As part of its 50 in 50 challenge to recruit 50 new volunteer Advocates in the next 50 days, CASA of the South Plains will host a CASA 101 informational session for the public on Thursday, January 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the CASA office at #24 Briercroft Office Park. CASA Advocates, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, give a voice to foster kids who need someone that will look out for their well-being. Community members are encouraged to attend the CASA 101 to learn more about how they can help these most vulnerable children. Children with an Advocate typically spend five months less in foster care, are more likely to successfully advance to the next grade level in school, and less likely to re-enter the foster care system.

This is a great, no-obligation introduction to CASA and its mission. CASA staff and current Advocates will be on hand to discuss the increasing need for volunteers, what it means to be a CASA, and how community members can help make a difference in the life of area foster children. Lunch will be provided to attendees. To sign up, please R.S.V.P to Amanda Norfleet by Wednesday, January 27th at (806) 763-2272 or via email at amandan@lubbockcasa.org.

“My time in foster care were the hardest years of my life. My Advocate was always there for me and was a constant source of support,” said Jordan, a former foster youth.

For questions or for more information about how to become a CASA, please contact Amanda Norfleet, Recruitment Director at (806) 763-2272 or via email at amandan@lubbockcasa.org.

About CASA of the South Plains
CASA of the South Plains empowers community members to serve as volunteer Advocates that speak for the well-being of abused and neglected children in the foster care system.
Court appointed special advocates are community members just like you who ensure each foster child’s needs remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system while working to find safe, permanent homes for these most vulnerable children.
CASA’s Impact
1. More than 90% of children with CASA Advocates never re-enter the child welfare system.
2. Children with a CASA Advocate spend 5 months less in foster care.
3. CASA Advocates donated 9,296 hours in 2014, saving county taxpayers more than $370,960 in county paid attorney fees.
How You Can Help
1. Become a CASA Advocate – more than 700 children are without the assistance of an Advocate in the South Plains.
2. Become a CASA donor – it costs CASA $1,500 to recruit and train each Advocate.
3. Host a CASA 101 – CASA will come to your business and educate your staff about its mission and goals.

To learn how to become an Advocate or to donate, please visit www.casaofthesouthplains.org or call (806) 763-2272.

(Press Release by CASA of the South Plains)