CASA of Travis County Celebrates 40 Years of Child Advocacy and Community Impact

CASA of Travis County marked a major milestone on September 10, celebrating 40 years of unwavering advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Held at the Dell Jewish Community Center and presented by Friends of CASA, the anniversary party welcomed more than 250 community members, including volunteers, civic leaders, media partners and longtime supporters.

The event honored CASA’s legacy since its founding in 1985, while looking ahead to a new chapter of leadership. Guests gave a warm and heartfelt farewell to longtime CEO Laura Wolf, who led the organization for 18 impactful years. In her place, attendees welcomed Emily Rudenick LeBlanc, formerly CASA’s chief program officer, as she steps into the role of CEO.

Throughout the evening, the program recognized the hundreds of volunteer advocates who have stood by children navigating the child welfare system—fiercely championing their safety, stability and futures.

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Stephanie Mccollum, Michael Mccollum, Katie Detamore, Erin Kozma (photo by David Truong)

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Ricardo Stinnette, The Honorable Aurora Martinez Jones, Stephanie Weiss (photo by David Truong)

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Molly Kier, Trevor Scott (photo by David Truong)

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Greg Trottie, The Honorable Justice Darlene Byrne (photo by David Truong)

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Mia Karides, Andy Smetana, Alex Taghi, Heather Walker (photo by David Truong)

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Kevin & Holly Priestner (photo by David Truong)

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Deyanira Issasi-Velasco, Ana Smith-Daley, Roy Daley (photo by David Truong)

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Emily Rudenick LeBlanc, Laura Wolf, Nichole Aston (photo by David Truong)

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Claire Dunham, CASA of Travis County Board Chair (photo by David Truong)

Special guests included The Honorable Aurora Martinez Jones, The Honorable Susana Castillo-Littlejohn, The Honorable Justice Darlene Byrne, former City Council Member Alison Alter and The Honorable James Arth.

Since its inception, CASA of Travis County has empowered thousands of volunteers to serve as advocates for local children in crisis. In 2024 alone, CASA volunteers spoke up for the best interests of nearly 1,000 children in Travis County.

As CASA celebrates this four-decade milestone, the organization extended heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported its mission: to ensure that every child in Travis County has a voice in court, a safe home and a bright future.

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