Voices for CASA Children celebrates five years as a nonprofit organization serving Maricopa County’s foster children

CASA

PHOENIX – Voices for CASA Children, which is dedicated to serving foster children and the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA Volunteers) who support them, is humbled to announce that September 2016 marks five years as a nonprofit organization in Maricopa County. Since 2011, Voices for CASA Children (VOICES) has worked closely with CASA of Arizona and CASA of Maricopa County to recruit, train, and retain hundreds of CASA volunteers.

Voices for CASA Children would like to extend its appreciation to the broad community of caring individuals and committed organizations, as well as the media, who have offered their support since its inception. Their commitment to the CASA program in Arizona has resulted in advocacy that has positively impacted the lives of thousands of children in State dependency.

“The level of support surrounding VOICES is proof that a passionate, committed community can make a substantive difference,” said Victoria Strayer, Board President for Voices for CASA Children. “It does take a village, and we would not be here today without the help we’ve received from so many, including the caring individuals, businesses, and the dedicated CASA volunteers and staff.”

“CASA” stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are everyday citizens who are trained and certified by the Arizona Juvenile Court to serve as the eyes and ears of a judge.  These caring and dedicated advocates speak up for vulnerable children in the child welfare system to ensure they have a safe and permanent home.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, VOICES will hold its next information session Thursday, October 20 from 5-7 p.m. at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, located at 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. To RSVP, email [email protected]. Walk-ins are also welcome.

You can’t change a child’s past, but you can change their future. Just as each CASA volunteer is a constant for their CASA child, VOICES will be there to support advocates in their journey. Along with its CASA and child welfare partners, VOICES invites the community to join this important work to ensure even more children have a permanent, safe and loving home.