July Member of the Month

CASA/GALofMiamiCo.,Inc.

Our July member of the month is the nonprofit organization CASA/GAL of Miami County (CASA). CASA (CourtAppointed Special Advocates) provides highly-trained community volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of abused or neglected children in court. CASA volunteers meet with the children assigned to their case and independently gather information from all of the people who are involved in the child’s life. The CASA Volunteer reports back to the court about the status of the case and makes recommendations regarding the best interest of the child.

CASA/GAL of Miami County was created in 1994 by concerned community members and judges. In the first year of operation, CASA recruited and trained 3 volunteers who served 10 children Today, the 50+ volunteers advocate for more than 250 children in Miami County and work closely with other community agencies that serve children and families

CASA is a life-changing experience, for both the volunteer and the child, that makes our community a better place CASA volunteers come from every walk of life and share a commitment to improving children’s lives When asked what motivates her to be a CASA, one volunteer responded: “I've seen the devastation of children falling through the cracks in the system when a CASA isn't involved I want to make sure that children aren't in limbo for years on end I also want to intercede in generational poverty and neglect I have seen parents make miraculous turnarounds ”

Unfortunately, the caseload has been steadily increasing over the past few years with a 25% increase last year We need additional volunteers in order to ensure that every child continues to receive a CASA volunteer to advocate for them For most volunteers, serving on one case requires an average of 5-10 hours per month, although the time commitment is heavier at the beginning of a new case If you are willing to be the voice for a child in our community, please visit our website at www miamicountycasa org or contact the CASA/GAL office at 937-335-0209

Want to support CASA but unable to serve as a volunteer? Consider making a donation on our website or attend Tippapalooza, a music festival in Tipp City, on September 2 where CASA will receive a portion of the proceeds from the event. For more information or to buy tickets: https://www.Tippapalooza.com/tickets