Schindler and Matai Elected to CASA for the Cross Timbers Area Board
Kerry Schindler and Mauro Blessed Matai were recently elected to the CASA for the Cross
Timbers Area Board of Directors.
“We are excited to welcome Kerry and Blessed to our Board of Directors,” said Mindy Wooley,
CASA for the Cross Timbers Area Executive Director. “They bring a notable perspective with experience from higher education and public service.” says Wooley.
The board governs CASA for the Cross Timbers Area, a nonprofit organization that provides trained volunteer advocates for children who are in the foster care system due to allegations of abuse or neglect. There are currently 25 professionally trained volunteers serving 66 children in foster care in Eastland, Erath, Bosque, and Hamilton Counties.
“I joined CASA for the Cross Timbers Area as a board member to hopefully make an impact in a critical and meaningful space within our community,” said Schindler.
CASA volunteers with CASA for the Cross Timbers Area are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for a child or sibling group while they are in the foster care system. They advocate for the child in court, school and other settings; and get to know everyone involved in the child’s life, including their parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, family members and others.
CASA volunteers advocate first and foremost for children to be reunified with their parents whenever safe and possible. When reunification is not an option, they may advocate for the child to live with another relative or family friend. They can also advocate for the child to be placed in an adoptive home. In all cases, CASA volunteers are steadfast, consistent presences for the children they serve, making sure they are safe and have the resources and connections they need to grow and thrive.
It is the goal of CASA for the Cross Timbers Area and the other CASA programs in Texas to
provide a CASA volunteer for every child in foster care across the state.
For more information about CASA CTA and how to become a CASA volunteer, visit
CASACTA.org. Every child has a chance – it’s you. ®