LANCASTER, PA (04/30/2019) – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lancaster County hosted their Seventh Annual Community Awareness Breakfast on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Cork Factory Hotel Ballroom. The morning included a breakfast and several presenters explaining the positive impact the CASA program is having in Lancaster County.
CASA Executive Director, Jessica Laspino, discussed the necessary role that CASA advocates play in the life of a child by being a consistent, compassionate advocate for the child’s best interest. She also discussed the growth trajectory of the CASA program, pausing to focus on the existing unmet need in Lancaster County. “CASA is only able to serve about 40% of children in foster care. There are hundreds more children in Lancaster County who don’t have a CASA because the program does not have the capacity to serve them,” stated Ms. Laspino.
The program continued with a testimonial from Chloe, a former foster child, about the impact of having her CASA advocate. Here is an excerpt from her story:
‘”A few short years ago, I didn’t think I would make it to my high school graduation. Because I had my CASA Andrea, I will not only be graduating, but I plan on helping other foster children in the years to come. Andrea was there…always there…to walk alongside me during my journey through the foster care system. She always listened to me and supported me, that was enough to make me smile and start to hope again.”’
The event concluded with CASA volunteer Jerry Gottleib making a request for attendees to join the CASA movement by making a commitment to the vulnerable children CASA serves. Attendees were asked to make a donation, take the first step to becoming an advocate, and/or to commit to spreading awareness about CASA and the youth served in their communities.
If you are interested in learning more about the CASA movement and becoming an advocate, CASA is hosting free information sessions:
Wednesday, May 5, 6:00 pm at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 750 Greenfield Road, Lancaster PA, 17601
Monday, June 17, 12:00 pm at LGH Suburban Outpatient Pavilion, 2100 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17604
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen (21 years or older) who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child in court. The children that CASA volunteers advocate for have been abused and neglected and placed into the foster care system. CASA volunteers work to help ensure a safe and permanent home for the child as quickly as possible. For information about becoming involved or to RSVP to an info session, call 717-208-3280, email: casa@CASAlancaster.org or visit www.casalancaster.org.
