March 22nd, 2009
PEC donates $1,000 to CASA

From left to right: PEC Representative Ann Hall, CASA Board Member Janice Morris, CASA Board Member Becky Tomblin, PEC Representative George Esqueda, CASA Board Member John Kittle, CASA Executive Director Norma Blackwell and CASA Board Member Karen Sleighter.

STAFF REPORT

Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) recently donated $1,000 to Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Texas (CASA), as part of its “Light the Way” program.

CASA volunteers have advocated for abused and neglected children for almost 23 years, acting as the eyes and ears of the child protection court judge.

In addition to the donation, PEC give CASA a certificate that read, “In recognition of service to the community. Your dedication and commitment is an inspiration to us all.”

Said CASA Executive Director Norma Blackwell, “We are so blessed by the support PEC has shown us. I am so happy that, with these funds, we will be able to serve more children in our community by recruiting and training more volunteers.”

In 2008, CASA volunteers served 246 children in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties. The volunteers receive 40 hours of initial training, with opportunities for supplemental training as they continue in the program. Casework supervisors also provide guidance.

It is estimated by CASA that more than 400 additional children in the Central Texas area lack the kind of services CASA provides, as each volunteers can handle only one case at a time. Blackwell said the funds provided by PEC will allow not only more trainings to be held, but will also better support volunteers while they are serving on cases.

For more information about CASA, or to become a volunteer, call (512) 392-3578 or (830) 626-2272. Information also is available at CASA’s website.