CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, broke ground on its new training and support center at 2725 Hunter Road in San Marcos on Jan. 31. The advocacy group began serving local children more than 30 years ago. CASA officials say they first came up with a vision for a permanent facility in Hays County five years ago. The new facility will provide a training space for volunteers and children from its four-county service area, which includes Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays counties. 512-392-3578.