Care about the Kids in Our Community by Supporting CASA

We have wonderful news to share!We received a grant from the National CASA Association to support the Clark County CASA and YWCA of Clark County’s “Change a Child’s Story” joint fundraising campaign! National CASA will fund $29,000 per year for two years to support a Volunteer Recruiter for 20 hours a week.This generous grant moves us nearly halfway to our goal of raising $120,000 by Aug. 31 so that we can welcome a full-time Volunteer Recruiter to the CASA team and retain a Program Specialist position.This Recruiter position is key to ensure that the majority of at-risk children we serve are paired with a volunteer. Research tells us that children in our care do best when they have a committed volunteer advocating on their behalf. Having a dedicated Recruiter focus on bringing more volunteer advocates to the ranks is just one of our strategies to better serve the children of Clark County.Recruiting committed volunteers takes a special person. That is why we are so grateful for National CASA’s support. With financial help from the community, we should soon be able to begin our search for a Recruiter.

Why we are asking for community support

The recent loss of a key funder meant CASA and the YWCA had to seek new sources of support. Since the campaign launched in July, the community has stepped up with over $22,000 in donations.“The expiration of a federal grant this summer left a critical gap in our ability to recruit and support volunteers, who are the lifeblood of CASA’s mission,” said Sheryl Thierry, Director of Clark County CASA. “YWCA and CASA have developed a strategy and revised budget for the program that will greatly strengthen Clark County CASA in the future, enabling it to better serve our most vulnerable children.”But, Thierry says, “we need to fill that funding gap before we can set our new direction. The National CASA grant moves us much closer to our goal.”YWCA’s Board of Directors is 100% committed to the campaign. Along with other key donors, they have agreed to match the first $15,000 raised through community donations.“We would love to see the community match that amount through online donations,” said Board President Sherri Falkner.

CASA’s role and community impact

No one knows better than our volunteers how their work can change a child’s life.Clark County resident Louise Liston, a CASA volunteer, knows how powerful the CASA role can be.“As a CASA I work together with a team of professionals to ensure that the best interest of our communities most vulnerable children is served," says Liston. “I feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity to work directly with the child and their families.”Judy Walter, a CASA since 2014, says it has been the most rewarding volunteer role of her life.“I have worked with many kids and their families over the last 5 years. I’ve lost some sleep, shed some tears, but have never considered quitting because these kids and families need CASA volunteers like me,” Walter says.Walter’s CASA work was so impactful to the lives of children that she was named Washington State’s Volunteer of the Year in 2017.“I really do love being a CASA, because I know first hand what a difference we make for these kids and our community,” says Walter. “I hope you can find it in your hearts to donate to the YWCA CASA program and help kids like those I work with. CASA needs help financially and more dedicated volunteers who care about the kids in our community.”If you would like to make a positive impact in the life of a child today, please visit CASA Clark County's Donation Page or read more about the Change a Child’s Story! campaign.