While CASA volunteers were able to serve 603 foster children last year, almost 800 of these most vulnerable children were left without an advocate to speak up for their best interest. The summer months often see fewer individuals choosing to serve as volunteer Advocates even though the immediate need for CASA volunteers continues to rise. CASA of the South Plains is making an appeal to community members to become CASA volunteers who will help make sure the well-being of foster children in our community does not go forgotten. A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate is a volunteer who helps a foster child navigate the child welfare system and ensure their needs are being met while working to help find safe, permanent homes. CASA needs the public’s help to meet its goal of 35 new prospective CASA volunteers for its July training class, which would potentially help an additional 70 foster children in this community.
Prospective volunteers are urged to attend the upcoming CASA 101 informational session hosted by CASA of the South Plains on Thursday, June 29th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in our office at 1215 Avenue J, Suite 301 in the Reagor Dykes Headquarters in the second floor conference room. 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 area foster children.
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, June 28th at (806) 763-2272 or via email at kristenm@casaofthesouthplains.org. Lunch will be provided to attendees.
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.
(News release from CASA of the South Plains)
