About Us - CASA® for Kids of East Texas is a non-profit organization that provides trained community volunteers to advocate for the abused and neglected children of Smith, Wood and Van Zandt Counties.

CASA® for Kids of East Texas has been providing this unique and very important volunteer-driven service for the victims of child abuse in our community since 1990 when Judge Ruth Blake and concerned community citizens realized that these special children needed a neutral voice in court.

CASA® for Kids of East Texas is the only organization in Smith, Van Zandt and Wood Counties providing this service and has automatic court appointment to all the CPS cases. There is a professional staff of seven and a Board of Directors, which oversees operations and always holds fast to the mission to recruit, train and supervise court-appointed volunteers so as to advocate for children who have come into protective foster care as a result of abuse or neglect. However, there is an ongoing need for CASA® to recruit and train more volunteer advocates.

A very serious concern for all citizens and community partners should be why child abuse continues to escalate and what can be done to slow down this life-threatening trend. CASA® for Kids of East Texas, as endorsed by the 321st District Court, is an important component in the proactive solution of breaking the cycle of child abuse.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Director
Patty Garner

Chairman
Kimberly Abeldt

Vice-Chair
Colleen Colby

Treasurer
David Braswell

Executive Board
Joe Brady
Tommy Brown
Kevin Burdette
Ann Fitzgerald
Laura George
Laura Krantz
Andrew Meads
Dennis McAfee, Jr.
Nick Pesina
Beth Preston
Doris Sharp
Vel Williamson
Chris Wynn
Lynda York
LaToya Young