Fannin County, Texas -- On September 27, 2024, two dedicated individuals, Leslie Hawk and Terri Holder, were sworn-in as CASA volunteers for children in foster care in Fannin County. The Honorable Judge Lauri Blake of the 336th District Court administered her last oath, officially welcoming them as CASA guardians ad litem.
Julie Luton, CASA Program Director at the Fannin County Children's Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the new volunteers: "We're absolutely thrilled to have Leslie Hawk and Terri join our team. Their commitment to completing 32 hours of intensive training demonstrates their unwavering dedication to serving children from hard places. Their passion and energy will undoubtedly bring hope and positive change to the lives of those they serve."
The life-changing impact of CASA volunteers
In the past year, CASA volunteers logged an impressive 1,305 hours, serving 23 children, and drove over 10,653 miles for children in foster care.
The role of CASA advocates
As Court Appointed Special Advocates, these volunteers will:
- Investigate each child's situation
- Prepare written reports for the court
- Advocate for the child's best interest in court hearings and other settings
- Monitor educational, medical, mental health, and other needs
A call to action: Join the movement
The Fannin County Children's Center invites community members to join the mission to support vulnerable children. Volunteer opportunities abound:
- CASA training classes (next session likely will be in March of 2025)
- Event volunteering
- Administrative support
To learn more, call (903) 583-4339 or visit www.fanninccc.org
As Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Leslie Hawk and Terri Holder embody this spirit, and their dedication will
undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the lives of foster children.
