When Mackenzie became a volunteer for CASA of Tarrant County, she started helping children who were just like her
CASA Of Tarrant County celebrated 40 years of community service during its annual volunteer awards dinner last weekend.
Established in 1983, CASA Of Tarrant County is a nonprofit that advocates for abused and neglected children in the metroplex. According to a media release, CASA Of Tarrant County has the third-highest confirmed number of abuse cases in Texas, and every year, over 400 volunteers serve 500 kids in the metroplex.
To commemorate its 40 years of dedication and advocacy, CASA Of Tarrant County recognized this year’s awardees and volunteers during a special celebration at the Fort Worth Zoo last month. Not only did 40 volunteers receive awards for their many years of service, but Southlake residents Kathleen Giddings and Daniel Shaw were also recognized for giving five years towards the nonprofit’s cause.
Since the program’s inception locally in 2005, the annual Birdies campaign has generated more than $165 million for participating charities. CASA of Tarrant County is one of them.
A record Birdies for Charity campaign has driven total charity impact from the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge past the $20 million mark for the first time. Leading up to the 2023 PGA TOUR event at Colonial Country Club, local non-profit groups worked to secure pledges from friends and businesses for the tournament’s annual “Birdies For Charity” campaign. Then the pros did their part by making 1,079 birdies during the championship. We are so happy to be one of the Birdies groups!
Wednesday's Child: This 13-year-old has been in foster care most of his life. His advocates are hoping for a loving family to adopt him
Jefferey is on the autism spectrum and doesn't use a whole lot of words, but he does like talking about Mrs. Carrie Dyck. She is his Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
"She gives me a hug. She gives me chicken nuggets. She gives me some fries," he said with excitement.
"When he came into care, he wasn't verbal really, and now he's really verbal," Dyck said. "He's getting more verbal every day. I've known him six years."