24 years, supporting great people like you who are looking out for hundreds of children in our community brings me joy and humbles me to serve on the board.

What are you involved with CASA? The children of Tarrant County. To me, taking care of the next generation of our community is not important - it is critical. The next generation is my hope. 

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I have known CASA since I was in college. Finding ways to make a difference for a family and in a child's life is something I have pursued from college through my professional life with volunteer opportunities through the Junior League of Fort Worth and the Ronald McDonald House. Being asked to serve on the CASA of Tarrant County Board links my past to current and allows me to best employ my talents and my time. 

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? The volunteers. They are dedicated, selfless, and working to make our community a better place for children who are legally removed from their homes in order to protect them from future injury. Watching new volunteers at the monthly swearing in ceremony makes me proud to serve CASA and reinforces why they are so important. 

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? The CASA mission and organization fills a gap in our community. Lawyers and case workers can change over the course of a child's experience in the judicial system, but CASA’s play a consistent role in the children’s lives they serve. CASA volunteers stay with a child until they are in a safe place where they are cared for, seen and heard. No other organization, public or private, does this. Today CASA of Tarrant County serves approximately 65% of the children in these situations. Imagine supporting an organization that could serve 100% of those children in need.

Meet Board Member Michelle Marlow

Please write a short message of support for volunteers. My heart overflows with gratitude as I think about our volunteers at CASA. As a board member, I realize that the heartbeat of our organization is the volunteers. Thank you advocates for loving our children in need in our community. I smile so big just thinking of you holding the hands of a child and providing each one the comfort of knowing they are loved, protected and worthy.

What are you involved with CASA? I love CASA’s Mission and Vision! I want to be the one to stand up on behalf of the abused and neglected children in our community.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? As past president of the Junior League of Fort Worth, I dug deep into our city trying to find the areas of biggest needs in our community and where we as an organization could make the biggest impact in our community. Our children in Tarrant County were always top on our list! As a mother of 4 boys and teacher of our youth, my heart ached knowing there were so many abused and neglected children right here in our hometown. After researching what CASA had to offer, watching how they utilized their funding and most importantly watching the volunteers first-hand, I knew immediately CASA was a very special!

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Simple, the children!

What would you say to a potential supporter? Please consider helping us! Your support helps train our volunteers and our volunteers like I said earlier, are the heartbeat of our organization.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Fort Worth (Tarrant County) is family, and family takes care of family! Thank you Judge Scott Moore for seeing the need back in 1983. You and your committee are commended for your good-works and I hope that we as a community can continue your wonderful Mission and Vision.

Meet Board Member Debbie Cooley

Debbie says, “CASA’s are the best!!!!  To take the incredible amount of time that You take to ensure safety and a good outcome for children You’ve never met makes You ROCK STARS!!!!  I’m honored to be in Your sphere.”  

Why are you involved with CASA? I believe if we can get a child (that has had a rough start) on a path of hope, joy and love, we will have saved that child and our community and society a mountain of heartache.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? Clark Rucker asked if I would be interested in being on the board.  It didn’t take very long to come to a Yes.  Having served on another nonprofit board dealing with child abuse, I was aware of the great work that CASA does.  Also, the admin at my company, Janice Mulliniks, was a CASA and often spoke of the organization and how wonderful it is.

What would you say to a potential supporter? You won’t find a better home for Your donation/time as it will keep giving and giving and giving.  You are not only donating to CASA, You are donating to a child/children that will also benefit our community and our world.

Meet Board Member Lindsey Freeman

Please write a short message of support for volunteers. I know the commitment and dedication it takes to volunteer at CASA. The work you do is important and I hope you experience fulfillment knowing the positive impact you are having on these children's lives!

Why are you involved with CASA? CASA is an incredible organization that helps children (and families) get through some of the hardest times in their lives. I can't think of a more worthy mission!  

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I heard about CASA through friends and decided to become an advocate a few years ago. I've since been on the Women's Council and I'm honored to become a board member.  

What keeps you coming back every month to help CASA? I love seeing the success stories and knowing that children with a CASA are more likely to be reunited with their families or find a permanent home. I want every child that needs a CASA to have one.  

What would you say to a potential supporter? Do it! Being an advocate is one of the best things I've ever done! And there are other ways to become involved or help - Young Professional Council, the Women's Council, donations, hosting information sessions at your office or church, getting the word out to potential advocates.  

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? As a community we must support some of our most vulnerable children. They deserve someone that focuses on their best interests and well being.

Meet Board President Charlie Scherer

We are excited to spotlight our new Board President Charlie Scherer!

“I have the honor of serving as the President of the Board of CASA of Tarrant County this year. This is my 7th year of service to the organization, and I am so excited to see the progress we continue to make as we serve the children of Tarrant County. I was first introduced to the organization by my wife through her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta while in college at the University of Oklahoma. Upon returning to Fort Worth, I became involved with the Tarrant County organization through the inaugural Pull For Kids Clay Shoot in 2017 and they’ve been stuck with me ever since!

My wife MK and I have two young children, Henry and Carter. I often times reflect on how our advocates and employees are the only constant adult in a child’s life. The impact they have can really change the trajectory of their story. Our team works tirelessly for the kids of Tarrant County and the results speak for themselves as we continue to reduce the time spent in foster care and increase the number of children who find a permanent living situation.

As we celebrate our 40-year anniversary I would like to honor the progress that we’ve made and the lives that we’ve impacted. Additionally, I would like to challenge ourselves to keep fighting to serve more children and provide even better care, so that we can have an even greater impact over the next 40 years.”

Meet Board Member Jon McCartney

Jonathan (Jon) McCartney | Senior Vice President, Land and Legal at Double Eagle Energy Holdings IV

A short message of support for volunteers: Thank you! You are making a direct impact in children's lives when needed most.

Why are you involved with CASA? These children need our help. Every small decision I make or input I provide, I take very seriously as I know it can ultimately help a child who has been abused or neglected.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? Charlie Scherer talking about CASA.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? I believe in the mission of CASA.

What would you say to a potential supporter? I would explain what a CASA does- that's nearly enough right there. Children need someone to look out for their best interest. If you are a financial person, look at amount our communities save by children having a CASA attached to their case.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? I believe that children are the future and instrumental to the well being and success of Tarrant County. When we invest in our children, we invest in our community.

Meet New Board Member Casey Gillespie

We are thrilled to have Casey Gillespie, Director of Powerplant Engineering at American Airlines, join the CASA of Tarrant County Board of Directors! Read more about Casey below:

Casey gives the following message to our CASA volunteers, “Your amazing dedication and support of CASA is the only reason this mission advances!”

Why are you involved with CASA? “Every child deserves a chance - CASA is a beautiful organization that takes on the toughest cases and provides that constant support that those children need. They need their own voice and CASA provides that!”

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? “I recently moved to Tarrant County and wanted to get involved in the community and the CASA mission speaks to my heart. Being a mother myself I want to do everything I can to help children in need.”

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? “I feel like by joining the board of directors - I have the ability to help CASA on a strategic front to meet our goal of serving all kids in Tarrant County!”

What would you say to a potential supporter? “We are not done until every child is served by CASA - every donation - every hour you volunteer matters. Please consider supporting your local community and CASA!”

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? “Local support is very important - the kids and families served by CASA are local and having the support of your neighbors and community leaders is so important to the foundation of Tarrant County.”

Meet Board Member Courtney Bourgeois

Board Member Courtney Bourgeois says, “I was introduced to CASA at TCU, through my sorority, as it is the national beneficiary of its fundraising efforts. I participated in events throughout college that supported CASA and developed a great appreciation for what the organization does. After graduation, and having my own children, I wanted to continue supporting CASA by spreading community awareness and fundraising events.

Fort Worth has such a high child abuse rate, and we as a community can always do more. Giving these children a support system and a voice when they are at their most vulnerable is so important.”

Meet Board Member Kathleen Copeland

Why are you involved in CASA? First, I believe the innocence and wonder of a child is the world’s gold and the potential of every child is priceless.   My greatest gift was the opportunity to see and experience the world through our son’s eyes and now through our granddaughters’.  This wonder and potential must be preserved in all children whether they are related to me or not.  

Second, I had two experiences with CPS as a child, due to neighbors having misconceptions about our family and culture.   They weren’t horrible experiences, but they weren’t pleasant either.   When I realized CASA’s purpose, it made me wish I/we had had a CASA when I was 6 and 13. 

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? My husband and I were exploring adoption.  Through that process we were asked to consider becoming foster parents, which lead to learning about CASA.  The concept of being a voice for a child resonated with me immediately, so I started the process to become a CASA/GAL.  However, my husband was transferred again for work, so I delayed my training and chose to support CASA as a community volunteer and donor for nearly 25 years until I was invited to join the Board of Directors.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Their laser focused vision and single minded mission.  Every month when I hear Don Binnicker read a success story aka Mission Moment, at the beginning of our meetings, it re-affirms why I am here and inspires me to do more.  

What would you say to a potential supporter? There is no greater sound than the laughter of children. Want to change the world?  Help a child laugh.  It’s infectious. You will be changed.  Yes, there will be times of difficulty, however the rewards are far, far, greater.  Every minute impacts not only the child for whom you’re advocating, but also the community as a whole.   

 What do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? CASA of Tarrant County is right here!   We focus on the communities within Tarrant County and recruit volunteers who live here and understand the different cultures and norms of area families.  When you support CASA of Tarrant County, as a resident you too get to experience the amazing results of your money or time.  It creates a self-perpetuating cycle of positivity.  

Meet Board Member Whitney Vaughan

Why are you involved in CASA? I am involved in CASA because for several years, I represented children and parents in active litigation with CPS and I saw how helpful CASA could be to those cases.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I decided that I no longer wanted to work the child welfare cases, but wanted to continue to be involved with children in the foster care system, so CASA seemed like the logical place to get involved.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? I am motivated to help kids find stability and get them out of the foster care system into a permanent placement as quickly as possible. 

What would you say to a potential supporter? Supporting CASA is supporting kids who have been dealt a bad hand in life. These kiddos didn’t ask to be born into these situations and the support that CASA receives is a step in the right direction for the child. 

What do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? I think that supporting CASA and its mission helps to avoid the long-term concerns that are associated with children who spend a great deal of time in the foster care system. CASA and its mission help to reduce the risk of cyclical poverty and will, hopefully, help show a downturn in the number of children in care in the long run. 

Meet Board Member Katie Carlson

Why are you involved in CASA? I chose CASA because I want to be part of the solution. Children deserve for the community to be on their side! 

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? A friend asked. There’s nothing more influential than the passionate request of those you respect.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? As the saying goes, you eat an elephant one bite at a time. Consistency from volunteers and supporters is key to affecting lifelong change. The children CASA serves need much more than a drive-by parade to wish them well. They need men and women to lead by example and leaders stick around.  

What would you say to a potential supporter? It’s worth it. The children are worth it. The time you invest today will have a lasting impact for generations to come. 

What do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? There is no substitute for CASA and the work they do in our community. With CASA, children are given adequate support to move past their trauma. With CASA, children have the opportunity to overcome the unfair beginning of their life.

Meet Board Member Taylor Bennett

Meet Board Member Taylor Bennett, who joined the Board in 2017!

Taylor says, “I was introduced to CASA through some friends, and after attending a few events, I realized the impact they make and what a big difference they make in children’s lives… One person can really change the trajectory of a child’s life in such a positive way.”

When asked why she began her involvement with CASA of Tarrant County she said, “Tarrant County has the third highest rate of child abuse cases in the state. Knowing that is going on in our backyard really made me want to get involved, and try to do everything I can for these children. Our society is called to protect the children, the innocent, and the defenseless who have no one else to stand up for them. A lot of times the CASA is the only constant person in the child’s life.”

Board Member Stefanie Mauler Featured in Simply Westlake

Making a Difference
Speaking Up For Foster Children In Tarrant County
Meet Board Member Stef Mauler

This article appeared in the March 2021 edition of Simply Westlake Magazine.

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Westlake resident Stef Mauler has always been supportive of organizations that serve the health, education and well-being of children. She recently had the privilege of joining the Board of Directors for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Tarrant County and serves on the Board Governance committee. Simply Westlake asked Stef to tell them more about CASA and how dedicated volunteers advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children throughout Tarrant County.

Stef says, “CASA of Tarrant County is an organization of volunteer advocates who stand up on behalf of abused and neglected children. From helping siblings find permanent placement together, to finding a child a stable home with a relative, to uncovering information that helps reunite a loving family, CASA volunteers make incredible differences in the lives of abused and neglected children. These children in foster care are at risk of getting lost in an overburdened system. Their CASA works to find them a safe, permanent home. 95% of children in foster care who have a CASA volunteer find a permanent home - either reunification with their parents, living with relatives or adoption.”

Why did you choose to volunteer for CASA? “I have always been committed to organizations that serve the health, education and well-being of children and support the family unit. Strong families build strong communities. And with that, all kinds of good things happen. Education improves. Health improves. Safety improves. People get happier. Families get better. It’s a virtual cycle.

Child abuse is not a poor person’s problem. Tarrant County boasts some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the nation and, yet, we also have the 3rd highest rate of reported child abuse in the state of Texas. And that number continues to grow, and is exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Approximately 650 children were removed from unsafe home environments in Tarrant County in 2020. For many of them, their CASA volunteer is the only consistent adult in that child’s life. Children who have a CASA volunteer spend an average of 4 fewer months in foster care and are more likely to succeed in school. Children who do not have a CASA experience far more problems throughout their lives: 50% are incarcerated by the time they are 23 years old and 25% experience homelessness. Right now, we have 500 children who are waiting for an advocate. I will do whatever I can to see that they get one so that we can provide healthy environments for these children to grow into productive adults and successful community members.”

Describe any fundraisers or events that support the organization: “Although a lot of non-profits have been forced to cancel crucial fundraising events due to COVID, CASA has been fortunate to keep our outdoor events which allow for social distancing. I’m excited for our 5th Annual Pull For Kids Clay Shoot (casaclayshoot.org) on March 26 at Alpine Shooting Range. So, grab a team and take aim to end child abuse and keep children safe! Another favorite is the annual Superhero Run (casatarrantsuperherorun.com), which is a family-friendly 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on October 30, 2021 at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington.”

How can others get involved? “No matter how you choose to support CASA of Tarrant County, your generosity enables the organization to serve over 1,200 abused and neglected children in our community each year. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, start by attending a virtual information session, where you will learn all about becoming a CASA volunteer. Other ways to help include making monetary or in-kind donations through the CASA website (speakupforachild.org/donate) or by hosting a Facebook fundraiser. Your gift of time or resources fights the loneliness these kids are feeling, giving them the comfort, normalcy, certainty and connection we all need right now.”

Meet Board Member Kristy Odom

Why CASA? I’m honored to serve an organization that plays such an important role in the welfare of our community's children in critical times of need. Everything CASA staff members and volunteers do contributes to and considers the healthiest and safest outcome for the children and families we serve.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? My awareness of the important role CASA’s advocates play in providing a voice for abused and neglected children in our community brought me to serve this great agency. There is much not witnesses and/or communicated on behalf of a child during a litigious process. The passion and commitment this agency and its volunteers exhibit is unparalleled.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? I come back every month to help CASA achieve its mission of advocating for abused and neglected children, ultimately achieving their vision of providing a CASA-trained volunteer to every child in need.

What would you say to a potential supporter? If you have a heart-felt interest in improving a child’s access to a bright and safe future, there is not better organization to support than CASA of Tarrant County. The impact of our trained volunteers positively changes the trajectory of every child served, giving them a voice throughout the process of securing their health and safety.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Without CASA and its trained volunteers/advocates, too much would go unsaid, un-realized, and without the perspective of the child(ren) experiencing abuse and neglect, potentially leading to misguided resolution and continued harm to the child.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? The dedicated action of CASA volunteers to show up, speak up, and serve the families and children of our community directly reflects with the love in their hearts. They full-heartedly share their time, talent and treasure. It’s a privilege to serve alongside with and support these great women and men.

Meet Board Member Giana Ortiz

Why CASA? Many foster children in Tarrant County will transition from foster home to foster home, and from school district to school district; spending only a few days or a few weeks with a support system before they are forced to integrate into a new one.  For these children, the CASA volunteer may be the only adult who, throughout the transitions and disruptions in their lives, remains constant.  Every child deserves to have an adult who knows where they are and speaks up for their needs.  CASA provides that caring volunteer advocate to children who may have none.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? Learning more about the struggles of foster children made it easy to understand the important role of CASA’s volunteer advocates. In addition, CASA’s staff exemplifies dedication to CASA’s mission and service. I wish that there were no child removals, and that every kid in Tarrant County had a safe home to live in. But when a child is removed from an unsafe environment, the CASA volunteer serves as an essential part of the process for that child.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? I believe in CASA’s mission and the tireless work of its staff.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Thank you for your work. Without your generous gift of time, CASA could not accomplish its mission for Tarrant County foster children.

Meet Board Member Charlotte Kauffman

Why CASA? Because children are the future and too many children in our community/our world are neglected and abused and if CASA can help even just one child - that’s tremendous.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? My sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, has as it’s philanthropy CASA so I have known about it for years. Several of my friends were on the CASA board who are Theta’s and it was a cause I have had in my heart for years so I said yes to being on the board.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? My life has been full of blessings, I grew up in a wonderful home with wonderful parents and every month in our board meetings I am astounded at the number of children in our community that don’t have that safe, loving and secure home to grow up in like I did. 

What would you say to a potential supporter? The children are our future and it is up to all of us to help the children we live with in our community that are abused and neglected – CASA is the kind of non-profit that allows for so many ways to help these children. Through volunteering to be an Advocate, be a board member, donate money so that we have the staff to support our Advocates. The list goes on and on.

What do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? If we don't, who will? No child should have to endure pain, suffering, neglect and Tarrant county has over 500 children that need someone to be their voice, to look after them when no one else can or will, so it is up to us as the adults to advocate for those children.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Right now everyone is clapping for our healthcare workers and their support system, our delivery people, grocery store workers and everyone working to keep our citizens healthy and supported. BUT you our Advocates need a big hand of applause for being there for the children who so desperately need someone just for them and that’s you! Our heroes during this scary uncertain time! Thank you all.

Meet Board Member Molly Davidson

Why CASA? Child welfare has been my passion both professionally and personally for the past 15 years. CASA allows me to support frontline staff and volunteers who are doing the incredibly hard work of supporting the children of Tarrant County – who otherwise can easily be overlooked. 

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? As a previous CPS worker, I worked hand-in-hand with CASA and have always been grateful for the service they provide to our kids in care. Since then I have the opportunity to move away from direct care and serving on CASA’s board enables me to remain in touch with the needs of our kids and community.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Seeing how the amazing staff and volunteers meet the needs of the children/families/parents they serve.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Not everyone is called to a foster or adoptive parent, but everyone is called to do their part in supporting the children in their community – especially the children whose birth communites have been taken from them. I saw this proverb and I think it sums up beautiful the need that CASA fulfills:  “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth”

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Child welfare workers, volunteers, advocates are often overlooked when “Heroes” of a crisis are identified. Please know that we see the amazing work you are doing, and we are humbled and eternally grateful. Standing in the gap for Tarrant County’s most vulnerable has never been more crucial, and you are  ensuring that those children are seen and heard in the midst of uncertainty. THANK YOU!

Meet Board Member Matt Montague

Why CASA? Our mission is CRITICAL.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I have heard about CASA for years, but was never very familiar with the organization and its mission. After having two kids of my own and learning more about CASA, it was clear this was a place that I was interested in being involved. 

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? The kids. These kids need advocates, a friend, someone in their corner, that is willing to fight for their interest. 

What would you say to a potential supporter? I would ask them to consider the missions of the other organizations they support and to compare against CASA’s. Our mission is CRITICAL. 

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Our kids and youth are our community’s future. All children are a gift from God and deserve a chance to thrive in this world. If their own parents and families either can’t provide that or choose not to, then it is critical there is someone there to interceded on a child’s behalf. 

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Thank you for providing the gift of your time and your heart for the kids you are serving. My young family is a daily reminder of the need for present and positive influences in our kids’ lives. Your work is critical. Thank you for your passion, for doing something bigger than yourself, and for serving these kids!