Coalition for Empowering Children & Families - CECF

06/17/2026

🎰✨ HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE ✨🎰

CASA of Hidalgo County is currently seeking donations for our Live and Silent Auctions at this year’s Sequin & Saddles Casino Night fundraiser!

We are looking for:
🎁 Gift baskets
🍽️ Restaurant gift cards
🎟️ Event tickets
🛍️ Retail gift cards
🏌️ Golf packages
✈️ Travel experiences
💎 Jewelry
🎨 Unique items, services, and experiences

Silent Auction items are typically valued at $100+ (or can be bundled together to reach that value), while Live Auction items are generally valued at $1,000+.

Every donation helps CASA advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect, giving them a voice in the court system and helping them find safe, permanent homes.

No gift or experience is too big or too small. ❤️

If you are interested in donating an item or experience, please contact our auction chair at email [email protected] for more information.

Together, we can change a child’s story.

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

✨ We’re proud to spotlight Veronica Bernal as a featured member of CASA’s Most Wanted Posse for this year’s Sequins & Saddles Gala. ✨🤠

A Texas-licensed attorney, Veronica has built a career rooted in justice, advocacy, and service. From her work in the Hidalgo County Public Defender’s Office to her experience as a prosecutor, immigration advocate, and champion for vulnerable communities, she has dedicated her life to standing up for others and making a difference where it matters most.

Born in Hidalgo, raised in Reynosa, and proudly shaped by the Rio Grande Valley, Veronica brings grit, compassion, and heart to everything she does. Her leadership, commitment to justice, and deep love for this community make her the perfect kind of powerhouse to ride with CASA’s Most Wanted Posse. ⭐

We are so excited to have Veronica helping support this year’s Sequins & Saddles Gala, a night that brings our community together in a big way to uplift and advocate for children across the RGV.

She’s accomplished, inspiring, and deeply committed to serving others and we’re honored to have her as part of the Posse. 💫

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the amazing community champions helping make this year’s gala one to remember.

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Posted on behalf of the Child Protection Court -

Good afternoon,

Due to the forecasted inclement weather and out of an abundance of caution, all children are excused from appearing in-person at court proceedings on June 16, 2026.

The Court will conduct hybrid hearings tomorrow morning. Parents, children, caregivers, and other "parties" may appear remotely via Zoom if they choose to do so.

Department personnel, attorneys, CASA representatives, and other court professionals are expected to appear in person unless otherwise excused by the Court.

The Trial tomorrow afternoon will go forward. All parties are expected to be present in person.

Please ensure that all parties are advised of these arrangements.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to the safety of the children and families we serve.

Respectfully,

Hon. Carlos Villalon, Jr.�Associate Judge�Child Protection Court of the Rio Grande Valley West

06/12/2026

06/02/2026

CECF is proud to share two important opportunities to support children and youth in foster care as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

👟🥿🥾Foster Angels of South Texas Back-to-School Shoe Drive

Foster Angels of South Texas is collecting brand new shoes and gift cards for children and youth in foster care. Donations may include new tennis shoes or $50 or $100 gift cards so older youth can select shoes of their choice.

Donations should be placed or dropped off before July 24, 2026. Please see the attached Foster Angels flyer for shoe sizes, drop-off information, QR code, and additional details.

👕👚👖Thrift Store Event for Foster Youth

CECF is also helping share information about an upcoming Thrift Store Event for foster youth ages 13 and older, youth in extended care, and former foster youth receiving BCFS services.

The event will provide eligible youth with access to gently used clothing, shoes, home decorations, and other useful items free of charge.

Date: Thursday, July 30Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Location: 1315 W. Main, Ste. 9, Alton, Texas

Volunteers are also needed to help organize, sort, and prepare the thrift store so that the event is welcoming and helpful for the youth who attend.

Please review both attached flyers and consider helping by donating shoes, purchasing a gift card, volunteering, or sharing this information with others who may want to support these efforts.

Together, we can help meet practical needs for children and youth in foster care. 💙

05/30/2026

As we come to the end of Foster Care awareness Month, we would like to boast about our successful case closures, we successfully reunified 11 children back to their caregivers. Through Advocacy, commitment, family support, towards making sure each of these children went back to a safe loving and permeant home.

Every Child deserves a CASA, who will stand alongside them, and make a difference in their lives.

If Advocating for foster children in our community sounds like something you might be interested in, please reach out to learn more.
www.casaofhidalgo.com