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Despite the 100 plus degree days, there is something in the air that reminds us all that school days are right around the corner. Back to school sales are in full swing and children are starting to get excited about finding out who will be their teacher and which friends will be with them in class. College students are leaving home and heading back to their dorms. Even preschool children are being prepared to transition into their first experience away from home.
Often, abused children find school is the only place of refuge from a home life that is unpredictable, dangerous and harmful. In the safety of their school, a child might feel comfortable telling those painful secrets that perpetuate the horrors of abuse.
Are you willing to be part of the safety net that our children need? If you see or hear something that doesn't seem right, will you speak up? Make the commitment to protect our children - our most precious resource!
Susan B. Etheridge
Executive Director
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New Volunteer Advocates Sworn in on July 29th
Thirteen new volunteer advocates were sworn in by District Court Judge Cynthia Wheless in July. With this new class, CASA has trained 73 volunteers in 2010 which brings to 232 our total number of volunteers this year. To learn how you could lend your powerful voice as a CASA for a foster child, visit our website: The next volunteer training will be held in October. Contact Dianne McCall or visit our website to learn more.
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 Closed Case Luncheon
Rosemary Wade, on left, welcomes CASA to the closed case luncheon hosted at Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney.
Below on left, Susan Machehmahl, Rev. Mally Baum, Tamara Jenkins, Jackie Bromley and Rosemary Wade served a delicious lunch for all the CASA volunteers, staff and board members that were present.
 
Above on right, Joanna Halteman,
CASA Casework Supervisor, speaks about the hard work and dedication of
Volunteer Advocate, David Houk. David works as a special education
teacher in PISD and still finds time to volunteer for CASA.
CASA Staff and Volunteer Advocates pose for a photo after celebrating the many ways their combined dedication and effort have helped foster children find their own "forever home." Volunteers work closely with CASA program staff to ensure every child has a powerful voice in court and that a safe and loving home is found as soon as possible.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Mary King
 A Powerful Voice! That's one way to describe the above and beyond efforts of Mary King. She has been with CASA since 2006 and has served as a dedicated advocate for 38 children. They have all benefited from her thorough questioning and boundless energy to make sure each child is in the best possible environment.
Attorney and mediator Cheryl Vaughn has described Mary as "one of the most tireless and dedicated volunteers with who I've ever had the pleasure of working...her methods of obtaining information, are above reproach...if there is information
to be had in a case, Mary is going to not only find it, but figure out
how she can use it to help the children with which she is involved. Mary
doesn't stop asking questions until she has all the answers that she
needs to make the recommendations to the court that truly represent the
needs and best interest of the children."
Mary's determination was evident in the care of Chris, who suffered from serious behavior and learning difficulties. Mary was dogged in her efforts to convince school authorities to accept Chris into their educational environment to help him reach his potential. This battle dragged on for two long years, and when everyone else had thrown in the towel Mary was successful in seeing him thrive in an educational environment. This case is just one incident in her 17 cases that prove it's good to have Mary in your corner.
"Not only is she incredibly active on her cases, but you can often find her at the CASA office helping administratively or at CASA events assisting with raising the dollars to meet the needs of the children. Ms. King never hesitates to represent CASA at Community Fairs to recruit more volunteers. She attends all the CASA Talks to increase her skills and even seeks out her own training which she pays to attend," says Executive Director Susan Etheridge.
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 Monday, September 27, 2010
Gentle Creek Golf Club
Prosper, TX
 Steve Bell, 2010 Golf Chair, invites you to take part in the Seventh Annual CASAs for KIDs Classic Golf Tournament that will be held on Monday, September 27th at Gentle Creek Golf Club in Prosper, TX.
Not only will this be a great opportunity to play golf at one of the area's most beautiful settings, it is also an opportunity to make a difference for hundreds of children who suffer through the darkness of abuse and neglect right here in Collin County.
We welcome CASA supporters to learn more and contact Susie Addison, Events Manager, or call 972-529- 2272 ext. 115. Traditional sponsorships as well as individualized partnership opportunities are available now!
This month, we are featuring two more of our generous sponsors!
 Steve Bell, Golf Chair, and Susie Addison, Events Manager, present a 2009 CASAs for KIDS golf appreciation plaque to Mike Stasey of TRAXXAS. TRAXXAS has increased their 2010 sponsorship to the Platinum Level and will donate 4 of their radio control trucks to help raise more money for CASA. In 2011, TRAXXAS will be moving their corporate headquarters to Craig Ranch in McKinney. Thank you to our friends at TRAXXAS for your faithful support!
 Bill Keaton, CEO of Baylor Frisco, accepts an appreciation plaque from Susie Addison, CASA Events Manager. Baylor Frisco is a faithful supporter of the Voice for Children Gala as well as our Golf Tournament each year. Thank you Baylor Frisco for coming back to support the 2010 Golf Tournament.
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Supporting CASA of Collin County and Community Partners of Dallas
October 18, 2010
Twin Creeks Golf Club
To sponsor or sign up for the
Golf Tournament, download the tournament details and registration form or contact the Post HOPE Foundation by email.
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Purchase a $5 ticket from CASA and save at any Stein Mart store from September 23-26!
Help support CASA of Collin County and go shopping at the same time. Whether it's back to school or early Christmas shopping, here's a great opportunity to support CASA!
Stein Mart will host its four-day Give & Save Charity Days from September 23rd through September 26th. Just purchase a $5.00 ticket from CASA and you will receive a coupon for $5 off any purchase along with 15% additional savings at any Stein Mart store during the Give & Save Charity Days.
100% of ticket sales purchased from CASA of Collin County supports abused and neglected children in our community!
Tickets are limited, so call or email to reserve your tickets. Contact Sharon at 972-529-2272 ext. 113 or by email. Tickets will be ready for pickup at the CASA offices after September 3rd.
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Donor Spotlights
 New Volunteer Advocate, Toni Gordon, shared her passion for CASA with her company, Pioneer Resources, who wanted to support Toni's volunteer efforts for abused children and donated $1,000 to CASA. Thank you, Toni and Pioneer Resources for making a difference in the lives of abused children!
 Sharon Christensen and her daughter, Jordan, recently bought dozens of back to school clothing items for our foster children as they prepare for a new school year. She has been an advocate since April 2009. Sharon finds time to volunteer with CASA even though she is a career mom - working as a Senior VP for Bank of America in the Learning and Leadership Department. |
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CASA in the News
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Writer Michael Boren reports Foster care often takes kids miles away from home for the McKinney Courier-Gazette. Read the full article now.
Photo courtesy of McKinney Courier-Gazette
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Donate Now!
 Want to support our fight against child abuse? You can make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children in Collin County. Donate Now! $50
Will provide a foster child with a first visit with their CASA Volunteer Advocate $100
Will provide a back to school outfit for a foster child $250
Will provide an independent home study or relative assessment for a foster child $500
Will provide a foster child with a CASA as their voice in court during the 4-5 court appearances in a typical case. $1,000
Will provide a CASA to supervise 15 sessions of court ordered parent child visitation $1,500
Will provide a foster child with a CASA for an entire year |
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Board Appreciation
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Recently, Mark Carswell was given an appreciation award for his 6 years of service on the Board of Director for CASA of Collin County. Fortunately for CASA, Mark has agreed to continue to support abused children by serving on CASA's Advisory Board.
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Shop at Kroger? Join their Neighbor to Neighbor Program and support CASA.
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Beth Ray, CASA volunteer advocate tells her birthday party guests about CASA. During her Party with a Purpose, she asked her friends and family to donate to CASA instead of bringing gifts.
She raised over $300 in one evening!
Thank you and Happy Birthday, Beth!
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