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.
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 needs your support to ensure they have a voice and guidance through the child welfare system.
Benton County’s CASA office needs your help, now
CASA-Voices For Children, serving Benton and Lincoln Counties, is facing a critical funding crisis. Unless the organization can raise $20,000 this November, they face the heartbreaking possibility of reducing and possibly suspending services that ensure children receive critical advocacy to ensure the services they need, a voice in court and a safe, nurturing and stable future.
“Without a strong show of community support and funding this November, CASA-VFC will no longer be able to stand beside the children who need us most,” said Kari Pinard, Executive Director. “These are children who have already endured abuse or neglect and need an advocate to be there for them.”
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 you can 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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