On May 22, Impact San Antonio members and guests toured the newly renovated Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) Harvey E. Najim Campus. After the neglect and abuse suffered by the children CASA serves, they need to be safe and cared for, and they need spaces that make them feel safe, worthy and loved.
CASA’s reimagined, trauma-informed building gives their dedicated advocates somewhere to come with the child or children they serve. They can plan a full day of fun and learning, make a meal together, go for a swing outside, get creative in the art room, pop into the giving library, or visit the Shop for a needed item or a gift for a friend or sibling.
The Shop is CASA’s on-campus boutique funded by a 2022 Impact SA High Impact Grant. The Shop is stocked with brand-new toys, hair and skin care items, special quilts, school supplies and more. The children can choose what they want, which may be the first time they have been offered a choice since entering foster care. The space reinforces the message that children in foster care are special, cared for, and deserving. “Shopping” at the CASA boutique builds their decision-making skills and confidence. Through the Impact SA High Impact Grant, an otherwise standard storage area has been turned into something that will create healing opportunities.
Congratulations to CASA on the unveiling of their beautifully transformed campus!
Every aspect of CASA’s campus was intentionally planned. You can see photos of the renovated spaces here.
