CCF Grants to CASA of Collin County a ‘Lifesaver’ for Volunteers
Volunteering for CASA of Collin County can be tragic because of the stories. But also rewarding and fulfilling because you know you helped a child in ways no one else could.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers act as advocates for abused and neglected children. When it’s time for the court to decide the child’s placement, the CASA volunteer testifies in the child’s best interest.
“People have all different reasons to volunteer,” said Tricia Clifton, CEO and President of CASA of Collin County. “Maybe they were a victim of abuse themselves at one point. Maybe they knew a family member or maybe they took a child in. Maybe they just wanted to do something deeper, bigger. We get a whole range of answers, honestly.”
The organization is assigned 300 to 400 foster children a year. These children could be relocated to foster homes or family members across Texas and the United States. In 2024, CASA of Collin County volunteers logged 158,000 miles while serving as advocates for children in the foster system.
The CoServ Charitable Foundation (CCF) has been a long-time partner of CASA of Collin County, awarding over $76,000 in grants since 2014. Most recently, CCF awarded grants in 2023 and 2024.
“These volunteers play an important, often overlooked role in our community to ensure all children live in safe homes where they can flourish,” said Jennifer Ebert, CCF Coordinator. “This perfectly aligns with CCF’s mission, specifically Meeting Basic Human Needs, so we are proud to partner with CASA of Collin County.”
The 2023 grant purchased audio and video equipment for the conference room at CASA’s headquarters in downtown McKinney. Training is essential for CASA volunteers and the new technology improves their presentations, making it possible to record them.
The 2024 grant purchased Remarkable writing tablets for the volunteers. The tablets are used to easily access notes and documents while in interviews or courtrooms.
“CoServ has definitely made our lives easier, even with something as simple as a projector,” Tricia said. “And the Remarkables have been a lifesaver. It saves time that they’re able to further dedicate back to the children.”
All of this is made possible because of the CoServ Members and Customers who round their bills up to the nearest dollar as part of Operation Roundup (ORU). The pennies you donate each month add up to more than $1 million each year and make a huge impact on your community!
