A time to be thankful – a message from our CEO

NEWS

As the National CASA/GAL Association for Children nears the end of our 40th anniversary year and we launch into this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, I want to thank you for giving so generously in support of our mission. Whether you are a volunteer, donor, partner or friend, your engagement helps ensure that children who have experienced abuse or neglect, don’t have to face their challenging circumstances alone. A screened and highly trained court-appointed special advocate (CASA) or guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteer stands by their side every step of the way, advocating for their best interest to ensure their safety, a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

Special thanks go to our volunteers – all 97,900 of them – for the incredible work that they do. Annually, more than 242,000 children benefit from the tenacity of these deeply committed advocates, from all walks of life, who dedicate their time and talents to improve outcomes for the children, youth and families served.

CASA/GAL volunteers annually spend nearly 4.5 million hours engaged in advocacy working with children and their families and contacting teachers, parents and social workers to gather information that paints a full picture of a child’s life for judges making decisions that will impact the child’s well-being and future. A child may have dozens of social workers, attorneys, therapists, teachers and caregivers, but only one CASA/GAL volunteer. Someone who is a constant. Someone who gives them hope.

Achieving our vision of a world where every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home takes the unwavering commitment of all of us. Your partnership and steadfast support bring us ever closer to realizing our shared vision for children.

We are thankful to you for standing by our side and enabling us to support children, young people and families – today and into the future.

Tara Lisa Perry
CEO, National CASA/GAL Association for Children