Gallery Event benefiting CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates of Tarrant County

Child abuse is on the rise. Not in some far-off place, but right here in Tarrant County. More than 580 Texas children are currently placed out of state. We are facing a CRISIS in the foster care system as the Texas Child Protective Services system does not have enough bed space for all children in its care. The numbers are clear. Without intervention, the effects of child abuse or neglect can continue to last a lifetime including: higher incarceration rates, teenage pregnancy, homelessness, substance abuse, and poor medical/mental health. Due to too few foster homes, siblings are often divided into different places. Children are rarely able to stay in their schools, daycares, or communities. Everything they have known is gone. Through no fault of their own, these abused children have become a part of an overburdened child welfare system. These children deserve a voice in the courtroom. They need a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer! CASA of Tarrant County has over 600 active volunteers from all walks of life. They span all age ranges. Some are just beginning in the workforce, and others are retired. Around half of their volunteers work full-time and have families. Some have criminal justice, social work, or child welfare backgrounds. Other volunteers have no such experience at all. CASA of Tarrant County provides all the training you need in a 33-hour course. You'll learn about courtroom procedures as well as the consequences of abuse and neglect. After the course, you'll be sworn in by a judge as an official volunteer advocate. As a volunteer advocate, you will be assigned to a Child Advocacy Specialist with CASA of Tarrant County who will guide you, support your efforts and attend all court hearings with you. Plus, volunteer requirements can be done on a flexible schedule. Through the years, CASA of Tarrant County has shown consistent growth in the number of children served each year. The ultimate goal is to provide every child in foster care who needs one with a highly trained CASA volunteer. Funding is received from the Texas Legislature that sets aside money specifically for Texas CASA programs, which are distributed by our state organization. The remaining funds are raised through foundation grants, civic and corporate organizations, individual contributions, 3rd party fundraisers, and CASA's special events. CASA Kids on Canvas, will be held on Thursday October 19th, between 5:30 to 8pm at the 4 Eleven in Ft. Worth. This year is CASA of Tarrant County's 40th Anniversary, so this event will be bigger and better than ever. Join them for a special one-night gallery event showcasing artwork created by children who are currently in foster care. Your support of this event can bring relief to so many hurting families! Give your time, fill your heart, and attend Casa Kids On Canvas.

WHO: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Tarrant County (CASA) is 501c3 public charity organization of volunteer advocates who stand up on behalf of abused and neglected children.

WHAT: CASA Kids on Canvas celebrating CASA of Tarrant County’s 40 Years of advocacy! A special one-night gallery event showcasing artwork created by children currently in foster care. Event proceeds provide critical advocacy and support services to the volunteers who advocate on behalf of the abused and neglected children in Tarrant County. Sponsorships still available: Frida $5,000 / Da Vinci $2,500 Monet $1000 / Van Gough $75 / Pollack $500 and Friends of Casa $200. Learn more at: speakupforachild.org/canvas

Fast Facts Casa Kids On Canvas

Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 5:30-8pm

The 4 Eleven 411 S Main Street Fort Worth, Texas 76104

A special one-night gallery event showcasing artwork created by children currently in foster care. Proceeds from this event provide critical advocacy and support services to the volunteers who advocate on behalf of the abused and neglected children in Tarrant County. Ticket information:

• Adults Age 13 and up: $15

• 12 and under: Free

Ticket Includes:

• Delicious bites and drinks

• Premium raffle prizes

• Kid-friendly activities

• Premier silent auction

• Opportunity to take home one-of-a-kind paintings

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event.

LEARN MORE BY VISITING speakupforachild.org