Groesbeck Study Club educated on CASA

The Groesbeck Study Club had its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 16, at the Groesbeck Woman’s Club at 6 p.m. Mary Belle Leach, President, opened the meeting and welcomed everyone back.

Wanda Bush gave the devotional. She talked to us about the Solar Eclipse that we had just experienced and so many people coming to our area and even the schools closing and road closings and restaurants all full. Everyone was so excited to witness this for some once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wanda told us that she remembered the Eclipse in the 1970s herself. Before the event, everyone was worried that the cloud cover that was predicted would obscure our view. But just before the Totality of the Eclipse, the clouds parted, and we all had a glorious view (while wearing our eclipse glasses) of the most beautiful and wonderful happening. Her first thought was “We have such an Awesome God.” She told us to read Ecclesiastes 3:11. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. The Eclipse is a Cosmic Reminder of the greatness of God. Of all that God has made. Psalm 19:1 The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands: God's craftsmanship shows His love, power, and care through nature. She offered a wonderful prayer at this time. Praise the Lord. The hostesses for the evening, Karon Golden, Ladena King, Cathy Koenig, Deborah Little and June Wietzikoski presented us with a ‘Happy Fiesta” themed evening. EVERYTHING was decorated like a Fiesta. When we came up to the building, there was a sombrero for a wreath, and on either side of the door were wall hangings. On the left, WELCOME in bright colors. On the right, LET’S FIESTA in bright colors as well. As we entered the room there were several card tables set up with bright colored tablecloths and bright-colored place settings. In the middle of each table was a sarape and atop that was a miniature pinata.’ Over each window were colorful garlands with twinkle-lights and more twinkle lights and large brightly colored paper flowers on the mantlepiece and around the room. Each surface had some festive decorations on them. We were served a taco bar with all the fixings, charro beans, chips & cheese, and salsa, and for dessert, cupcakes and fluff salad with tea and water to drink. The hostesses outdid themselves and we were all delighted. Melissa Jarvis introduced our program for the evening. Ashley Gomez, Executive Director of the Limestone and Freestone County chapter of CASA-Child Abuse Special Advocates. She was joined by Sherrie Bailey who is a Volunteer Advocate Supervisor for CASA. She first started us with a video about what they are faced with. The video, Emily’s Dragon was in first person through the eyes of a child. This must be the saddest thing we have ever seen. Thanks to the diligence of law enforcement, CPS (Child Protective Services), schools, and now CASA, these children have a much better chance to survive and, in some cases, can return to their families and thrive. Law enforcement and CPS always make the first assessment and then CASA does all the research and mentoring, and it is always to make sure that whatever happens is in the best interest of the child. Thankfully, our CASA started in February 2023. CASA operates through the court system and with a volunteer force. They receive grants for some of the funds, but they must match the funds and these funds mostly are donation-based. Volunteers apply and then get training and background checks and then when they accomplish all this are sworn in by a Judge. CASA acts as the child’s advocate in all things once a case is assigned, meeting with the children, their families, and CPS and going to court hearings with the children to make sure their best interests are being represented. They work with the parents to ensure that they take the required classes and necessary action to reunify families if at all possible. They also provide resources to the kids like clothes and other necessities.
Their in-house store where the donations will be sorted and dispensed called Cynthia’s Closet is located at the CASA office in Mexia. They need so many things because most of the children are picked up with just the clothes on their backs. They need car seats, all kinds of clothes and undergarments from infant diapers and formula to adult sizes, toiletries of all kinds, and suitcases are really needed for the children which they never have. You can also donate money. There will be a fundraiser called LeFevre Ranches Freestone County presents BOOTS, BLING, & BINGO. On Saturday, April 27, at Twisted Vines, 198 VFW Ln, Fairfield. The doors open at 5 p.m. There will be a Cocktail Hour-cash bar, dinner, and games starting at 6 p.m. for ages 16 and up. All proceeds go to CASA of Limestone Freestone Counties.
The most important thing is that the Judge listens to CASA. He knows that they have done their work and are dedicated to the welfare of the child. Please consider donating to CASA and to Cynthia’s Closet there in the Mexia office. And do not forget to pray for them all. Many thanks to Ashley and Sherrie for coming to make us aware of the gravity of this situation and how we can help. After the program, we resumed the meeting and then had a wonderful time of fellowship.