Megan Phillips and Rebecca Berger Jones have a lot in common. Both are Theta alumnae, longtime members of the Missouri CASA board (13 and seven years, respectively) and both see integral connections between CASA/GAL programs and Kappa Alpha Theta. Rebecca, an alumna of Theta’s Delta Chapter at the University of Illinois, explains that Thetas instantly understand the mission of National CASA/GAL and feel a great deal of loyalty to it, while Megan, an alumna of Theta’s Alpha Mu Chapter at the University of Missouri, points out the qualities Thetas bring to CASA/GAL programs: “leadership experience, a selfless philanthropic ethos, professional expertise in a variety of industries, and—of course—a genuine compassion for children.”
Rebecca and Megan also share a commitment to deepening the bond between Theta and CASA programs in Missouri. Rebecca’s role as a CASA board member and an Alpha Mu chapter adviser enables her to locate Theta alumnae across the state to increase board diversity and influence, provide hands-on opportunities and internships to Theta collegians and create unique fundraising partnerships. Megan’s excitement about the CASA/GAL mission and her pride in Theta’s support of it has led her to recruit six alumnae in service to Missouri CASA.
Their dedication to the CASA/GAL mission is fueled by need. “There are 13,000 children in foster care in Missouri,” Megan says. “CASA programs currently serve about one-third of them. That leaves too many kids without a guardian angel.” It is fueled by reward as well. Rebecca wants every Theta to know about the many opportunities to stay involved with CASA/GAL programs: “I hope no Theta ever undervalues the time, talents or treasure she might be able to give.”
“CASA programs change the lives of children every single day. We do this by harnessing the power of ordinary people who are willing to do the extraordinary work of being a voice for a child.” —Rebecca Berger Jones