By Sara Blake
CASA Volunteer Alexandra Bangs loves to trek—whether around Austin’s trails or along the scenic coasts of southern England. “My girlfriends and I are planning our second UK trekking holiday this August,” she shares. “It’s the perfect time to escape the Texas heat.”
Originally from New York City, Alex lived there for 30 years, aside from earning her geology degree at Oberlin College. She later pivoted to 
journalism, earning a master’s degree from Columbia Journalism School and later moving to Austin in 1992 when her husband took a job at UT. Alex wrote for Texas Monthly and The Statesman before taking a break to raise her two daughters, now a therapist and a med student.
Throughout her career and life changes—including a layoff and the pandemic—Alex found herself drawn to community involvement. “I’ve always loved volunteering,” she says, recalling roles in corporate outreach and organizing book fairs. Her introduction to the child welfare system came through workplace partnerships with nonprofits supporting kids in foster care. When she learned a colleague was on CASA’s board, she felt called to do more. She applied—just before COVID hit—and trained virtually.
Alex’s first case immersed her in the world of family drug court, where she has continued to volunteer. “These cases often involve infants—sometimes preemies—whose parents are in recovery,” she explains. “But I’ve witnessed so many young parents rise to the challenge, supported by services like mental health care, housing, and job training. It’s truly inspiring.”
“But I’ve witnessed so many young parents rise to the challenge, supported by services like mental health care, housing, and job training. It’s truly inspiring.”
One case that stayed with her involved an aunt determined to stay in the child’s life. “Both parents were in recovery, and the child was placed with a family friend. But after seeing the aunt never miss a visit, we advocated for increased visitation. Today she remains a steady presence in the child’s life.”
June is National Reunification Month, a reminder that CASA’s mission is to keep families together whenever safely possible. Like all CASA advocacy, drug court relies on dedicated volunteers like Alex who support parents working toward reunification while keeping their children’s needs front and center. Alex lights up when she talks about drug court graduations. “It’s an emotional, powerful space where families who’ve battled addiction and even homelessness celebrate milestones. Everyone cheers each other on—it feels like one big team.”
To those curious about volunteering, Alex encourages attending a CASA info session, in-person or online. “You can ask all your questions and learn from the wealth of experience shared by staff and volunteer ambassadors” (including Alex!).
“If you’ve had a safe, stable childhood—or provided that for your children—please understand what a gift that is,” she emphasizes. “Not every child has that story. Those who don’t, through no fault of their own, deserve a voice and strong advocacy.”
“If you’ve had a safe, stable childhood—or provided that for your children—please understand what a gift that is,” she emphasizes. “Not every child has that story. Those who don’t, through no fault of their own, deserve a voice and strong advocacy.”
