CASA, Going Strong for 19 Years !
By Sherry Wright-Holdiman
The Clatsop Casa Program’s 19th Annual Celebration takes place from 6-9pm, March 9, 2017 at the Bridgewater Bistro, 20 Basin Street, Astoria, Oregon. This is an opportunity to support and celebrate the 50 plus CASA volunteers that have been specifically trained as court advocates, a voice for the children in foster care in Clatsop County. Throughout each year the number of foster children in care is ever changing, it’s commonplace to see these numbers exceeding the 100 mark.
CASA is a non-profit organization supported by financial contributions each year. This year’s small plate Gourmet Dinner is provided by our local Restaurants who donate their specialty entrees, accompanied by a competitive Dessert Auction following dinner. The group or individual with the highest bid wins 1st pick at the dessert table, everyone can plan on many fabulous dessert choices
Come support the Clatsop CASA event celebration it is the largest fundraiser of the year. The money received directly supports the work necessary to achieve permanency in safe, nurturing homes for children of Clatsop County, who’ve been removed from their parents. The CASA’s stay involved while the parents are absent, if the children are returned, advocates remain until the DHS/Child Welfare case is officially closed.
Annually, several contributors participate. These include local businesses, community donors along with the CASA’s, agency partners and community volunteers. There are other ways to give such as becoming a trained advocate, sponsorship donor $250 – $5,000 or buy an event ticket for $30, at this writing of the 150 available, a very limited number of tickets remain.
Please note: the next CASA Volunteer Training starts April 5, 2017. Being a CASA means, your advocacy for a child may lessen their time spent in foster care. Once a need is identified the foster child can receive additional services such as education, health care, therapy. Classes are at Clatsop Community College visit www.Clatsop-CASA.org or contact Ann @ 503-338-6063, online registration is available. Be a CASA for a child of abuse or neglect in need.
