When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
CASA of Travis County
Why CASA of Travis County is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
CASA of Travis County is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting and protecting the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Founded in 1985, CASA empowers volunteers from diverse backgrounds to advocate for nearly 1,000 children each year in Travis County. These volunteers undergo extensive training and background checks before being sworn in by a judge to serve as trustworthy advocates within the child welfare system. Volunteers typically dedicate 15 to 20 hours per month to gather information from various sources related to the child's welfare, including families, teachers, doctors, and therapists, ensuring the child's voice is heard in court and community settings. CASA offers additional volunteering roles like Early Family Engagement and Family Finding that help maintain vital family connections for the children they support. Known for its strong community presence and impact, CASA of Travis County continues to grow with close to 600 active volunteers and a robust network of supporters. Its programs also provide critical services to youth transitioning to adulthood, equipping them for independent living and healthy futures. The organization’s dedication to recruiting diverse volunteers helps ensure children see advocates who reflect their own communities. CASA of Travis County stands as a valuable resource and meeting point for those who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Here's what people think of CASA of Travis County
As of recent, CASA of Travis County holds a 4.2-star rating based on 23 reviews.
User reviews of CASA of Travis County generally praise the organization for its meaningful mission and community impact. Positive feedback often highlights the comprehensive volunteer training and the fulfillment volunteers experience from making a direct difference in abused and neglected children's lives. Volunteers appreciate the opportunity to learn court procedures, work closely with children, and collaborate with various professionals to holistically support the child's welfare. The organization's supportive environment and clear commitment to children’s well-being are recurring themes in positive reviews. On the other hand, some reviewers mention challenges such as the emotionally demanding nature of the work, time commitments involved, and occasionally bureaucratic processes that can create hurdles for volunteers. A few express desires for stronger organizational communication or additional resources for volunteers handling complex cases. Despite these concerns, the overall consensus reflects a high regard for CASA’s effectiveness and the rewarding experience of advocacy it provides. In conclusion, the reviews collectively indicate that CASA of Travis County is respected for its vital role in child advocacy, offering a deeply impactful and enriching volunteer opportunity despite some organizational challenges.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
ProWorkTech
I started my CASA training on May 27th, 2025, and by June 11th, I received a call from the director of training, Lydia, that the training team decided I'm not a fit for CASA. I asked them to give me a reason and their reason was that, it was a holistic screening review from day 1 of training until June 10th (that is something they tell you during training classes that you are still in the screening process and they could decide to eliminate you from completing your training). Before June 11th, I received a call from Ryan, and he wanted me to explain why I use my tablet during class training; meanwhile, I don't have the printed training materials so I access the training materials from my tablet. That was exactly what I said to him. On June 10th, I attended class with an SEH (aviation) cap/hat (nothing bad about it) because I had not cut my hair and was not happy to present myself not looking presentable; Ryan said something about the hat (something like, "are we doing SEH hat today.") *Just a note, I don't have any criminal background, I completed my fingerprints on June 9th (paid $35.74 out of pocket cost, was looking forward to being cleared by next week), completed my court observation hours (3 hours) on June 11th, participated in both in person and Zoom training sessions, and received my background check that I am cleared. I would say the CASA program sounds good, the training staff like La'Kresha and Bree were approachable; didn't really interact with Lydia much, but my intuition tells me it was Ryan's decision to let me go due to the above reasons. CASA looks like kids and families benefit from the hard work of supervisors and volunteers, alike. However, I think there is no transparency when you are told to do court observation hours, complete your fingerprints (on your dime) by the end of your 8 classes training, and then you are told not to show up to training because they don't think that "you volunteering your time" is a fit for the program. I don't want this to happen to anyone or to waste your money or your currency of time, if you can volunteer, that would be good for children needing advocates, but tread cautiously because they would likely discontinue your volunteer training due to their short-sighted decisions and lack of reason given to you. Imagine a volunteer they let go who would have been passionate to serve and advocate for children in need/critical conditions. What was distasteful about the whole process is that I decided to put my Summer vacation on hold until the training was completed, and the time I put into background checks with emails, I was in the middle of doing the remainder four of my references' check, and finished my court hours observation, and wasted 3.5 hours of each of the five class sessions (a total of 17.5 hours I will never get back in life). Anyway, life goes on, and it's a small world, so I am sure our paths would cross again in different capacities in Austin, Texas.
Mallory Hoernig
After being a volunteer with CASA for about a year, I wholeheartedly believe that they are doing such important work. The foster care system is far from perfect, but CASA provides an important scaffolding that ensures each and every child has someone, outside of that system dedicated to their well being; whatever those needs entail. If you are looking for a way to give of your time and heart, look no further.
Meredith Roberts
We are so grateful for the work CASA does. We attended a foster kids alumni meet up. There were a few kids who have aged out of the foster care system who were encouraging the kids who were still in it.
Audrey Kirkpatrick
I know some great foster parents. I also see great foster parents using children to punish . Some these are only grand children they will know
Heather G
Wonderful non-profit!!! These people do amazing work and a great place to volunteer!!! Lots of training and support for volunteers!
How to reach CASA of Travis County
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Why CASA of Travis County may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at CASA of Travis County with your friends?
Gathering friends or family at CASA of Travis County offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful community advocacy while bonding over a shared purpose. Unlike traditional meetup venues, CASA creates a space where groups can rally together to support vulnerable children who have experienced abuse or neglect. This is not simply a social outing; it is a chance to contribute to an impactful cause by volunteering, learning about child welfare, or supporting programs that make a real difference in young lives. Rallying here allows your group to connect on a deeper level, combining camaraderie with civic engagement. It provides an environment that is both uplifting and inspiring—where everyone can witness firsthand how collective efforts empower children to find safe, permanent, and loving homes. Moreover, CASA’s inclusive volunteer community welcomes people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. Meeting at CASA of Travis County transforms a typical gathering into a memorable experience with long-lasting social and emotional benefits, making it an ideal place to create meaningful connections with your friends while giving back to the community.
What activities can you do at CASA of Travis County?
CASA of Travis County offers a variety of activities that are well-suited for groups looking to engage with an important cause. The centerpiece activity is volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), which involves rigorous training followed by advocacy for children in the court system who need a voice. Volunteers spend time learning about the child welfare system and then dedicate hours building relationships with children and those involved in their lives, such as family members, teachers, and therapists. Beyond the core advocacy role, CASA offers specialized volunteer opportunities like Early Family Engagement and Family Finding, which focus on strengthening children's ties with their families—activities that provide different levels of time commitment for groups with varied availability. Alongside volunteering, CASA organizes community events and informational sessions where groups can learn more about child protection efforts and how their support helps shape positive outcomes for children. Group visits can include workshops, training modules, and tours to understand how CASA operates, making it an interactive and educational experience. These activities offer fulfilling ways for a group to collaborate meaningfully while developing empathy and awareness around the critical issue of child abuse and neglect.
Why is CASA of Travis County perfect for a group meetup?
CASA of Travis County is an exceptional venue for group meetups because it merges community service with social interaction, creating a purposeful gathering beyond simple entertainment. The environment is supportive and inspiring, surrounded by passionate volunteers dedicated to improving children's lives, providing a shared mission that can unite friends or family. The organization’s history as a trusted advocate since 1985 shows a strong foundation and commitment to children’s welfare, which gives groups confidence that their time spent here contributes to a reputable cause. Additionally, CASA’s flexible volunteer roles accommodate groups of different sizes and interests, allowing each member to participate in a way that suits them. For groups interested in service-based meetups, CASA offers a fulfilling alternative to the usual social spots, where every engagement leaves a lasting impact beyond the immediate experience. Furthermore, the training and activities create natural opportunities for groups to develop teamwork and communication skills in a meaningful context. CASA hosts community partnerships and grants that emphasize diverse and inclusive volunteer recruitment, reflecting a welcoming environment for all backgrounds, which makes group members feel valued and motivated together.
How does CASA of Travis County support and empower its volunteers?
Volunteers at CASA of Travis County receive extensive preparation and ongoing support that makes their role both impactful and fulfilling. New volunteers undergo a comprehensive 39-hour training program that includes courtroom observation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to advocate effectively for children’s best interests. Upon successful completion, volunteers are sworn in by a judge and entrusted to advocate for assigned children or families. They dedicate about 15 to 20 hours monthly to understanding the child’s circumstances and collaborating with the child’s network of caregivers and professionals. This commitment is recognized and supported by the organization through continuous education, peer support groups, and staff mentorship, helping volunteers grow in their roles and maintain high advocacy standards. CASA also offers diversified volunteer roles such as Early Family Engagement and Family Finding for those seeking different kinds of involvement, catering to various time commitments and interests, which broadens opportunities for groups to participate. The organization’s focus on volunteer experience ensures advocates feel empowered to make a tangible difference, reinforcing the group dynamic by sharing this sense of purpose and achievement during meetups.
What community impact does CASA of Travis County have?
CASA of Travis County has a profound impact on the local community by protecting nearly 1,000 children annually through the efforts of almost 600 trained volunteers. Since its establishment in 1985, CASA has been a vital voice for abused and neglected children, advocating for safe and permanent homes to promote stable futures. Programs like the Bridge to Permanency and Transitioning Youth Program highlight CASA’s dedication to addressing specific challenges children face, including helping teens prepare for adulthood with education and life skills. The organization partners with local groups such as Impact Austin, which has provided grants to expand services and recruit diverse volunteers, ensuring representation matters and mirroring the children’s community composition more accurately. CASA’s sustained advocacy improves children's health, education, and emotional well-being, generating broader social benefits by breaking cycles of abuse and instability. Community events organized by CASA also raise public awareness on child welfare issues, encouraging more community members to support and volunteer. This extensive reach and effectiveness make CASA an ideal destination for groups wanting to contribute to positive social change, creating a tangible, uplifting collective impact with every meetup.
Why does CASA of Travis County stand out among nonprofits?
CASA of Travis County stands out because of its specialized focus on child advocacy through volunteer empowerment, backed by a strong legacy and proven success. Unlike many general nonprofit organizations, CASA trains community volunteers to serve as appointed advocates in court cases involving child abuse and neglect, which is a hands-on and critical intervention in a child’s life. The organization balances rigorous volunteer training with personalized support, ensuring advocates are competent and confident. CASA’s model is grounded in decades of research and practice that demonstrate how consistent, informed adult support helps children achieve permanency and stability. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion, demonstrated by targeted recruitment of volunteers that reflect the children's communities, enhances cultural sensitivity and effectiveness. Additionally, CASA is deeply integrated into the legal and social welfare systems, providing unique opportunities for volunteers to engage directly with public institutions. This combination of direct advocacy, volunteer development, community support, and partnerships makes CASA of Travis County a standout nonprofit where groups can feel confident their time and energy contribute to a meaningful, lasting difference.
How can groups get involved and support CASA of Travis County?
Groups interested in supporting CASA of Travis County can engage in several ways, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or advocacy awareness. The most direct form of involvement is participating together in CASA’s volunteer training to become Court Appointed Special Advocates or joining specialized roles that suit different schedules and skill sets. Beyond hands-on advocacy, groups can organize fundraising events, donate, or assist in spreading awareness about CASA’s mission within their social networks. CASA regularly hosts community events and informational sessions that groups can attend to learn more and connect with staff and volunteers. For groups looking for flexible commitments, CASA’s supporting roles like Early Family Engagement provide meaningful ways to contribute that fit various group dynamics. Collaborating with CASA also offers educational value, providing insights about child welfare and the foster care system that enhance group understanding and empathy. By rallying together at CASA, groups not only deepen their bonds but also multiply their positive impact in the community. The organization’s welcoming environment and volunteer-centric approach ensure that every member of the group feels valued and effective in their contribution.