About Us
Mission Statement
Our mission is to ensure a safe, permanent, nurturing home for every abused and/or neglected child by providing a trained volunteer to advocate for them in the court system.
Our Values
- Accountability: CASA's Board, Executive Director, and staff are committed to taking responsibility for fulfilling our mission. We aim to foster teamwork with stakeholders, including the state government, court system, community, and donors. This collaboration underscores our commitement to accountable, honest, and dependable program practices and the responsible expenditure of funds.
- Compassion: CASA shows compassionate concern for the sufferings and misfortunes experienced by abused and neglected children.
- Resilience: Children demonstrate resilience by surviving misfortune and even tragedy. Volunteer advocates showcase resilience by consistently returning to stand alongside children, especially in challenging circumstances. As an organization, CASA has displayed resilience by navigating through tough times and emerging as a financially strong nonprofit led by a professional and committed Board of Directors and Executive Director.
The First Circuit Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is a private, non-profit organization founded in 2001. Its roots trace back to 2000 when a dedicated "Steering Committee" from the Davison County Child Protection Team recognized the urgent need for advocacy for abused and neglected children.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and loving home. However, as our friends and supporters, you may not have the chance to witness the life-changing impact of CASA firsthand. You won't see their names in the news or read their stories in the paper. Yet, last year alone, 49 CASA Volunteers stood up for 86 children, providing them with a voice in the courtroom and a steady presence in their lives.
CASA is more than a program-it's a lifeline. When a child enters the foster care system, they don't just become a case number; they become part of a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure their well-being. Our volunteers do so much more than attend court hearings. They help children succeed in school, offering support with homework and attending educational meetings. They provide comfort and reassurance to foster parents, who know they have a compassionate advocate to turn to in difficult moments. When biological parents are working toward reunification, CASA volunteers stand beside them, connecting them with essential services and guiding them through the process. Because of CASA, children don't have to navigate the foster care system alone. They have someone in their corner-someone who listens, fights for them, and believes in their future.
