The following is a news release from CASA of the South Plains:

CASA of the South Plains is urging community members to represent the best interest of children in foster care as CASA Volunteers. By “Making a Resolution that Matters” this year, individuals can help make sure a child does not have to face their time in foster care alone. A CASA, or a Court Appointed Special Advocate, can help a child in foster care navigate the child welfare system while working to ensure their needs are met and to help find a safe, permanent home. CASA needs the community’s support to meet the goal of twenty new prospective volunteers for its next training class, which begins Tuesday, April 2nd.

Community members interested in learning more can attend a special upcoming evening CASA 101 Informational Session hosted by CASA of the South Plains on Thursday, February 28th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the First United Bank Operations Center at 5808 4th Street. 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 lives of children in foster care.

CASA 101 attendees interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can also begin the application and sign-up process. Training classes can fill up quickly and space is limited.

To attend, please register at www.casaofthesouthplains.org or contact Kristen Mata, Recruitment Director, by Wednesday, February 27that (806) 763-2272 or via email at kristenm@casaofthesouthplains.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. 628 foster youth received advocacy services from CASA of the South Plains in 2018.
  2. 314 CASA volunteers donated a total of 8,350 hours in 2018, saving county taxpayers $459,250 in county paid attorneys’ fees.
  3. 254 foster youth found permanency with the help of their CASA volunteer in 2018.

How You Can Help

  1. Become a CASA Volunteer
  2. Become a CASA Donor – Consider a monthly gift of $5 or more through the Heroes for Hope campaign. Every gift makes a difference!
  3. Host a CASA 101 Informational Session – CASA will come to your business and educate your staff about its mission and goals.

To learn how to become an Advocate, or if you are unable to volunteer at this time, and would like to make a donation, visit www.casaofthesouthplains.org or call (806) 763-2272.

(News release from CASA of the South Plains)