Earlier this month, we reported that CASA-Voices For Children, serving Benton and Lincoln Counties, was facing a critical funding crisis. They needed to raise $20,000 or face the heartbreaking possibility of reducing and possibly suspending services. So far, they have raised $12,000.
Now about that other $8,000 that’s needed, readers may want to note that Giving Tuesday, that annual after Thanksgiving Day of generosity, is almost upon us. Polite loving nudge – nudge.
And here’s why we’re nudging. CASA is amazing. They ensure foster children have someone sticking up for them in court while they’re in care, and they often supply direct goods and services to those kids when the system falls short. They both prod the system for each child’s benefit, and are eminently respected within the system as well.
Nationwide, when children are removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect, a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, can be assigned by a judge to be the “eyes and ears” of the court and speak up to make the child’s best interest known. These are highly trained volunteers.
But even though the people doing that work aren’t paid, the offices that support their work do have costs.
Federal funding eliminated, state funding reduced
Unfortunately, federal funding for CASA has been eliminated, and state support has been reduced, making the organization almost entirely dependent on local community contributions. While the community supports many worthy causes, the children CASA-VFC serves urgently need your support to ensure they have a voice and guidance through the child welfare system.
“These are children who have already endured abuse or neglect and need an advocate to be there for them,” said CASA-VFC Executive Director Kari Pinard. She also said that without a strong show of community support and funding right now, that CASA-VFC will no longer be able to stand beside the children who need us most.
Originally, the group said they needed the $20,000 during November, but with the $12,000 now raised in hand, they can extend into early next week.
More about CASA
CASA-VFC volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate solely for the best interests of each child. They provide judges with critical information and remain a steady, caring presence in the child’s life for as long as they are in foster care. CASA-VFC ensures that children in Benton and Lincoln Counties who have faced trauma receive the services they need, stability, and advocacy within the legal system to ensure they move from surviving to thriving.
“CASA is unlike any other youth or family program,” said Kjersti Wettstein, Communications Specialist. “We’re often the only consistent adult presence for a child within the child welfare system. We stand by them when everything else feels uncertain.”
How can you help
To meet what has become an urgent need, CASA-VFC has launched a GoFundMe page and encourages everyone to give what they can to ensure local children continue to have an advocate. They says that donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness all make a direct impact.
As a familiar organization in the community, CASA-VFC also fosters awareness, connection, and support through seasonal events. These include the Holiday Drive, Blue Holiday Passport, and Concert in the Vineyard, where local businesses and supporters provide awareness and tangible support for foster children.
“In a world where so much can feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that we are all part of a community built from smaller building blocks — acts of kindness, support, and connection,” Kjersti added. “Every donation, share, or act of support helps build a stronger, more compassionate community and ensures children in foster care are seen, heard, and valued.”
“We are grateful to be part of such a caring community, and together we can ensure every foster child has a voice and someone in their corner,” said Kari Pinard, Executive Director.
To donate or learn more, visit www.gofundme.com/urgent-need-casa-vfc, or visit their website www.casa-vfc.org, or you can mail a check to CASA at 129 NW 4th St. Suite #B Corvallis, OR 97330.
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