EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHAMPION
A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Board President, Caroline Wake and CASA President & CEO, Natalie Julien
CASA started the year by moving to a larger office space, which has helped increase our advocate training options. CASA also benefited from the space to host our Back-to-Basics Drive and Bash, Holiday Giving activities, and many other events and meetings.
In 2023, we were honored with state recognition for our level of service and outstanding volunteer, Denise Gaddy. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff handling Child and Teen Advocacy and Divorce/Custody Programs. In addition, we held our first annual teen advocacy event, Fostering Futures Teen Expo, to help teens with finance, careers, and education. We are fortunate to have an amazing team of staff and volunteers working to serve our community.
We continually strive to enhance our technology and train additional advocates to serve more children while connecting with the community and engaging additional partners. Our annual Promise of Hope event engaged many with “Stories on Stage,” a NY youth performance group portraying the lives of children in the foster care system on stage. This inspired all of us and brought to life how vital CASA’s work is, especially in our community! Please share your interest and connections with CASA this year –
WE NEED YOU!
OUR MISSION, VISION, & VALUES
MISSION:
To provide a meaningful voice and connection that instills hope and builds resilience for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
VISION:
To create a community where every child who has experienced abuse and neglect is given the opportunity to thrive.
CASA’S VALUES
At CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties, our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitment to the following areas:
SAFETY
We prioritize the needs and safety of our children.
SUPPORT
We create an environment where all people are heard and supported.
CONNECTIONS
We believe in the power of providing meaningful connections.
INCLUSIVE & EQUITABLE
We are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
RESPECT
We approach all people with respect, dignity, and compassion.
RESOURCES
We empower our volunteers and staff with tools and resources that support our kids to thrive.
COLLABORATION
We value collaboration to effect positive change.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
We are dedicated to modeling diversity and inclusion throughout our community.
JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2023 CHILDREN SERVED
117,205 7,205
OF CHILDREN LIVING IN OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENTS IN JOHNSON AND WYANDOTTE COUNTIES HAVE A CASA.
2023 FINANCIALS
A MISSION MOMENT
ALEIGHA & MACEE
Sisters Aleigha and Macee were two and three years old when a CASA was requested for their case. They were placed in foster care after significant evidence was found of physical abuse resulting in injuries. Like many children in the foster care system, their situation was multigenerational, as their parents were also in the system as children.
These young girls’ lives had been shaped by their family members’ challenges with poverty, drugs, violence, and incarceration The original plan was reintegration with their biological family CASA’s role was to understand how the girls were functioning in their foster home, help identify necessary supports for them and their family for successful reintegration, and represent their best interests to ensure they were safe and cared for throughout the process
During this time, Aleigha worked her way through preschool and began Kindergarten, and Macee started her first year of preschool, all under the loving care of their foster family. Numerous attempts were made to support their biological parents with the expectations the court had established for reintegration. Eventually, however, the decision was made to terminate their parental rights. CASA’s role then included helping identify the best permanent placement for the girls and supporting them and the family throughout this lengthy process.
Eventually, the foster family was identified as the girls’ adoptive home, just before the girls turned five and six years old. The children’s CASA advocate played an integral role in ensuring a timely adoption for Aleigha and Macee. The advocate was supportive throughout the process, providing reports to the court reflecting the need for swifter permanency and working closely with all involved parties. The girls are now a permanent part of a happy family with a bright future. Their CASA advocate was a crucial part of this success!
OUR ANNUAL EVENTS
FOSTERING FUTURES: TEEN EXPO
In March 2023, CASA hosted its first annual Fostering Futures: Teen Expo, an educational event designed to equip teenagers in the foster care system with essential skills and resources for achieving independence. The event offered a variety of opportunities, including pathways to post-secondary and vocational education, as well as exploration into various career fields and trades. Moreover, attendees were furnished with invaluable community resources, including guidance on effective money management techniques. This event was a collaboration between CASA, our corporate and community partners, and our amazing volunteers. The overarching goal is to leave a lasting impact on our youth as they move towards independence and success.
PROMISE OF HOPE: STORIES ON STAGE
In 2023, CASA’s Promise of Hope: Stories on Stage event was held at the KC Repertory Theatre’s Copaken Stage in Kansas City. The evening consisted of an unforgettable performance by the talented actors of the GoodCapp Arts Youth Ensemble from NYC. They portrayed real-life situations experienced every day by the youth in the foster care system nationwide. After the performance, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, an exciting silent auction, and the chance to learn more about CASA. We raised $56,301 through event sponsorship and donations.
CONNECT WITH CASA!!
Stay in the loop and never miss out on our exciting events! Follow us on social media for real-time updates, exclusive sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes insights It's the best way to stay connected and informed about all the happenings within our organization
@CASAJWC
ANNUAL MEETING
HOPS & BARLEY
In October 2023, CASA hosted Hops & Barley, taking a deep dive into Kansas City’s rich brewing history. The event featured beer and wine tastings from local businesses, a wine pull and auction, fun patio games, live music, delicious dining options, an inspiring CASA success story from one of our advocates, and a guest appearance from the Voice of the Jayhawks, Brian Hanni, event emcee and auctioneer! Through sponsorships and gifts, CASA raised $105,000 to apply to expanding our reach and growing our programs and services.
In December, CASA hosted nearly 100 community members at our Annual Meeting at the Johnson County Community College Regnier Center. After breakfast, event emcee Taylor Hemness (KSHB 41) led our guests through an informative morning. CASA President and CEO Natalie Julien began by sharing about CASA’s 2023 impact, which led to a poignant discussion on some of the mental health issues facing our youth, delivered by Sierra Wright, LMSW, from Johnson County Mental Health. The event concluded with recognition of CASA volunteers. Awards were given to the Kansas CASA Volunteer of the Year, as well as CASA of JWC Advocate and Volunteer of the Year. We then spent a moment recognizing four spectacular board members who termed out at the end of 2023.
OUR EXPANSION
BACK-TO-BASICS COLLECTION DRIVE & BASH
Over the summer, CASA spent two months collecting essential items for our Back-to-Basics Drive. Before school began, CASA had collected nearly 1,500 items through corporate and community support! To provide our children and families with the donated essential items, CASA hosted its first Back-to-Basics End-of-Summer Bash at our office in Overland Park. Families had the opportunity to “shop” for their children and stock up on items such as undergarments, hygiene items, sanitary products, school supplies, books, and many other necessities. After shopping, families made their way outside to enjoy ice cream and participate in a variety of fun outdoor activities like painting, relay races, and games. In the end, CASA provided essentials to 60 children, ensuring that they have the opportunity to thrive during the 2023/24 school year.
CASA’S 2023 BOARD RETREAT
In March 2023, CASA relocated to a new office directly between both the counties we serveJohnson and Wyandotte. Compared to our previous space, we have nearly twice the square footage to expand to meet the needs of children in the foster care system. Throughout 2023, we utilized the bigger space by training more volunteers than we were previously able, by hiring additional staff and interns, and by hosting several meetings/events we used to hold off-site. Read about a few of these below:
Near the end of August, CASA held its annual Board Retreat in the training room of our office. During the morning session of the all-day event, David Renz, from UMKC, led CASA’s Board of Directors through a meaningful discussion around board development. David’s expertise helped strategize for continued growth and community impact. CASA staff members joined for the afternoon session, where each department shared progress toward strategic goals and engaged our board in thoughtful conversations about how they can support our efforts. We were incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to welcome our board into our new meeting space, which allowed for a productive day of strategic planning.
CASA’S FALL VOLUNTEER CLASS
In fall 2023, CASA conducted its second Pre-Service training of the year in a new training room. This session was split into morning and evening sessions, accommodating more trainees and offering flexibility. The larger room allowed for increased capacity. The morning session catered to those who preferred an early start, enhancing accessibility. The new room was designed for comfort and equipped with technology. The training concluded with 29 certified new advocates, marking a significant step in expanding CASA's reach and impact.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
In December 2023, CASA hosted our traditional holiday activities and received substantial community support, including assistance with ornament decorating, party planning, and generous gift donations for the children we serve. Through CASA’s Holiday Wish List program, sponsors shopped for items on children’s wish lists, providing 195 children with exciting holiday gifts. CASA also hosted its annual Holiday Party for children The party was quite successful, filled with joy from children and volunteers alike Each child enjoyed an afternoon of holiday crafts, cookie decorating, games, ‘shopping’ for special gifts for loved ones, and a fun visit from Santa and Mrs Claus This was all made possible with support from our dedicated corporate and community partners
OUR VOLUNTEERS
2023 ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
CARI COFFMAN
2023 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
GRETCHEN SHERK
Gretchen is both a CASA advocate and a general volunteer, and she’s given generously of her time throughout her three years of service In 2023, Gretchen served as a teen advocate, and she volunteered regularly with Friends of CASA (FOC), supporting fundraising events, child-focused events, and staff appreciation She even spent time writing personal thank-you notes to a variety of individuals who contributed to CASA throughout the year In 2023, Gretchen helped as we developed our first-ever Fostering Futures: Teen Expo and Back-to-Basics drive She also assisted as we planned for Hops & Barley and with many other behind-the-scenes tasks Gretchen is always a friendly face in the office and is willing to lend a helping hand whenever the occasion arises She demonstrates a true passion for children and perfectly exemplifies CASA’s mission
Cari is a dedicated advocate who has worked hard to build relationships and seek important information for the children she represents for the last three years. She maintains positive relationships with all parties associated with her CASA children, even during difficult situations. Cari is dedicated to all the children she represents and has even increased her caseload just to ensure she could see the adoption of a child she worked with previously. She continuously meets deadlines, despite her growing responsibilities. Cari is an amazing advocate who deserves all the recognition for her hard work.
KANSAS CASA OF THE YEAR
DENISE GADDY
Since becoming a CASA in 2019, Denise has made a huge impact on our organization and the children for whom she has advocated Program Manager Julie Kingsley notes, “Denise understands what needs to be done to help our youth in the child welfare system ” Denise has been an integral part of the success of every child she’s served, even when difficulties have arisen Persistent, Denise “exudes everything that a CASA should be and is,” and we are forever grateful for what she brings not only to our program, but to the children living in our community
VOLUNTEER MILESTONES
BALLARD YEATES
TEN YEARS
CAROL DYKMAN
LINDA JACKSON
BETH KOELKER
CINDY MEEKER
DAWN NOVASCONE
FIVE YEARS
CHLOE ANDERSON
JENNIFER BUTLER
DAVE HUSTON
JOHN LEAVENS
JENNIFER LUGINBILL
KAREN MAUER
ANNE RELLIHAN
MARK SCHMID
FIFTEEN
YEARS
DEBBIE TANN
TONY WILSON
THREE YEARS
TAYLOR HERREN
JESSICA BURKHALTER
AURORA STRICKLAND
CARRIE SHERRON
DANA SPOOR
LAURA WARNER
ANN ZIESMA
SHEILA MYERS
MARY KATE PETERSON
MARK SUNDERSON
CHRIS BROWN
CHARLENE BESSETTI
ERIN FLETCHER
JENNY BICKFORD
LAURA BAUGHAN
TERRI SELL-MIILLER
ONE YEAR
MARISA NO
RILEY BUCKLER
ANNE LAVELLE
LUCY LOT
JENEL BROCK
ELAINE DOWNEY
CAITLIN O’TOOLE
NOLAN MOORE
AMY FREE
MARSHA AFFOLTER
ELIZABETH DENNIS
STACEY EUBANKS
CINDY RATKEY
SABRINA CASPER
LAURA BRISTOW
JENNIFER FRIER
KATIE YEAGER
MONA WHITESIDE
BETH HOUSEWORTH
SARAH HUMPHREY
BARBARA KELLEY
NICHOLE LAPIANA
ANNLOUISE FITZGERALD
NATALIE CHALMERS
STEPHANIE WILDMAN
OUR FUNDERS
STRENGTHENING PEOPLE AND REVITALIZING KANSAS (SPARK)
Over the course of two years, CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties will receive $125,000 in funding through the SPARK Grant. This funding will support CASAJWC’s goal to increase capacity to provide resources for more children by recruiting and retaining enough volunteers to meet the need. CASAJWC has identified two priorities that will support efforts to improve recruitment and retention: (1) creating an improved training space that includes technology to allow for increased access to information and resources, and (2) development of expanded support through an enhanced peer mentor model.
WYANDOTTE HEALTH FOUNDATION
The Wyandotte Health Foundation granted CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties $10,000 to support our advocacy efforts for Children in Need of Care (CINC) in Wyandotte County. To best advocate for and serve children in the foster care system, it is imperative that CASA staff and volunteers are provided opportunities to gain awareness and knowledge about the issues facing the children we serve. Training on a variety of mental health topics will allow staff and volunteers to positively impact the children they support. CASA anticipates improved understanding of mental health and corresponding interventions and improved interaction with mental health service providers for volunteer advocates.
$125,000
to support an improved volunteer experience
$10,000
to best advocate for and serve Children in Need of Care (CINC) in Wyandotte County
OUR PARTNERS
Oracle was a significant CASA supporter in 2023, providing extensive assistance throughout the year. After sponsoring our annual Hops & Barley event as a Gold-level sponsor, Oracle went above and beyond by delivering 20 brand-new bicycles, all assembled by their spectacular team. This offered the children we serve an enjoyable and healthy way to pass the time.
Smith & Loveless made a substantial impact with CASA throughout 2023. They were a fundamental partner in our first-ever Fostering Futures: Teen Expo event, as they sent representatives to speak to teens who attended. Their representatives shared resources and insight into how teens might enter their industry after aging out of foster care. Additionally, they donated funds towards the event, ensuring youth who attended had food to eat and fun incentives to take home that day. In 2023, Smith & Loveless also hosted an internal toy drive ensuring CASA could provide special gifts to the children we serve throughout the year.
Creative Planning was a key part of CASA’s overall success last year Representatives from Creative Planning joined us at Fostering Futures: Teen Expo, where they hosted a break-out session on personal finances and basic financial management after aging out Creative Planning held an office-wide collection for CASA’s Back-to-Basics drive, collecting a substantial number of personal care items for our youth Additionally, they sponsored our annual Hops & Barley event as a Silver-level sponsor, helping that event to be a success
DISPLAY ADS
STREAMING ADS
Multiple display ads were published across a variety of different channels, including web, Facebook, and Instagram, all of which led visitors back to our website. Our goal was to increase donations and volunteer inquiries.
A variation of short videos were placed on services such as YouTube and Hulu There were multiple versions of these videos, urging viewers to make a donation or inquire about CASA’s volunteer opportunities CAMPAIGN RESULTS (ONGOING)
CASA’S PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Over the summer, CASA and EAG Advertising & Marketing launched our Public Awareness campaign, utilizing a variety of media platforms to spread awareness about the vital work CASA does for children Display and streaming ads have appeared on the web, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Hulu Additionally, a local radio station has partnered with us to promote several of CASA’s special events
Not only has this campaign raised awareness about CASA, but it has highlighted the impact our volunteers have on the lives of the children we serve. By sharing real-life success stories and volunteer testimonials, the goal of the campaign is to inspire others to get involved, hopefully making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.
Ultimately, this campaign aims not only to increase awareness about CASA’s important work but also to recruit more volunteers, attract potential donors, and ultimately expand our ability to serve even more children throughout Johnson and Wyandotte Counties.
Thanks to the support of the Health Forward Foundation and the dedication of EAG Advertising & Marketing, CASA is poised to make a significant impact in our community for years to come.
PINWHEELS FOR A PURPOSE
Over a decade ago, Prevent Child Abuse America established the pinwheel as the symbol for child abuse prevention, emphasizing the innocence and happiness of childhood During April, pinwheel gardens blossom across the nation, serving as powerful reminders that every child deserves a nurturing and safe environment. In 2023, CASA embraced the pinwheel as the emblem for their April Campaign, Pinwheels for a Purpose, in harmony with their mission to advocate for children who have endured abuse and neglect.
CASA's Pinwheels for a Purpose initiative aims to raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month by encouraging individuals and local businesses to contribute to their cause. Donors receive pinwheels as tokens of gratitude, which they proudly display to demonstrate their solidarity with vulnerable children in their communities.
Throughout April, participants capture and share images of their pinwheel gardens with CASA, fostering a sense of community engagement and support. These submissions are curated by CASA's Marketing Coordinator and showcased on social media platforms to honor donors and inspire others to join the cause.
Thanks to the resounding success of the campaign, CASA has committed to making Pinwheels for a Purpose an annual tradition, ensuring sustained advocacy and support for abused and neglected children each April.
OUR 2023 TEAM
CASA STAFF
NATALIE JULIEN
PRESIDENT & CEO
ABBY BANDEN
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COLLEEN BRYAN
SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
SARAH EMANUELS
PROGRAM MANAGER
AMORITA JOHNSON
PROGRAM MANAGER
ESTHER JOST-MENGARELLI
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
JULIE KINGSLEY
PROGRAM MANAGER
COURTNEY MEAD
VOLUNTEER MANAGER
ANNABEL MURPHY
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
MCKENZIE OSLICA
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
ROBIN PORTER
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
AIMEE RAMIREZ
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
TRACY SAMPAT
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
VICKI SHEPHERD
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
JAMIE SINK
TRAINING MANAGER
NOAH SWEENEY
MARKETING COORDINATOR
CASA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CAROLINE WAKE CHAIR
CAROLINE WAKE INTERIOR DESIGN
SARAH LAUCK 1ST VICE CHAIR
H&R BLOCK
JAYNE FRIEDLAND HOLLAND
JIM MARTIN U S ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE
JAY HIGHFILL COMMUNITY PARTNER
TYLER TECHNOLOGIES
KRISTEN HUGHES
RSM US LLP
KRISITI PUDER 2ND VICE CHAIR TREASURER SECRETARY
GARMIN INTERNATIONAL
ANGIE LEONDEDISSCHWARTZ
DOBIES HEALTH MARKETING
KIMBERLY DEMEL PAST CHAIR
QCELLS US CORP.
JENNIFER DOUGAN
ELEVATED RETIREMENT GROUP
ANGELA MOSBY
JOSH MORTON COMMUNITY PARTNER COMMUNITY PARTNER
KAMA MOSELEY
DAVID PLATT
DAVID PALMATIER LOCKTON COMPANIES ORACLE CERNER COMMUNITY PARTNER
DARNELL REID BNSF RAILWAY
JUDGE THOMASKELLY RYAN
TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF KANSAS
MICHELLE SUTER COMMERCIAL LAW GROUP, P.A.
CEZANNE WIKOFF COMMUNITY PARTNER
CASA OPEN HOUSE
TUESDAY, APRIL 2ND | CASA OFFICE
This spring, CASA invites the community to join us at our office in Overland Park for our annual Open House event! Connect with our staff and help us share our appreciation towards our spectacular group of volunteers while you enjoy food and all things CASA. Learn more about our upcoming events, programs, and fundraisers and how we continue to share our mission with the community.
PROMISE OF HOPE
FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH | CPKC STADIUM AT BERKLEY RIVERFRONT PARK
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Promise of Hope brings awareness to the issue of child abuse and its impact on the children CASA serves. This event inspires community engagement through education and impactful storytelling. Event attendees will enjoy delicious food and drink options, entertainment, and an exciting auction. Guests will also have the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium by purchasing a VIP ticket!
HOPS & BARLEY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4TH | THE MINT
CASA’s annual Hops & Barley event offers an exciting opportunity for guests to enjoy an evening of beer and wine tastings from local businesses, a wine pull, an auction, live music, dining options, and a chance to hear a heartwarming story about the children we serve!
ANNUAL MEETING
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH | LONGHOUSE VISITOR CENTER AT THE OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM
This educational meeting provides a perfect opportunity to learn more about the impact CASA has in our community and how you can increase your involvement Connect with staff, board members, advocates, and community members and learn how CASA continues to spread its mission.