by Babs Cape Think:  A child in great need.  Think: An Advocate.  Think:  CASA. If every child in Williamson County who is experiencing abuse or neglect, who has no real home, whose future is dependent on non-dependable people– if every one of them had a CASA, this would be a better world! Families are torn apart and children suffer from the upside-down world around them. Where will they go to be safe? Who can take care of their helplessness? How can they hope for a bright future? A Court Appointed Special Advocate, a CASA volunteer steps in for children who are in harm’s way, without a voice, giving them the support they need to weather these storms. Seeds of Strength has been...

by Katrina King Imagine waking up every morning to a hand-wringing, heart-wrenching family situation that not only darkens your outlook but your spirit as well. Imagine having a desire for counseling and guidance but having no hope of affording it.  Then, imagine a ray of light, piercing through the darkness, in the form of a caring counselor, who can guide you to a solution, and, unbelievably, at no cost to you. Now, flip to the other side of this situation and imagine that you are a part of that light and guidance. As an SOS member you don’t have to imagine because you are a part of the light and guidance! Let me introduce you to our grantee, STARRY. STARRY’s vision is for every child...

by Katrina King Focused and determined are two adjectives that I would use to describe Tamara Hudgins, Executive Director of Girlstart.  She stared COVID straight in the eyes and figured out ways to keep this nonprofit thriving and serving to increase girls’ interest and engagement in STEM by providing year-round programs that inspire girls to pursue STEM majors and careers and to see STEM as a way to solve problems that chance the world.   Tamara’s motto is to “make it through —  or make it through strong!” and this year they are exceeding at making it through strong. With the virus affecting their ability to meet together in person, Girlstart quickly re-imagined what thei...

It is said that “Necessity is the Mother of Invention,” and that is how our virtual Grant Awards Night and Annual Meeting came about. On March 15th, the CDC issued guidance to postpone or cancel events of more than 50 people, which prompted us to reconsider our plans for our May 7th event at Berry Creek Country Club. I convened a video conference with the Committee Chairs to brainstorm alternatives.   As you know, Grant Awards Night is the culmination of our year’s work. At this event, we distribute our donations, as grants, to local nonprofits.  And with the impact of COVID-19, it was never more important to fund their projects. Within a week, the Board approved moving our event to...