Voices For Children

Such a special evening celebrating our 2026 Honorees!

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we recognized Barbara Russell, our Bonnie Wikse Advocate for Children Honoree; Mark and Nancy Browning, our Ronnie Jackson Friends of Children Honorees; and TXB , our Champion for Children Honoree.

We are so grateful for the service, generosity, and commitment each of these honorees has shown to the children and families served by Voices for Children, CASA.

A special thank you to Brittney Drinkard Art for partnering with us to provide beautiful watercolor guest portraits for our attendees. We are so grateful for your talent and partnership in helping make the evening even more memorable.

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate our honorees and support the mission of Voices for Children, CASA. 💙

🎒 Shop for CASA is back! 🎒

Every child deserves to start the school year feeling confident, prepared, and excited. Through Shop for CASA, community members can help make that happen for children in foster care right here in the Brazos Valley. 💙

We are currently looking for shoppers! Individuals, families, businesses, churches, and community groups can sign up to be matched with a child and shop for their back-to-school needs, including clothing, backpacks, and school essentials.

Interested in shopping for a CASA child? Complete the Shopper Interest Form, and we will match you with a child based on your preferences.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9gnNU2PBC8kaf-6CnjgXJ8gCvmlhaMaiBcLj3F3LEMk2AHw/viewform

Not able to shop? You can still make a difference by making a donation, and our volunteers will shop on your behalf.

Having trouble with the link?: Comment "Shop for CASA" and we will DM you!

Questions?
📧 [email protected]

Read More: https://vfcbrazos.org/events/shop-for-casa/

Together, we can help ensure every child starts the school year feeling supported and ready to succeed. ✨

When Tracy became a CASA volunteer, one case immediately stood out to her: two siblings, including a young boy on the autism spectrum. As the grandmother of a child with autism herself, Tracy understood the challenges the family was facing.

The children had been removed after their mother became involved in an unsafe living situation. But from the beginning, Tracy saw a mother determined to rebuild her life.

“I know I messed up,” the mother told her, “but I’ll do whatever I need to do to get my kids back.”

Throughout the case, Tracy became a steady source of encouragement for the children’s mother as she navigated court requirements and her son’s autism diagnosis.

Because of her own experience and background, Tracy was able to help the mother understand evaluations, therapies, and support services. She connected the family with autism-specific therapy, parenting resources, and support programs. When a lengthy diagnostic test left the mother anxious about how her son would handle the process, Tracy reassured her and helped her feel more prepared for what was ahead.

Even though the young boy was nonverbal, Tracy found ways to communicate with him through his actions, behaviors, and routines. While others may have struggled to understand him, Tracy knew how to recognize when he needed space, patience, or comfort.

For Tracy, some of the most meaningful advocacy came through emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance. “I wanted her to know she was doing a great job and that she was on track,” Tracy said. “Don’t give up. Don’t look back. Just keep moving forward.” The mother secured stable housing, completed her services, and created a safe home for her children. Less than a year after the case began, the children were reunited with their mother.

“I felt blessed to watch this family come back together,” Tracy said. “Sometimes people just need support, encouragement, and someone who believes they can do better.”

Thank you to Tracy for sharing this powerful story of advocacy, encouragement, and reunification.