A steady advocate across West Texas

CASA of West Texas trains and supports volunteers who speak for children's best interests in foster care.

By Clayton Hollingsworth · 1 min read

Ways to take part ↓Leadership & contacts ↓

The Short Version

Court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children in foster care across a broad West Texas service area.

The work behind volunteer advocacy

CASA of West Texas recruits, trains and supports volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for children in the foster care system. The organization began its local work in 1990 and became independent in 2000. Its service territory extends beyond Midland into communities including Andrews, Dawson, Gaines, Howard, Martin, Glasscock, Reeves, Pecos and Brewster counties.

A volunteer may be the most visible part of that model, but a functioning CASA program also requires recruitment, training and continuing staff support. Those organizational responsibilities are a meaningful part of what philanthropic funding helps sustain.

A regional commitment

The organization maintains offices in Midland, Big Spring and Fort Stockton, giving its work several regional bases. Executive Director Patty Pisklak and Development Director Katy Reiner lead the organization. Across that territory, the mission remains centered on the needs and best interests of children in foster care.

Supporters can contribute through one-time or monthly gifts, while people considering volunteer service can learn about screening, training and ongoing responsibilities through the organization's inquiry process. Both forms of participation matter to a program built around sustained advocacy. Financial support helps maintain the organization that prepares and supports volunteers; the volunteers bring that preparation into their continuing work with children.