Casa of Bell and Coryell Counties honors volunteers

May 1, 2025

By Daniel Moctezuma

Belton Journal

More than 150 CASA volunteers were recognized last Thursday during the Advocate Appreciation Event hosted by CASA of Bell and

Coryell Counties at the Bell County Museum. The luncheon marked the organization’s 10th anniversary serving children in the local foster care system.

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in court, helping judges make decisions about each child’s best interests.

“This organization is built on volunteers,” said Ashley Clapper Bennett, board president of CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties. “Without volunteers, we don’t exist.”

Throughout the program, speakers reflected on CASA’s decade of service and the role of volunteers in shaping outcomes for children. Kathleen M. Lavallee, President and CEO of Dallas CASA, delivered the keynote address, offering insight into the challenges CASA programs may face as Texas moves toward privatizing parts of the foster care system.

Vicki Spriggs, CEO of Texas CASA, emphasized the importance of volunteer advocacy. “You don’t recognize how powerful you are,”

Spriggs said. “With every child you help, you are changing the future of Texas.”

Tina Capito, former board president, spoke about CASA’s early history and the lasting involvement of its founding members. “The important history of CASA is not just the timeline—it’s the people who stayed and showed up for kids every day,” Capito said.

Bennett also announced that CASA has launched a capital campaign to fund its new permanent office in Belton.

Linda Guerrero, a CASA volunteer for more than two years, said her past experience with Child Protective Services motivated her to join after retirement. “It’s a wonderful feeling being there for a child or a parent, helping them get what they need,” Guerrero said.

Awards were presented for years of service and individual achievements. Marilyn Bird was recognized for 10 years of volunteer work. Philemon Brown received recognition for most hours served on casework, and Peter Barajas was honored for traveling more than 3,400 miles to visit children across the region.

CASA reported that in 2024, volunteers served nearly 300 children across 143 cases, with more than half of closed cases resulting in reunification with primary family members