CASA volunteers help abused and neglected children find the safe, permanent homes they need and deserve.

Baby Nathan and his older brother Aaron were removed from their home and placed in the care of Child Protective Services because Nathan had sustained an unexplained head injury. Their parents, who spoke only Spanish, were overwhelmed and confused by the process, and it was unclear whether the boys would truly be safe if they returned home. Stella Lopez was appointed as the CASA volunteer while the boys were in care.

A relative was caring for the boys, so Stella connected with them to make sure they had the resources they needed and to ensure Nathan made it to all his doctor's appointments. Over the course of a year, Nathan gradually healed, and the parents were allowed to visit their sons almost daily. They were clearly committed to getting their children back.  

As a Spanish-speaking volunteer, Stella was able to put the parents at ease and provide some guidance and encouragement to them as they worked to get their children back. Stella stayed in frequent contact with everyone involved in the case and monitored the parents' progress completing all the services that had been offered to them. She recommended to the judge that the children be able to go home.  

"The parents got the help they needed, and I was confident that the children would be safe at home and that the relatives would contact CPS if there were any further safety concerns," Stella said. "You hear in the news about things that happen to children, but you never see that play out in real life," Stella said. "Being able to help these children and was truly rewarding for me."

The Dallas CASA Annual Campaign, which this year raised more than $100,000, gave our  friends and donors an opportunity to provide additional support to Dallas CASA during the holiday season. Many friends chose to give in honor of a friend or loved one, and many make charitable giving part of their holiday tradition.

This year's campaign had an even greater impact because of the very generous contribution of one of Dallas CASA's most committed supporters--the Jim and Angela Thompson Foundation. The foundation issued a three-year, $300,000 challenge grant in honor of Dallas CASA's 30^th anniversary in October, so every dollar raised through this year's annual campaign was matched by the foundation.  

For more information on our ongoing matching gift challenge, click here to visit the Dallas CASA support page. Thanks to all who continue to provide such incredible support.

Members of the Dallas Professional Photographers Association at National Adoption Day

Since 2003, members of the Dallas Professional Photographers Association have given their time and talents each November on National Adoption Day to shoot the first official photos of newly formed families.

"We usually have a dozen photographers volunteer to pose family groups, coax smiles from reluctant children and adults, photograph the families and burn the CD's," said Becky Martinez, who coordinates the volunteer photographers for the Association. Martinez said many of the photographers come back year after year to volunteer their time taking family portraits.

"Coming to the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center and taking family portraits is an unusual shoot, but every year photographers will tell me, 'Sign me up for next year right now," before we've even packed up our gear," Martinez said. "I think volunteers like the fact that they are giving the families a tangible record of the making of their family."

Because of this dedicated and compassionate group, hundreds of children have a lasting memory of the moment they became a part of a forever family. 

Ticket sales are currently underway for the Archon Group's seventh annual Archon "When Kids Win... Everybody Wins!" sweepstakes benefiting Dallas CASA.

Tickets are available for purchase online at archongroup.com/sweepstakes.  Sweepstakes packages include trips to Aruba and Hawaii, a staycation package at the Las Colinas Four Seasons and a sports package including a suite at the Mavericks/Lakers game and tickets to a Rangers game.

The drawing for this year's prizes will be held Feb. 21. Winners need not be present to win. For more information, email casasweepstakes@archon.com.