Voices for Children
Voices for Children CASA will hold its first annual Pickleball Palooza Tournament on September 30, 2023, at Texas A&M University. This tournament is for both pickleball enthusiasts and beginners alike, with a beginner's clinic and informal play for those new to the sport and a competitive tournament for experienced players. The day will include swag bags for players, snacks and refreshments, a chance to win a one-of-a-kind raffle prize, and an awards ceremony to name the 2023 Pickleball Palooza Champion!
In 2022, Voices for Children with 173 volunteers advocated for 433 children in a 5county region who were removed from their homes due to confirmed abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers drove more than 88,591 miles in service to families and donated 8,789 hours advocating for children and families. Local support enables Voices for Children to recruit, train and empower volunteers who support children and families involved in the foster care system. The pickleball tournament has an important goal: to raise vital funding for Voices for Children to continue to provide advocacy for these children. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available. Voices for Children invites you and your company to play an important role in helping us meet this goal by sponsoring the pickleball tournament.
“We are excited to announce this new, fun, and exciting fundraising opportunity. We know that our continued success would not be possible without the numerous community partners who support Voices for Children through individual contributions and corporate sponsorships,” said AMY FAULKNER, Executive Director of VOICES FOR CHILDREN. “Your support of this tournament and other fundraising activities ensure that our organization can carry out our mission of improving the lives of children and families in the foster care system.”
CASA volunteers are assigned to one child or sibling group to advocate for their best interest in court, in school, and other settings. Advocates get to know the child and everyone involved in their life, such as their parents and other family members, foster parents, therapists, caseworkers, and teachers, to develop a realistic picture ofthe child’s unique situation. They engage those important to the child and family to build a network of support around the child so that the family has access to supportand resources after the case ends. They make recommendations to the judge overseeing the child’s case, with the goal of ensuring that the child is safe and the family has the resources, support, and healthy relationships needed to heal.
When reunification is not a possibility for the children they serve, CASA volunteers work to find others that can provide a positive, healthy, and loving environment. These can include relatives, friends, or other adults that are important in the child’s life—keeping a child connected to their home community.
To sponsor the Voices for Children Pickleball Palooza Tournament, contact Community Awareness and Events Coordinator, Lauren Barnhill, at 979-822-9700 orlbarnhill@vfcbrazos.org. “Sponsorships and teams are still available, but are going fast” BARNHILL said. You can also visit VOICES FOR CHILDREN’S WEBSITE ATWWW.VFCBRAZOS.ORG/PICKLEBALLPALOOZA or call 979-822-9700 to find outmore information.
Courtesy of Voices for Children
