History
Golden Crescent CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) was established in 1995 with the mission to protect and defend the most vulnerable among us. Our sworn child advocates are given constant support and guidance by professional staff as they undergo training in child development, communication, and cultural competency skills. We are made up of, and for, the community.
Currently, Golden Crescent CASA serves as Guardian ad Litem for children in foster care in Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Refugio, and Victoria counties. Each CASA provides dedicated support on a one-to-one basis through services, treatment, and placement, allowing the child, their family, all the professionals involved to develop a trusting and nurturing relationship with the volunteer.
Impact for Children
CASA volunteers stay by a child’s side throughout the case, advocating first for reunification when safe and
possible. If reunification is not safe or possible, CASA volunteers will advocate for the child to be adopted by, or live with, other relatives or family friends. If that is also not possible, CASA volunteers will work towards adoption
by a non-relative.
No matter what, CASA volunteers will keep in contact with the support network until the case closes so that
everyone continues to put the child’s best interests first.
Mission Statement
CASA Volunteers support children and families involved in the child welfare system. At Golden Crescent CASA, our mission is to utilize trained volunteers appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of the children and families we serve.
Our Volunteers
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer gathers information from everyone involved in a child’s daily life, including members of the child’s family, foster parents, teachers, lawyers, social workers and other relevant persons.
Then, they report to a judge in order to advocate for the child’s best interests.
Ideally, CASA volunteers will work towards reuniting the child with their family of origin whenever safe, and if reunification is not possible, they may recommend placing the child with extended family or family friends.
CASA volunteers, like the children they help, come from all walks of life.
CASA Staff
Linda (Lyn) Duenes, Executive Director, lduenes@goldencrescentcasa.org
Diana Sneed, Program Director, dianas@goldencrescentcasa.org
Angela Floyd, Development Director, afloyd@goldencrescentcasa.org
Sonia Solis, Office Manager, gccasa@goldencrescentcasa.org
Charlene Moreno, Community Engagement Specialist, charlenem@goldencrescentcasa.org
Leticia Lechuga, Volunteer Supervisor Calhoun, Jackson and Victoria County, leticial@goldencrescentcasa.org
Christine Tovar, Volunteer Supervisor DeWitt and Victoria County, ctovar@goldencrescentcasa.org
Flora Hernandez, Volunteer Supervisor Refugio, Goliad, Victoria Counties, fhernandez@goldencrescentcasa.org
Darla Sanders, Volunteer Supervisor DeWitt, Gonzales and Lavaca Counties, dsanders@goldencrescentcasa.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tracy Post Gore, President
Nick Perez, Vice President
Tammy Kotzur, Secretary
Erica Bancuch, Director
Amanda Bedgood-Collins, Director
Jeanie Bauer, Director
Luther Easley, Director
Celeste Hunter, Director
Regina May, Director
Tyre Post, Director
Virginia Post, Director
Mia Talley, Director
OUR SUPPORTERS
Debra Roeder
Jeanie Bauer
Certified Training & Safety, Inc.
Cole, Cole, Easley & Sciba, P.C. Trial Attorneys
Jewel & Bill Buchanan - Amanda Bedgood Collins Wells Fargo Advisors - Christa Donoghue - Penni Gietz - Glazer's Beer & Beverage - Guaranty Title of South Texas - Justin Jaks
Privacy Statement
What information does Golden Crescent CASA gather through the site?
How does Golden Crescent CASA use personal information?
- to improve Golden Crescent CASA services;
- to customize the content and/or layout of our site for each individual visitor;
- to notify you about new opportunities or activities of Golden Crescent CASA or our agencies;
- to ask for your participation in brief surveys;
- to generate aggregate statistical studies;
- to complete any transactions you may do at the site (which will include providing your information to the relevant agencies so that they can complete your transaction).
- we have your permission to share the information;
- we are authorized to do so under this privacy statement; or
- we are required by law to disclose your information or to protect against fraud or
illegal activity.