CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the economy, affecting everything from businesses to non-profits.
CASA of the Coastal Bend is just one local organization that is missing out on some valuable funding needed to make a difference.
KRIS 6 thought it would be fitting to give back to a group that helps the area’s most vulnerable.
"CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate,” said Page Hall, director of CASA of the Coastal Bend director. “We are a volunteer organization, we're a non-profit. And our volunteers’ job is to work with children who have been removed by Child Protective Services and placed in the foster care system."
Hall says CASA’s coverage area includes two counties.
“CASA of the Coastal Bend is able to serve over 320 children in Nueces and Aransas counties thanks to money secured through different avenues,” she said. “It’s goal is to analyze what led to the child being placed in the foster care system and how to ensure his or hers next stop is in a loving and supportive home.”
The recent pandemic has affected CASA’s day-to-day operations.
“Usually we're focused on what does it take to get the child back into their home as quickly as possible,” Hall said. “If that's not an option we look at relative placement, family friend placement, something that could give that child stability."
But it takes money to make a difference. And with its biggest fundraiser The Super Hero 5K, among other events, placed on hold, raising the dollars the organization needs to continue its mission has been difficult.
”I’m very concerned that our shortfall is going to be somewhere in the area around $90,000,” Hall said.
On behalf of the Howard Scripps Foundation and KRIS 6, we are honored to present CASA a check for $1,500 to go towards their organization. We believe in what they are doing and the need they serve and want to support that.
“You guys are wonderful,” Hall said. “Thank you so much. Not only for that, but for everything that you do for us media-wise. We are beyond blessed.”
Such gifts are part of a deep commitment the E.W. Scripps Co. has for its local communities.
“And it’s part of what we should be doing as an organization and as a company,” said Ed Fernandez, vice president of operations for E.W. Scripps. “We’re proud that the KRIS 6 team, the KZ-10 team and KAJA and everybody associated with our organization can be part of giving back to the community as we should.”
It’s just one way to show we're giving back to the community and showing that KRIS 6 cares.
For more information on how you can help CASA of the Coastal Bend, check out their website here.