Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children are desperately seeking volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children in Sequoyah County.
The CASA program will be discussed from noon to 1 p.m. May 16 at a lunch and learn meeting at Aroma’s in Sallisaw. The restaurant is at 1200 W. Mentzer.
When a child is removed from their home, the world as they knew it falls apart. They move into a foster home full of strangers and away from their family.
"Case workers change, foster homes change. Everything has the potential to change multiple times,” said Suzanne Hughes, Executive Director of CASA for Children.
With so much change, children lose their voice. That's when their CASA steps in, Hughes said.
“CASA is far more than just an everyday volunteer opportunity,” Hughes said. “By acting as the eyes and ears of the courts and providing insight into the child’s unique needs, these dedicated advocates ensure the most vulnerable children get the services and support they need. They are ordinary community members doing extraordinary things for the most vulnerable children.”
In 2016 CASA had a total of 19 advocates who served 48 children in Sequoyah County, but there are many more still in need of a voice.
Prospective volunteers are urged to attend the May 16 information session. 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.
For more information on CASA and how to become a volunteer or to RSVP for the upcoming lunch and learn, please contact Jenny at (918) 686-8199 or via email jenny@casaok.org.
Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director
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