National CASA/GAL Association for Children

Avoid this organization at all cost! It's primarily a federal fund grant based organization which makes it unstable to begin with especially if it appears the federal grant funds will decrease. They typically have mass terminations and corporate restructuring every 3 years usually by choice thinking the federal grant funding might decrease. They are such an unstable organization all the Seattle temporary employment agencies know this organization by name as they wait for the next mass terminations or restructuring to occur. There is an army of ex-employees terminated without cause that can tell their own story about this organization. The only way to survive an organization as cruel as this one is to always be looking for another job while working here so you leave them before you get laid off for no reason at all.

What a great organization to work for. The CEO is a continuous source of inspiration. Takes so much strength and courage to run a boat with so many leaks. It's truly inspiring for a leader that doesn't care what others think about her and march to her own drummer

As a CASA volunteer advocate I have had an incredibly rewarding experience. I am thankful that I chose to take a chance and step outside of my comfort zone to help children. I recommend anyone wondering where to volunteer that they can make a true impact, to contact their local CASA agency. You WILL make a difference.

As a CASA for over 2 years now, I've had the absolute privilege of being a part of a truly amazing organization. CASA does work for the groups who need it most - and who tragically don't have many other people advocating for them.

I was a CASA for young man since he was ten until he passed away at age 16. He was an amazing young man I was supposed to be helping him but he made a world of difference in my life. I'm so thankful to have been there with him all the way to the end. I was there when they made Hospital it was not easy but I wouldn't change a thing.I was able to bring things to the court as to what I thought was the best interest for my child. It was not always what perhaps social workers or others thought was best but I knew him I understood his needs and Ifought for him in court for what I felt was right for him. I was a team leader and was able to see what other causes were doing with their children and encourage one another. If you focus on the child not the politics it is wonderful. I would love to add a picture of my link but I still value his privacy even though he's passed away.

The most effective way to serve vulnerable children in our community. Love CASA!

The sorority I am a member of, Kappa Alpha Theta, supports CASA as our main philanthropy. The more I learn about CASA, the bigger spot it has in my heart. This organization and its volunteers are truly amazing people doing amazing things in our communities. Everyone working for CASA is truly selfless and inspire so many people every day, doing so with no expectation of recognition. We love you all!

As current secretary and former president of the board of CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (WV), I can attest to the wonderful work our staff and volunteers do every day. Whether working directly with the children or raising funds, our volunteers give their time to make the lives of abused and neglected children more stable and happier.

I just celebrated my 4 year anniversary with CASA of Harrison County. It is a wonderful organization, one of the few nonprofits I have worked with where EVERY member of the staff has their heart in the right place. Can't wait to round the bend on half a decade!!

At the beginning of 2016 I was looking to make a difference in my community. After some internet searching, I found my county's local CASA office. I found out more information, started training and was officially became a CASA in April. I love making a difference in a child's life!

As a foster care alumni and now advocate, researcher, and practitioner I see every day the work CASA advocates do to help foster youth succeed. They are a vital lifeline to the persistence and resiliency of so youth that so many ignore.

I have enjoyed working with CASA LA. As a volunteer I felt well prepared and feel very supported by a great team.

I learned a lot about CASA while helping our local branch, NM Kids Matter, organize their offices in Albuquerque. Here is a photo story about that project: http://www.nmorganizer.com/pdfs/kidsmatter.pdf

I have been a CASA for 8 years and am still going strong (with the same child who will turn 18 in 6 months!), due in a large part to the level of training I received initially and ongoing level of support. CASA offers a large selection of relevant ongoing training to volunteers and works so hard to offer unique experiences and opportunities for CASA children.

I worked as Volunteer Coordinator for almost three years and served as a CASA volunteer on several cases as well. I found this volunteer organization extremely rewarding and helpful to the children they serve. After working as a court Advocate in two counties in OK and two Native American courts I can say there is a great need for CASA and I will go back and become a volunteer in CO when I am able. Awesome group!!!!

The training and support I received as a CASA was tremendous. Due to that, I was able to make a lifelong impact on the child I advocated for. I can't say enough positive things about the CASA program.

When I learned about the CASA program during my work as a graduate student, I knew it would be a part of my life in the future. Seven years later I took my oath and began my journey as a CASA. I have been appointed to the same amazing teen for 3 years and through all the challenges and struggles and frustrations, we formed an unbreakable bond. She knows that I am 100% on her side like no one else in her life and will always advocate for her best interest. I feel so fortunate to be on this journey with her and that together we are creating her future.
I believe in the service of this program In truly changing the lives for foster children. If we offer nothing else, we offer ourselves and hope. If you believe in the idea that we are all called to "be the change you want to see in the world," this is the organization through which you can help to accomplish this, one child at a time.
After 3 years of serving as a CASA, I am now the Program Manager for our organization with the hope that we can serve every foster child in our community.

I started with some apprehension if I could make even a tiny impact on my appointed kids. When I see them smiling at the door as I get out of my car and 'can you help me with my homework' I feel like I have touched them and building trust and hopes for their future.

As a CASA volunteer and staff person, I see everyday the difference a CASA makes in the life of a foster child. One CASA ensures that her CASA kids, who are separated, have sibling visits at least twice a month. Another makes sure her kiddo sees the cousins she grew up with. Yet another CASA took her kiddo to the zoo for the first time at the age of 17. At the same time they all made recommendations to the judge regarding the best interest of the children they serve. They are making life long memories.

An organization that truly seeks to find solutions that are in the best interest of the child.

I am proud that I was a CASA/GAL for 15 years. The volunteers in this organization are extremely dedicated in advocating for children who are abused or neglected. I have seen so many a child start out in family court looking so sad and lost and then find that there is a responsible, knowledgeable, friendly adult assigned just to him or her and no one else. They come to trust their CASA to care enough to spend time to know them and make sure all of their needs are addressed. It has been very rewarding to be trusted by children who are hurting, speak to their best interest during court hearings, and see what a difference a competent, caring person can make in a child's life.

Love being a CASA. Excellent well rounded training!

I am still in my first year as a CASA volunteer. It has been such a rewarding experience. Advocating for children, facing difficult circumstances that are out of their control, is the most meaningful work I've ever done. CASA of Norfolk - lead by Roxie Hoven - has established positive partnerships with the local judges and social services. Roxie provides volunteers with continuous opportunities for education and skill building. Being a CASA isn't always easy - but it's so worth pressing through those difficult experiences in order to help others. It's an incredible non-profit held up by a courageous leader who inspires us to be brave and strong for the children. The CASA organization deserves recognition and support!

Nothing makes me feel better than knowing I'm there for my CASA kid. Unfortunately, I'm the ONLY one that has been in her life consistently for eight years. A CASA volunteer makes a big difference to a child.

I have been a CASA for over 10 years. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I am proud to have helped 29 children through their journey while in the foster care system. The organization provides great training and continuing education. It is also a benefit to be paired with a Guardian Ad Litem to serve the kids to our best ability.

I have been a CASA Advocate for 1 year and have found that myself and other advocates are the people the kids know they can count on. We are the ones that always answer the phone, the one they trust and the one they run and hug. We have the ability and time to develop relationships these kids desperately need. CASA is one of the best nonprofits around.

I'm just about to celebrate my 4 year anniversary of being sworn in as a CASA in Dane County, Wisconsin! The cases can be rollercoaster rides, but the training and support offered by the staff at the local, State and National levels are thorough and complete to make sure volunteers are prepared. But by far the best part is building relationships with the kiddos and giving them the support they need as they find permanency!!

I have been a CASA advocate for 9 years. I have had the honor of being a voice for children who have no voice. I have met some of the nicest people in the world through local programs and National CASA. If we don't speak for these children they will fall through the cracks of our system. Always will love this program. It works!

I've been an advocate for children who have been abused or neglected for 16 years. These children find themselves in a situation where their world is turned upside through no fault of their own. Usually, the Court Appointed Special Advocate is the one consistent adult in the life if a child from the beginning of the case to the end. I know I made a difference in the lives of the children who have been entrusted to my advocacy.

I am sad to see people who are upset with their local program/director give this organization less than 5 stars. Overall, CASA makes a difference!

I've learned so much in my time as a casa. The organization is so well run and is doing amazing things to help children in vulnerable places.

I served as a CASA volunteer with Hudson County CASA in NJ for 5 years. During this time I shepherded the adoptions of 8 children. I worked on stalled adoption cases and one case for over two years when a potential adoption went wrong. The system is broken and sometimes the CASA volunteer is the only constant in these childrens' lives. The work is difficult and certainly not for the faint of heart. However, it is the most rewarding work I have done in my life. It takes a person with drive and determination, compassion and a true desire to make a difference. Someone that is able to keep their eye on the prize for the children they advocate for and that prize is permanancy. CASA is a wonderful organization and serves so many underserved children.

I have had incredibly fulfilling and powerful experiences as a CASA. Amazing what a difference a small effort and a real commitment can make with great support staff in our county!! We change kids' lives by just showing up for them consistantly, being positive, caring, and showing them they have options no matter what they have suffered. Our voices in court have made big differences with great judges for suffering children.

I have been a CASA for almost 10 years, and still with the original family of 5 children. Now I am down to just 2 awaiting adoption. CASA has been so totally supportive of me and my case. Without them, I would not be doing this 10 years later, with the same family. We do make a difference, as I have witnessed with my kiddos. But more to the point of the effectiveness of CASAs, is the constant demand for more CASAs. These kiddos don't have a chance without us as their advocates. We need more. Please consider having a 'second family'. It is so rewarding.

I worked as a GAL for over 11 years and it was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life!

I am a CASA volunteer. It feels amazing to be able to help a family especially in their hard times. I love connecting with the children!!!

I have been volunteering at CASA of Humboldt for 2 years, an advocate for a little over 1 year. Becoming an advocate was one of the most life changing things I've ever done. Not only am I doing everything I can to help my CASA kid succeed, but the experience has been so rewarding for myself. It's worth noting that the amount of community support towards CASA is unreal.

Being a CASA is rewarding in so many ways. Forming bonds with children as we advocate for them. Giving them a voice is truly what we do. I have more than once delivered on a promise to "tell the Judge" what a childs wishes are. And best of all...happy endings. Whether it's an adoptive home, or a family back together with new skills! My favorite? Closing of a case and the child and mom asking "if we can keep in touch as we will miss you". Heartwarming.
KA

Being a CASA Volunteer is not an easy task and is a huge time and heart commitment. However, I have found the staff and other volunteers I work with to be amazing. I love really getting to make an impact in the lives of children who need an advocate. Furthermore, CASA provides great practical education that will enhance my career as an educator.

Being a Guardian ad Litem is the most rewarding volunteer position on earth. The children are innocent victims when their caregivers abuse or neglect them. Without an active GAL these little ones would have minimal representation in the court system. A GAL is usually the only constant in their lives as they navigate the long and painful foster care system. Not every case has a happy ending, but it won't be because we didn't give it our all!

I have been a CASA since 2011 and the organization provides resources for some of the most vulnerable people, abused and neglected children and their families. This organization works.

I volunteer 30-40 hours a month with CASA. It is by far one of the best volunteer programs that I've ever been involved in. The program has an amazing impact on some many children. I absolutely love it.

I love being a CASA volunteer and love seeing the direct impact CASA has in our communities.

I was a CASA in Pima County, AZ for many years! My experience with them was incredibly rewarding! I felt completely supported, totally informed, well-trained and like I actually mattered and was making a difference! Thank you for such a great experience!

I have been a child advocate for over two years, it has been an experience beyond rewarding. As CPS or DHS workers have cases stacked beyond their abilities to keep up with, there is so much potential for things to fall through the cracks. No child deserves any of what they are going through, nor should they be victims of things falling through the cracks. As CASA volunteers, we can be the constant face when other workers come in and out of their lives. Most of my kids/cases greet me with a hug, and so far they have all had very positive outcomes. CASA rocks! We need many more volunteers!

I have been a CASA volunteer for 4 years now. From day 1 I knew this experience was going to change my life. I am now about to graduate from a 2 year college and transfer for my undergrad in social work. I am pursuing this as a career because of this volunteer experience. ❤️

Great organization to volunteer with if you have flexible work hours, a car, and you care about helping kids in need. Incredibly rewarding volunteer work that makes a real impact on the lives of children. I volunteered with them in two different states, and the quality of organization, training, efficiency, etc. did vary a bit... but overall I would still strongly recommend getting involved!

I just finished volunteering on my first case with CASA, and can't say enough good things. CASA volunteers serve as bridge-builders and advocates for some of our most vulnerable (yet resilient) children and youth. Anyone who can ask good questions and compile information could be a great potential CASA!

I have worked with CASA/Prince George's County on and off for 14 years and have become very familiar with the National CASA Association. The work of the local programs would not be possible without the support, training materials, marketing assistance and awareness raising from National CASA. The work of CASA is absolutely essential in protecting our most vulnerable children and I believe National CASA has a vision that will help us reach the point where all children in foster care have someone advocating in their best interest.

I'm a foster parent and have experienced CASAs for 5 years. They are a wonderful group of people who leave a great impression on each child they interact with.

I've been a CASA volunteer and National CASA board member. CASA is a wonderful organization but National has lots of room for improvement. It is not a direct advocacy agency and does not advocate directly for kids. It struggles to develop a cohesive message and identity and accountability has long been missing from its operations. It struggles with its own financial stability and is ill-equipped to manage pass through funds to local CASA programs that need financial and technical assistance. With more effective management and oversight and restructure of its role to better serve direct advocacy efforts it would be far more effective.

I have been a CASA/GAL for almost 9 years. This is one of those volunteer opportunities that you can say that you actually made a difference. The relationships that you establish with the children can be life changing for both of you.

Advocating for children and youth -- helping them achieve permanency and normalcy -- is as rewarding as it gets when it comes to volunteering.

CASA helps to change lives. Having a CASA volunteer involved means that children are more likely to find a safe, permanent home and receive more services. They are also more likely to have a consistent responsible adult presence in their lives, spend less time in foster care, have increased placement stability and have better educational outcomes.

I have been a CASA in Indiana for almost three years and I have had many cases. Each one changes you and opens your eyes to the struggle of children. CASA does an excellent job of supporting it volunteers! I am for the child!

I have been a volunteer with CASA for almost two years. I have seen first hand the difference these volunteers make in the lives of children who are in the foster care system. Sometimes all it takes is one consistent adult to make a life long difference in the life of a child. There is a time commitment, but the reward of making a child happy, and helping to ensure their safety is so rewarding. I have found everyone within the organization to be upbeat, honest and very helpful.

I have been a CASA Volunteer since 2012. I am the Court Coordinator for CASA of Jefferson & Lewis Counties in N.Y. as well as an advisory board member. I also serve on the NYS CASA Board. I have the pleasure to serve on a committee for National CASA as well. This nonprofit organization serves some of the most vulnerable children in the country. Once these kids get to know you & realize you are not there because of a paycheck, but because you really care about them it is so profound. They open up to you and release everything. It is so heartwarming to bring families back together when it's the right thing for the child or make new ones. Becoming a CASA was one of the best decisions I made in my life.

When I first met a CASA volunteer, I was a foster care social worker. It did not take a long time before I grew utmost respect to him. When we had a particularly difficult meeting, he was visibly upset yet maintained the professionalism. It was obvious that he really cared. I was truly amazed how dedicated and passionate advocate he was. He and I had a good working relationship and were able to make positive changes in the child's life as a team.

Little did I know back then that he was a volunteer. I thought that he was paid to do that job... But when I learned that it was a volunteer position, it finally made a sense to me why he was that passionate. He was doing it from his heart.

Now I am no longer a foster care social worker, but recently became a CASA volunteer. CASA can change lives of those most volunerable children. I am honored to be a part of the team.

While I am sad that there is such a need for CASAs, I am privileged to give back as a CASA volunteer, making a difference, one child at a time. Everyone that I have encountered in this organization is caring, compassionate, and professional. They are "for the child."

I've been a CASA for 2 years. It's a wonderful organization, whose dedicated volunteers fill a much needed void in advocating for our most at risk children. Children are our future and we must care for each and every child, given care and support they will grow strong and be future leaders and contributors to our communities.

I just signed on with CASA and I am so happy to be involved. Such an amazing organization, with good caring people filling an extremely important role of advocating for children. Its all about the children, they need people who will stand by them and be their voice.

I have been a CASA volunteer for the last 3 years, and nothing pleases me more than to go to visit my families and the smiles that you receive when you arrive. Being a volunteer has helped me with my education and the knowledge I learn through workshops, conferences, training have help me learn to know more about families, work towards reunification, and also to know that I am there for the children on a daily basis. Our organization serves a rural county and it is important that CASA organizations are supported on every level.

I have been a CASA for eleven years. My first child is a lovely grown up young woman who attends college, advocates for foster youth and plays on a roller derby team. I now an advocate for two wonderful sisters. It maybe challenging at times but I wouldn't have it any other way. I have learned so much from them and I hope I am serving as a good role model. This work makes me so happy.

I am a CASA in Iowa this is a wonderful charity that directly helps the children in need.

My Husband and I became CASA 's 4 years ago, we work as a team. Two pair of eyes are always better than one. We are retired and have the time to really investigate the situations these children face. To us these children are not just a case number, we develop a friendship with them, let them know that someone cares, that if they are having problems they can always come to us. A good CASA worker probably knows more about the case than anyone else on the Multi disciplinary team, because we have the time to check things out. We love our job and feel a sense of accomplishment when each case comes to an end. Our goal of course is the best interest of each child. Sometimes the children are reunited with the parents, which is what we hope for, however sometimes it is not in their best interest to return home. In those cases we also feel a sense of satisfaction in knowing that these children have been spared a lifetime of abuse and/or neglect and have in most cases been adopted into a loving home where they can thrive and grow up to be productive citizens.

I've been a CASA for almost 6 years now and have had many cases. My very first case was two little children and they had been in the "system" for 2 years and their relative caregiver was about to give up. When I got the case they were somehow having unsupervised visits with their bio Mom, yet she was still actively using drugs in front of them. The first report I wrote to court pointed out the unsupervised visits and magically it got changed and ultimately the case moved forward much faster. The children shortly later were adopted by the relative.
CASA's have so much more time than a caseworker does and we can shorten the life of a case drastically. Not only gets the children a permanent solution much quicker but also saves tax payer money as well.
It's such a rewarding thing to do to make a real difference in the life of a child!

I became a CASA Volunteer last spring and it is one of the most rewarding experiences I've been a part of. I now work part time as the Volunteer Recruiter/Trainer for Erie County in Western New York.

I have been with CASA for two years and I cannot see myself doing anything else.

CASAs consistently, assertively, and compassionately advocate for the children who need it the most. I have seen the most difficult cases get a CASA, then suddenly things start to happen because there is someone on the case whose sole focus is on the kids and who doesn't have numerous other cases to manage. CASAs are a valuable part of the team serving these kids, helping them achieve stability, safety, and hope in extremely difficult situations.

I'm so proud to be a GAL/CASA with National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. I have met such talented, committed, problem solving, amazing people during my time. The responsibility is intense but so worth it when you see the results. As an organization completely funded by donations (no taxpayer funding), it's awesome to see the goodness in volunteers and Directors who put in extra hours beyond their "salary." I can't say enough good things about National CASA. I'm a stronger and better person because of my affiliation with them.

I am a CASA and so very proud as such...we need many more but what we do is amazing to our kidos..we are their one constant and who will never give up on them...I have fallen in love with my child and with the help and support of my advocacy supervisor have made major changes in this young mans life...he can trust again and feel his worth...this program has given so much to my child and much more to me !!! I love this program and love being a CASA !!!!

Such an awesome service provided to our young ones.

Dedicated volunteers that have serious real-world Impact in the foster care system

One of the most fulfilling things I do .... we have excellent support from our coordinators & the Judges involved. Most of the community is surprised when they find out what a CASA does & always thank me for helping in this way. It truly is a wonderful non-profit & serves a great purpose . We find out the wants & needs of children that have been made Children In Need of Services CHINS by the courts. This means we talk to anyone & everyone involved with the children including relatives, teachers, other service providers to name a few... and then let the courts know if the children are getting everything they need to succeed in their circumstances and beyond. It can be both the most rewarding & heartbreaking thing you will ever do. I love what I do as a CASA. Vanderburgh County CASA, Evansville Indiana

A fantastic organization that always has the child in mind. I love being a CASA!

Advocating for the children and always striving for permanency and normalcy in their lives. This great nonprofit helps prevent our children from languishing in the systems. When everyone changes the CASA stays the same.
Great Program!

Pure advocacy- the CASAs are For the Child! What a great organization that changes lives!