Texas CASA and North Texas area CASA programs kicked off a campaign to recruit more African American volunteers with a media event at the African American Museum on Feb. 15.   

Sen. Royce West speaks to a group of local dignitaries, pastors and volunteers about the importance of CASA in the community.

Speaking to a group that included community leaders and local pastors, CASA volunteers and staff, and members of the media, Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon, Sen. Royce West, Commissioner John Wiley Price and former foster youths Donald Knight and Nikki King spoke of the need for more CASA volunteers and called upon the African American community to volunteer to address the over-representation of African American children in the foster care system.

Former foster youth Donald spoke passionately about how his CASA caseworker Ron Craig was instrumental in helping him succeed. Donald entered the foster care system after his mother died a violent death. He credits CASA for helping him succeed against the odds. Donald finished high school,  became a star football player, was crowned homecoming king and received a scholarship to Brigham Young University.  

Former foster youth Donald Knight speaks about how his CASA worker Ron Craig helped him succeed.

"I needed someone who made me feel like I mattered," Donald said. "My CASA was the trusting, caring adult I desperately needed. He attended my football games. He listened, and he cared. He was a powerful voice for in court for me."      

Earth Wind & Fire principal members Verdine White (left), Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson with former foster youth Nikki King and Donald Knight.

A group of current and former Dallas CASA foster youth were the guests of Earth Wind & Fire's lead singer Philip Bailey at a recent concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Bailey's Music Is Unity Foundation, The National Foster Youth Action Network and Dallas CASA partnered to offer an empowering experience to 10 local foster youth.  

Bailey invited the youth to an exclusive and intimate sound check experience before attending the evening's concert. Following the band's concert performance, Bailey hosted a private reception for the youth and local community leaders to explain his goal of helping former foster youth advocate for changes within the foster care system. The group took photos and received autographs from the three principal members of Earth Wind & Fire. 

Lead singer Bailey founded the Music Is Unity Foundation in 2007. The foundation's mission is to financially support agencies that provide programming that enhances the ability of foster youth to transition successfully to adulthood. In 2011, the Foundation launched a partnership with the National Foster Youth Action Network to build support through public education at Earth, Wind & Fire concerts throughout the United States. These two organizations are providing opportunities for youth to speak up for changes to the system that raised them. 

"Young people coming out of the foster care system at age 18 struggle to reach their dreams," Bailey said. "They struggle from high levels of poverty and lower levels of education. By empowering others, we find solutions together."

Chad, Estela and Christopher Selvidge

Christopher Selvidge heard about the children served by Dallas CASA through his mom Estela who is a CASA volunteer.  

Christopher was shocked to learn that so many children have to leave behind all their familiar toys, clothes, books and childhood memories when they enter the foster care system because of abuse or neglect. 

Christopher decided to use his recent birthday party to collect books for CASA kids. Christopher collected 157 children's books which he then donated to Dallas CASA. The books will be given to CASA kids by their CASA volunteers as they get to know the children for whom they advocate in court. Thank you Christopher!  

Child Protective Services removed baby Alex from his mother's care because his mother tested positive for cocaine at Alex's birth. Alex, thankfully, did not have drugs present in his body, but his mother had already had five children removed from her care because of repeated drug use.

CASA volunteer Wendy was appointed to Alex's case. Wendy began searching for relatives who would be willing to care for baby Alex so he could live with family in familiar surroundings.  

Wendy eventually met Joan, Alex's paternal aunt, who wanted to care for the baby.  Because there were so many different caseworkers involved in Alex's case, Wendy was the one constant for Alex and his aunt throughout the entire process, ensuring that they received the support and services needed.  Wendy helped make sure that Joan had financial assistance to pay for day care for Alex, allowing her to continue to work and provide for her family. Joan eventually became Alex's permanent guardian, giving the baby with a safe and loving home in which to thrive.

For this child, the constant presence of his CASA volunteer helped bring about a better outcome for a more secure future. 

Online retailer costumediscounters.com is generously providing an additional discount for runners participating in the Superhero 5K and Family Fun Run. Receive 20 percent off your superhero costume purchase when you enter code "CASA" at checkout. 

Often, relatives and family friends are willing to step up to care for children who have come under the protective care of the courts, but they may need assistance to ensure they have the resources to support an additional family member. Advocate for children by researching all possible sources of help for relatives caring for their young families members. 

2012 Volunteer Hours: 5,424 advocating for children in court so far this year!