– Lone Star CASA proudly marks the 20th anniversary of its expansion into Kaufman County, where it has been a vital advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect since 2004. This milestone reflects two decades of unwavering commitment to ensuring the best interests of children in the judicial system.
Before the arrival of Lone Star CASA, Kaufman County lacked dedicated child advocacy resources. Child abuse cases often relied solely on attorney ad litems for legal representation, leaving many children’s emotional and social needs unaddressed. Recognizing this gap, Lone Star CASA’s board around 1999 spoke with Texas CASA and decided it was time to expand from its original establishment in Rockwall County, where it began serving in 1992.
Under the leadership of the board and with the support of local officials, including then Jugde Erleigh Wiley who now is Criminal District Attorney for Kaufman County Lone Star CASA transitioned from Casa of Rockwall County to its current name to better reflect its broadened mission. The program in Kaufman started with just two cases but quickly expanded to four, showcasing the immediate need for advocacy and the willingness of local volunteers to step up for children in distress.
“Our initial challenges included building community awareness and understanding of what CASA stands for,” said Lucille Bell, who was instrumental in the expansion efforts and served as the executive director starting in July 2004. “Many residents had never heard of CASA, so educating them about our role was crucial.”
The board worked tirelessly to engage local judges and organizations, emphasizing that CASA advocacy work directly impacted Kaufman children, even though their office was in Rockwall. Through persistent outreach and community involvement, they successfully secured support and increased volunteer numbers from the local area.
As the program grew, Lone Star CASA hired a part-time development director from Kaufman County, leading to the establishment of a local office. The program eventually moved to a more visible location at Wells Fargo, enhancing its presence in the community. The first pre-service training held in Kaufman was led by Barbara Henderson, Lone Star CASA’s current volunteer specialist. Her efforts played a crucial role in recruiting and training dedicated volunteers who would go on to make a significant impact in the lives of local children.
Lone Star CASA has seen a remarkable increase in Kaufman cases over the years, reflecting both the area’s population growth and the rising need for child advocacy. Today, the program continues to thrive, with a dedicated team of volunteers and supporters committed to protecting the rights and well-being of children.
“We thank everyone who has supported our mission and helped us expand our services in Kaufman County,” said Lucille Bell. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of children who need us most.”
In the last fiscal year, Lone Star CASA has advocated more than 200 children, helping 88 of them find permanency. Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children — serves Rockwall and Kaufman Counties in Texas. Lone Star CASA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports volunteers who gather important information about abused and neglected children and offer recommendations to judges that help them decide what is the best interests of each child.
For more information about Lone Star CASA and its ongoing efforts in Kaufman and Rockwall County, please visit Lone Star CASA or contact (972) 772-5858.
Lone Star CASA Board in 2002