CASA Representatives to speak at Men's Prayer Breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi

The Monthly Men's Prayer Breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church is set for Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church on 204 Dooley Street in Prairie View.

The event is open to all men of the community and persons are asked to call and confirm their attendance at 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

The speakers for the program are representatives of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Kids of South Central Texas, namely, Mr. Walter Smith, member of the Board of Directors, Ms. Deanna Warmke, Executive Director and Ms. Tracy Sebesta, Advocate Supervisor. They will share information on the organization and how the men of the community may be involved.

CASA continues to provide valuable volunteer advocacy for every abused child in this area. CASA volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” for the judge in child welfare cases. This includes researching each child’s situation and making objective recommendations to help them reclaim their childhoods from abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers are frequently the only stable presence in these children’s lives as they navigate the foster care system.

Walter Smith has resided in Prairie View on FM 1488 since 2012. He is a 1975 graduate of Rice University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He is the founder and owner of ArborLeaf Engineering & Surveying, a professional engineering firm in Tomball, and has practiced civil engineering and land surveying both public and private sectors, for 42 years.  Walter is the father of 7 children and grandfather of 15, with number 16 due in September.

Since November of 2016, he has served on the Board of Directors of CASA for Kids of South Central Texas, and feels strongly that there needs to be a voice for those children who cannot speak for themselves.

Deanna Warmke was born and raised in Bellville.  She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1996.  Deanna serves as the Executive Director of CASA for Kids, beginning that position in April 2016.  Helping others has always been in her nature, but being a mom makes this role a real passion – helping make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children who need a voice.  She says, “A great joy is the people that you meet along the way.  You get to see the true spirit of some amazing people that give their time, money, resources, and most of all, their heart to help these children!”  

Deanna now resides in Bleiblerville with her husband and their two children.  Her daughter is entering high school and her son is going into 8th grade.  They keep her running with sports and show pigs.  They own a collision repair facility which they operate next to their home.

For information on CASA, call 979-277-0088 or visit, www.wespeak4kids.org.

Patrons are also invited to participate in our Christian Education and Bible Study on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.  Our worship service is at 11:00 a.m. Come learn the word and share in the fellowship.

Other upcoming events at St. Francis of Assisi is the Houston FoodBank Kraft Mobile unit distribution of Food, Fresh Fruits and Produce on September 21, 2017 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm with persons who may want to stretch their food budget.  Attendees can also apply/renew for essential services: i.e. SNAP, Children’s Medicaid/CHIP and TANF.  There are no requirements to receive the free product.  Please bring your own bags, boxes, etc.  Please share this information with members of the community. For information call the Foodbank at 832-369-9390. Additionally, the Pearl's Kitchen Bar-B-Que Dinner is on September 14  for $10. Dine-in or take–out is welcome.