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, Interim Executive Director, lduenes@goldencrescentcasa.org
Diana Sneed, Program Director, dianas@goldencrescentcasa.org
Kelcey Norwood, CASA Coordinator, gccasa@goldencrescentcasa.org
Charlene Moreno, Community Engagement Specialist, charlenem@goldencrescentcasa.org
Leticia Lechuga, Volunteer Supervisor Calhoun County, leticial@goldencrescentcasa.org
Christine Tovar, Volunteer Supervisor Victoria County, ctovar@goldencrescentcasa.org
Flora Hernandez, Volunteer Supervisor Refugio, Goliad, Victoria Counties, fhernandez@goldencrescentcasa.org
Darla Sanders, Volunteer Supervisor Gonzales & Lavaca Counties, dsanders@goldencrescentcasa.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tracy Gore, President
Jennifer Farris, Treasurer
Tammy Kotzur, Secretary
Marco Porras, Immediate Past President
Erica Bancuch, Director
Amanda Bedgood-Collins, Director
Jeanie Bauer, Director
Luther Easley, Director
Celeste Hunter, Director
Pam Lahodny, Director
Regina May, Director
Nick Perez, Director
Tyre Post, Director
Virginia Post, Director
Mia Talley, Director
OUR SUPPORTERS
Jeanie Bauer
Certified Training & Safety, Inc.
Cole, Cole, Easley & Sciba, P.C. Trial Attorneys
Betty Jo and Donald Elder
Mary Cay & Steve Barker - Brannan Paving, CO,. LTD - Lisa & Donald Breech - Jewel & Bill Buchanan - Amanda Bedgood Collins Wells Fargo Advisors - Christa Donoghue - Rhea and Fred Fry - Penni Gietz - Glazer's Beer & Beverage - John Griffin & Lynn Knaupp - Tracy & Wayne Gore - Guaranty Title of South Texas - Marvin Harvey & Kathryn Schaper - Tim Hornback & Bob McKnight - Joyce Hyak - Justin Jaks - KMH Wealth Management, LLC, Keller & Associates CPAs, PLLC - Tammy Kotzur - Kelly & Casey Kucera - Janey & Melvin Lack - Mary & Gary Post and Family - Prosperity Bank - Aggie & John Quitta - Mark Zafereo











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