Looking for 15 volunteers, CASA celebrates reunification with gala and garden walk
One nonprofit is looking for volunteers and sponsors to help reunite children with their parents.
By News Channel Nebraska
MADISON, Neb. -- Nonprofit CASA of Northeast Nebraska is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a gala and garden walk at the end of this month.
"We provide a voice for the children that are in foster care," said Kathryn Carlson, volunteer for CASA of Northeast Nebraska.
The fundraiser is a way for the organization to honor June as the month of reunification and honor those who've already made a difference -- such as their founder and former president.
"When you hear the kidS' stories [...] you take a whole new perspective on it," Carlson said.
In the past six months, the organization has grown significantly -- but CASA still needs at least 15 more volunteers to serve all the kids going through child custody cases in Madison.
Volunteers go through training and then are assigned a family of one or more children to go through the court process with, meeting with them once or twice a month.
"I think the biggest challenge is just getting the volunteers to meet the needs of the kids," Carlson said.
It's an easy job that Carson calls "rewarding," as she reflects on her first case of helping a baby through the system back in 2012.
"To this day the little girl knows who I am," Carson said.
If you don't have the time though -- CASA is still looking for sponsors for its fundraiser, on June 25th at the District Event Center; items for its auction; and childcare item donations. Items can be birthday gifts, hygiene items, or school supplies. CASA
To help out or add your house to the garden walk; simply contact CASA's Board President Scott Adams at Ravenwood or call their office and speak to 'Karri.' Or, you can email [email protected].