(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the January 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
A nonprofit organization has been quietly transforming the lives of Rio Grande Valley (RGV) children and their families for more than 30 years. Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cameron and Willacy Counties provides support for children navigating the welfare system.
CASA’s mission is clear: to advocate for children in the child welfare system by appointing trained volunteers who ensure each child’s voice is heard. Lacey Ambriz, the organization’s Communications Director, shares insights into CASA’s vital work, its impact on the community, and its future plans.
“When a child is removed from their home and placed into care, the court appoints CASA to their case,” Ambriz explains. “I like to compare it to a Big Brother, Big Sister program… [Volunteers] go and see the child wherever they're placed. Our volunteers build organic relationships with the children… finding out their wants, their needs, and ensuring they don’t fall through the cracks of the system. The volunteers amplify the child’s voice… representing their best interests.”
Ambriz’s passion for the cause is evident in her work. She started as a CASA volunteer before joining the staff five years ago. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know we’re impacting lives during such critical moments.”
Over the years, CASA has expanded its reach and resources. One unique addition to CASA’s team is Forest, a certified facility dog who has been with the program for three years. Forest’s calming presence is a source of comfort for children during court hearings, helping them feel supported in stressful situations.
But at the heart of CASA’s work is its dedicated volunteer program. Volunteers undergo a thorough screening and 30 hours of flexible training before being paired with a CASA supervisor. “What we look for is somebody who is motivated to want to help, not only the children, but also to provide support to their families… because at the end of the day, we want family unification when it's safe and possible. And that advocate is going to help be that support for the child throughout this time,” Ambriz says.
Volunteering with CASA is not without its challenges. It requires time, dedication, and emotional resilience. But as Ambriz points out, the rewards are immeasurable. “We’ve had volunteers from all walks of life,” Ambriz states proudly. “We've had retired teachers, nurses, attorneys, and even students from the colleges who are earning a degree in a similar field and just want to learn and have some hands-on experience. with our program once the case has closed and everybody from the court is dismissed. I've seen where many volunteers are still able to have contact with the family and the children, and they still have relationships with them. That shows the impact of what our work is and how we've built an amazing connection.”
Community involvement is crucial to CASA’s success. Though partnerships with local chambers of commerce and participation in community events aid CASA in their efforts for support, Ambriz claims that one of CASA’s biggest hurdles is awareness. “We still encounter people who have never heard of CASA. That tells me there’s so much more work to be done in spreading the word about our mission.”
Ambriz states that one of the biggest ways in which businesses and individuals can help is by displaying banners, sharing informational materials, or simply spreading the word. CASA truly knows the power of word of mouth. “A lot of our volunteers come through word-of-mouth,” Ambriz notes. “And that goes a really long way and people hear about what we do. That would be an easy way, a great way for our community to help support us.”
Fundraisers and donations also play a vital role in filling gaps not covered by grants. “The money raised helps us continue our work, ensuring we can serve as many children as possible,” says Ambriz. Fundraisers like the annual Royal Ball and an upcoming 80s-themed event have helped the organization to serve more children, as well as increase public awareness of its services.
CASA’s vision for the future is ambitious yet rooted in necessity. “Our biggest goal right now is we want to be appointed to every case and every child that comes through the system,” Ambriz shares. Currently, CASA serves 224 children across 91 cases with the help of 50 active volunteers. However, there are still many children without a CASA advocate, so more volunteers are needed to ensure no child is left without a voice.
When asked what message she would like to share with the community, Ambriz emphasizes the profound difference CASA volunteers make. “Volunteering might not be for everybody. It’s a commitment, [yet] it is just so rewarding, the bond that you build with these children. And the influence you can have, it goes a long way. It's not just further throughout the duration of their case. Volunteers make a lasting impact that goes further, even after the case is closed.”
For those unable to volunteer, there are still many ways to support CASA’s work. Monthly training sessions provide opportunities to learn more, and the organization’s website and office are always open to inquiries.
As CASA of Cameron and Willacy Counties looks to the future, its mission remains steadfast: to ensure every child in the welfare system has an advocate, a voice, and a chance for a brighter future.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, education, or sponsorship you can contact CASA of Cameron and Willacy County by phone at (956) 546-6545, email (advocates@casaofcw.org), or via their Facebook page (@casaofcameronandwillacy).
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