Saturday will be CASA’s big night

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Milam County, or as they are more commonly known, CASA, has their “Taste of Milam” fundraiser this Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Venue at Railfan across the street from the Milam County Courthouse in Cameron. There will be vendors from all over the county there to support this organization and Thorndale’s own “The Other Band” will perform. The event will go from 6-10 p.m.

CASA is an important cog in the wheel of the justice system specifically aimed at supporting our county’s foster children by giving these children an advocate to the courts that will represent their best interests to the court. This organization is all volunteer from the administration that oversees things to the volunteers who work as these Special Advocates. As with any volunteer organization, funding is always an issue and CASA of Milam County is no exception.

While the county provides a stipend each year to help organizations like CASA, the CPS Board, and Child Advocacy Center of Central Texas, it’s only a portion of what these organizations need to handle this formidable job that affects so many people throughout the county by serving our smallest victims; the children who are the victims of abuse, endangerment, and neglect and are unfortunately all-to-often overlooked by our fast-paced society – they shouldn’t be.

There are four agencies in Milam County who deal with the needs of our children; the CPS Board, CASA of Milam County, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas, and A Place of Hope. All four of these Non-Profit agencies work to represent the children of Milam County, to provide the social support, impart the knowledge of child development, and provide the concrete resources the Community needs to ensurea all children grow to their full potential. They need your help, whether monetarily or as a volunteer. They all need your help, for to help these organizations is to help a child in need. 

Children are our future, they are our promise, they are the loves of our lives, and they truly are the gifts that God has blessed us with. As I have said since taking office, the safety and security of Milam County and its citizens should always be the most important thing to County Government and to the County as a whole. These children who are our most valuable assets, should always come first. 

I know the task seems large and the idea that one person can make a difference surely seems like a cliché, but remember, while no single person can solve the whole problem, each person can play a part and it’s up to each of us to do our part. Maybe, just maybe, if each of us does our part then we can eventually live in a world where something like Child Abuse Awareness Month is no longer needed. I pray that day comes sooner rather than later.

Please come out this Saturday and join us as we enjoy an evening raising funds for CASA in particular while experiencing the foods and beverages from our local businesses and the smooth sounds of The Other Band. The Nurse and I hope everyone has the chance to be a part of this very special event.