Imagine a child in a courtroom, surrounded by many adults. Most she doesn't know. Among these adults might be her mother, father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, lawyers, child protective service workers, and the judge. This judge may be the person who determines the course of this child's life from here on out. The judge needs to make the best decision for the child but knows little or nothing about her or the other people involved in her case. A scenario much like this is what prompted the development of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Executive Director Rhodie Rawls, and Melissa Mease, Supervisor of Volunteers for CASA of Ellis County, work tirelessly obtaining needed funds and volunteers. Joe Bhore, President of the Board of Directors, has, for the past several years, tried to do his part to help. With Cindy and Andrew Burch and their staff at the Dove's Nest Restaurant assisting, Bhore hosts a dinner for a hundred or so friends. This year's Taste of India dinner was held Sunday evening, September 23rd, at the Dove's Nest Restaurant in downtown Waxahachie. Bhore supervises the preparation of such exotic dishes as lamb kebobs, chicken do, basmati rice with almonds, yogurt-cucumber salad and other Indian specialties.

The evening was devoted to thanking the volunteers and others whose endless work helps many children in need and carries out CASA's goals. Attendees dug deep in their pockets to help fund this non-profit agency. Introducing honored guests was Judge Bob Carroll, standing in for the ill Jim Pitts, Texas State Representative. Among the guests were Waxahachie Mayor Joe Jenkins, City Councilman Ron Wilkinson, and Judge Greg Wilhelm.

Started in the mid 1970's in Seattle, Washington, this idea has now spread nationwide. Court Appointed Special Advocates handle a case from the beginning until the child is placed in a safe, long-term, nurturing environment that is best for the

 child. The Advocate Volunteer gets to know the child and her circumstances and advises the judge on the course of action that would best benefit the child. Statistics show that a child put into a safe, non-violent environment will be better able to thrive and not return to the judicial system as a criminal.

The first CASA program in Texas began in Dallas in 1979. Texas CASA, which was formed in 1989, serves the 67 local CASA programs currently operating statewide by providing funding; training; technical assistance; coordination for program expansion and development; and tools and strategies for raising public awareness of child abuse and the need for volunteer advocates.

If interested in becoming a CASA Special Advocate Volunteer or to volunteer in another capacity, please contact CASA of Ellis County, P.O. Box 2646, Waxahachie, TX 75168  Phone 972- 937-1455 or email Rhodie Rawls at rlrawls@sbcglobal.net.

For information about CASA of Ellis County please go to their web site at http://www.casaofelliscounty.org Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to the above address or donations can be made securely online at CASA  Online Donations

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